Alabama Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Alabama

Step-by-step guide to meeting Alabama's pharmacy technician licensing requirements and starting your career.
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in Alabama, the first step is to understand the state’s training, certification and licensing requirements. Pharmacy technicians are an important part of the healthcare team. They work alongside pharmacists to prepare prescriptions, manage medications, and support patient care.

To legally work as a pharmacy technician in Alabama, you must either complete a Board-approved training program or earn a national certification—such as the PTCB’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential—and register with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy.

Whether you’re new to the profession or relocating from another state, this guide will walk you through the steps to become a registered pharmacy technician in Alabama. We'll guide you through the training and certification options, and the registration process. Plus, you'll find helpful tips to begin or advance your pharmacy career in Alabama.

Alabama Board of Pharmacy
Contact Information

Helpful Links

Alabama Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Before you can begin working as a pharmacy technician in Alabama, you must register and obtain a license through the Alabama Board of Pharmacy. Below are the requirements you must meet to qualify for registration.
  • Application and fee
    • Complete the online pharmacy technician application via the Alabama Board of Pharmacy Licensing Gateway.
    • First-time applicants will need to create a Licensing Gateway Profile. Step-by-step instructions for setting up your profile are provided below.
    • Pay the required application fee. As of 2025, the total cost is $64 ($60 application fee + $4 processing fee).
  • Criminal background check
    • All applicants must complete a criminal background check, which costs $40 as of 2025.
    • You’ll receive instructions for completing the background check once your application is submitted through the Licensing Gateway.
    • Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Each case is reviewed individually by the Board.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Alabama.
  • Education requirements
    • Alabama does not list a high school diploma as a requirement for obtaining a pharmacy technician license.
    • This means that high school students who are 17 or older can apply and start gaining pharmacy experience before graduation.
  • Training and certification requirement
    • To qualify for registration, all pharmacy technicians in Alabama must complete an approved form of training.
    • You have two options to meet this requirement:
      —Obtain a national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), OR
      —Complete a pharmacy technician training program that is approved by the Alabama Board of Pharmacy
For the official guidelines, visit the Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 680: Practice of Pharmacy.

Alabama Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements

To ensure patient safety and maintain high standards in pharmacy practice, the Alabama Board of Pharmacy requires all pharmacy technicians to complete formal training. Under Board Rule 680-X-2-.14, every technician must demonstrate that they have been properly trained to perform the duties of the role.

This requirement ensures that all pharmacy technicians in Alabama possess the knowledge and skills needed to work safely in a pharmacy setting.

To meet this requirement, the Board offers two approved training pathways:

Both options satisfy the state’s training requirement and make you eligible to apply for licensure. However, these two pathways can lead to different career outcomes. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy grants expanded staffing privileges to pharmacies that employ certified pharmacy technicians, making certified technicians more valuable to employers across the state.
Higher Salary and Career Growth

Why Pharmacy Technician Certification Matters in Alabama

Earning a PTCB certification not only meets licensing requirements, but also significantly increases your value in the job market. In Alabama, certification directly affects how pharmacies are staffed, due to regulations that govern pharmacist-to-technician supervision ratios.

Expanded Supervision Ratios in Alabama:

The Alabama Board of Pharmacy limits how many pharmacy technicians a pharmacist may supervise—but certified technicians allow pharmacies to increase these limits, improving efficiency and staffing flexibility:
  • No certified technicians: A pharmacist may supervise up to two pharmacy technicians.
  • At least one certified technician: A pharmacist may supervise up to three technicians.
  • At least two certified technicians: A pharmacist may supervise up to four technicians.
Because certified technicians allow for more flexible and productive staffing, many pharmacies in Alabama prefer—or even require—PTCB certification when hiring.

If you’re planning to build a long-term career as a pharmacy technician, earning your CPhT credential is a smart investment. It boosts your job prospects, increases your earning potential, and helps you stand out in a competitive field.

