State requirements

Arizona Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona.
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Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
Arizona

In Arizona, all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the state board of pharmacy.
  • The Arizona Board of Pharmacy recognizes two tiers of the pharmacy technician role: pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees.
  • To register as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, individuals need to be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a lawful presence in the United States. 
  • Pharmacy technicians need to be PTCB certified and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Pharmacy technician trainees do not have these requirements. See below for details.

Arizona Pharmacy Technicians

The Arizona Board of Pharmacy recognizes two tiers of the pharmacy technician role: pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees. Many duties of the two tiers overlap, but there are some notable differences between them:

Pharmacy Technician

In order to register as a pharmacy technician in Arizona you will have to submit:
• Proof or residency
• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of high school graduation or its equivalent
• $82 non-refundable application fee (renewal application fees decrease to $72)
• Proof of passing the PTCB certification exam. (Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course and passing the PTCE satisfies this requirement.)
• Official Arizona pharmacy technician license application requirements can be found here.

Pharmacy Technician Trainee

An alternative way to begin working in a pharmacy in Arizona is to register as a pharmacy technician trainee. The requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician trainee are similar to those for becoming a pharmacy technician, with a few notable differences: 
• Pharmacy technician trainees do not need to be PTCB certified or have a high school diploma.
• The pharmacy technician trainee license is only valid for one registration period and cannot be renewed. This means that once your trainee license expires, you will have to obtain a pharmacy technician license.
• The duties that a pharmacy technician trainee can perform can be found on the Arizona Board of Pharmacy website. One of the notable differences between the two tiers is that pharmacy technicians cannot assist in performing any type of medication compounding. This makes the trainee role of somewhat limited value compared to pharmacy technicians.
• Official pharmacy technician trainee registration requirements can be found here.
The full list of activities that can be performed by pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy technician trainees can be found here.

Should I register as a Pharmacy Technician or as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee?

For most individuals, the better option is to obtain the PTCB certification and register as a pharmacy technician. Reasons include:
• Pharmacy technicians get paid significantly more that pharmacy technician trainees.
• To continue practicing pharmacy in Arizona, you will have to become PTCB certified eventually. Not getting certified is not an option. But, the faster you do it, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of having a higher wage.
• You will be more valuable to your employer since you will be able to assist in medication compounding. 

The pharmacy technician trainee license can be a good option for individuals who are unsure if a pharmacy career is a good fit for them.
• A trainee license will allow you to begin working in a pharmacy without a certification.
• If you decide that a you will be working in a pharmacy for longer than a few months, you are strongly encouraged that you consider becoming a licensed pharmacy technician. 

PTCB Certification Requirements

To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
Click here for a full set of guidelines from the PTCB.

Residency

Reside in the United States of America or its territories.

Certification program or equivalent work experience

Complete an approved training program (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course) or have 500 hours of equivalent work experience. See below.

Compliance

You must comply with all PTCB policies and disclose all criminal and state Board of Pharmacy license actions.

Pass the PTCE

Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Certification Exam
Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify to sit for the PTCB certification exam, you must complete one of the following:

Pathway 1:

Complete a PTCB Approved Pharmacy Technician Course (such as 1st Pass CPhT).
This is the preferred method.

Pathway 2:

Complete 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.

The Preferred Method:
A PTCB Approved Training Program

There are several reasons why Pathway 1 is the preferred method
  • Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study. 
  • Certified technicians are offered significantly higher starting wages. Working 500+ hours without being certified can cost you thousands of dollars.
  • Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
  • Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts. 
  • As a CPhT, you will get more respect from your peers and patients.
Overview

Benefits of our training program

There are many advantages to our 1st Pass CPhT training program.  Here are just a few. Visit the course page to learn more.

Expertly designed curriculum

Our curriculum was designed by board certified clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers. Pass the PTCE and learn the skills employers are seeking. See the 1st Pass CPhT Course Page to find out more about the 1st Pass Advantage.

Accelerated learning experience

Accelerated but self-paced. Motivated students who have time to devote to studying can finish the course in as little as three weeks. You can be on your way to a new career in less than a month.

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Technology and determination allowed us to make this course accessible to everyone looking to start a new healthcare career.

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