Benefits of Earning PTCB Certification

  • Higher Salary 
    Certified pharmacy technicians earn higher wages and enjoy greater long-term earning potential than non-certified technicians.
  • Better Job Opportunities 
    Employers actively seek certified technicians to help them operate larger teams, reduce scheduling challenges, and remain compliant with supervision rules
  • Career Advancement
    Certification opens doors to advanced roles in hospital, specialty, or leadership settings, helping you grow in the profession.
  • Professional Recognition 
    Becoming a certified pharmacy technician shows your commitment to the profession and demonstrates your skills and competence to employers, coworkers, and patients.
To learn more about PTCB certification, visit our Guide to the PTCB Certification Exam.

Alternative Path: Board-Approved Training Program 

You can also meet Alabama’s training requirement by completing a state-approved pharmacy technician training program. However, this route may limit your employment options:
  • Pharmacies that hire non-certified technicians are subject to stricter staffing limits
  • Employers may offer lower starting wages
  • Finding a position may be more difficult due to supervision constraints

For these reasons, many aspiring pharmacy technicians in Alabama choose to pursue national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Alabama

Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in Alabama is the best way to increase your job opportunities, earn a higher salary, and gain professional recognition. 

Write your awesome label here.
Below is the most efficient path to earning your national certification and becoming registered to work in Alabama. The process is now very convenient, as most of the required steps can be completed entirely online.

Step 1: Complete a PTCB-Recognized Pharmacy Technician Training Program

You must complete a training program approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
You can choose from:
  • An in-person training program such as those offered by local community colleges, or
  • A flexible online course offered by PTCB-recognized online training providers like Pharmacy Technician Academy.

Step 2: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—the official national certification exam offered by PTCB.
  • The PTCE is available online with remote proctoring or in person at testing centers.
  • Once you pass the exam, you will officially earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, which is recognized nationwide.

Step 3: Register with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy

Once you are certified, obtain a pharmacy technician license from the Alabama Board of Pharmacy. To complete your pharmacy technician registration:
  • Submit an online application through the Board of Pharmacy Licensing Gateway.
  • Pay the $64 registration fee (as of 2025).
  • Complete the required background check and pay the $40 fee (as of 2025).
  • Upload copies of required documents

Step 4: Launch Your Pharmacy Technician Career

After earning your certification and completing your registration, you’ll be ready to apply for pharmacy technician positions. When applying, be sure to highlight that you’re already certified and licensed—employers prioritize certified candidates during the hiring process. This gives you a competitive edge and should help you land higher-paying job offers more quickly.

How to Set Up Your Licensing Gateway Profile

Before you can submit your pharmacy technician application, you’ll need to create a profile on the Alabama Board of Pharmacy Licensing Gateway. This secure online portal is where you’ll complete your application, upload required documents, and track the status of your registration.

To help you get started, the Alabama Board of Pharmacy has published a step-by-step video tutorial. You can watch it below:
Write your awesome label here.

Documents You’ll Need to Upload

As part of the application process, be sure to have the following documents ready to upload through the Gateway portal:
  • A valid driver’s license
  • A copy of your birth certificate (If you were born outside the United States, you may upload a U.S. passport instead)
  • A recent passport-style photo, taken within the last six months
  • Proof of training, either:
    —Your PTCB certification (CPhT credential), OR
    —Proof of completion of an Alabama Board-approved training program

Having these documents prepared ahead of time will help ensure your application is processed smoothly and without delays.

How High School Students Can Become Pharmacy Technicians in Alabama

If you’re a high school student interested in healthcare, working part-time as a pharmacy technician is a smart way to gain real-world experience. In Alabama, this opportunity allows you to work directly with pharmacists and healthcare professionals—giving you early exposure to careers in pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields.

Can You Work as a Pharmacy Technician in High School in Alabama?

Yes. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy does not require a high school diploma to register as a pharmacy technician. As long as you are at least 17 years old, you are eligible to apply for licensure and begin working in a pharmacy setting.

In addition, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) has no minimum age or diploma requirement to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). That means motivated high school students can earn their Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential before graduation.

How Earning Your PTCB Certification Strengthens College Applications

Earning your PTCB certification in high school can significantly strengthen your college applications. Certification demonstrates your motivation, discipline, and ability to successfully complete a nationally recognized professional program—qualities highly valued by college admissions officers.
Additionally, certification shows your early commitment to a career in healthcare, making your application stand out, particularly if you're applying to pharmacy, nursing, pre-med, or other health-related programs. 

Earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential isn’t just a line on your resume—it’s a story you can share in essays and interviews, showing that you’re already taking proactive steps toward a healthcare career.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in High School

Here’s a step-by-step guide for earning your CPhT credential and working as a pharmacy technician while still in high school:
  • Step 1: Enroll in a PTCB-Recognized Course
    • Choose a training program recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
    • Many programs, including our flexible and affordable 1st Pass CPhT Course, do not require a high school diploma or set a minimum age, making them ideal for high school students. 
  • Step 2: Pass the PTCB Certification Exam
    • Once you complete your training, you’ll be eligible to take the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam).
    • Passing the exam earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, an excellent addition to your college applications.
  • Step 3: Register with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy
    • Submit the online registration application
    • Submit to a criminal background check
    • Upload required documents, including your PTCB certificate, driver’s license, birth certificate or passport, and a recent photo
  • Step 4: Find a Part-Time Pharmacy Technician Job
    • Look for pharmacy technician positions in local pharmacies.
    • Inform potential employers that you are already certified and licensed. It demonstrates your commitment and increases your hiring prospects.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, our mission is to help you become a certified pharmacy technician and build a successful career in healthcare. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program designed to fully prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you’re starting with no prior pharmacy experience.

This flexible, self-paced online course is built to fit your schedule. You’ll cover everything tested on the PTCE, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, order processing, and patient safety. With clear explanations, practical examples, and focused exam prep, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to pass the PTCE on your first attempt.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your career, we’re here to provide the support, tools, and training you need to achieve certification and succeed in the pharmacy field.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Alabama?

Yes. Anyone working as a pharmacy technician in Alabama must be registered with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy. This applies whether you earn national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or complete a Board-approved training program.

Do I need to go to school to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama?

No college degree or traditional classroom program is required. However, to qualify for registration, you must either obtain a national PTCB certification or finish an Alabama Board of Pharmacy–approved training program.

Is certification required to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Alabama?

No, but it is highly recommended. While Alabama does not require certification for licensure, the national PTCB certification offers more benefits such as greater job opportunities and higher wages. Certification also makes it easier to work in other states if you relocate.

What’s the difference between PTCB certification and a state-approved training program?

PTCB certification earns you the CPhT credential, which is nationally recognized and makes you more valuable to Alabama employers. Certified technicians allow pharmacies to staff more efficiently, leading to better job opportunities and higher pay. A state-approved training program qualifies you for licensure but doesn’t provide national certification, which may limit your career growth and mobility.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama?

That depends on the training path you choose. Some in-person programs at community colleges may take several months to a year. However, many online PTCB-recognized programs, like the 1st Pass CPhT Course, can be completed at your own pace in just a few weeks. After completing training and submitting your application, the Alabama Board typically processes registrations very quickly.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Alabama?

As of the most recent data, pharmacy technicians in Alabama earn an average hourly wage of $17.75, or around $36,900 per year. Certified technicians usually earn significantly more due to their increased value to employers. 

How old do you have to be to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama?

You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy.

Can high school students work as pharmacy technicians in Alabama?

Yes. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy does not list a high school diploma as a requirement for pharmacy technician registration. As long as you’re 17 or older, you’re eligible to apply, making this a great option for high school students interested in healthcare careers.

Does Pharmacy Technician Academy’s course help meet Alabama’s requirements?

Yes. The 1st Pass CPhT Course offered by Pharmacy Technician Academy is a PTCB-recognized training program, which qualifies you to take the PTCE and earn national certification. After certification, you’ll be eligible to register with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy.

What are the supervision rules for pharmacy technicians in Alabama?

Alabama has specific supervision ratio limits based on technician certification status:
 • No certified technicians: 1 pharmacist may supervise up to 2 technicians
 • 1 certified technician: 1 pharmacist may supervise up to 3 technicians
 • 2 certified technicians: 1 pharmacist may supervise up to 4 technicians

Ready to Get Started?

Enroll today and start your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Alabama.

Helpful Reads