Arkansas Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Arkansas

A complete guide to Arkansas pharmacy technician licensing requirements. Learn how to apply with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, earn your CPhT certification, and begin a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.
If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, it’s important to understand the state’s licensing and registration requirements. Pharmacy technicians play an important role in supporting pharmacists, filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and ensuring patients receive safe and effective medications.

In Arkansas, you must be registered with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy before working as a pharmacy technician. The registration process consists of submitting an application and completing a criminal background check. While national certification is not required, earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can give you a significant advantage by opening the door to higher pay, more job opportunities, and career advancement.

Arkansas Board of Pharmacy
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This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the Arkansas pharmacy technician licensing process, including application requirements, fees, background checks, and optional certification. Whether you’re exploring a career in healthcare, transitioning from another field, or moving to Arkansas from another state, this resource will walk you through everything you need to know to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Arkansas.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Arkansas pharmacy technician licensing requirements
  2. Understanding the PTCB certification process
  3. Benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Arkansas
  4. Step-by-step guide: How to become a pharmacy technician in Arkansas
  5. Frequently asked questions about Arkansas pharmacy technician licensing

Arkansas pharmacy technician license requirements

If you want to become a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, you must be registered with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. The state offers two types of license applications: standard and expedited. Both lead to the same pharmacy technician license and cost the same total amount (about $105), but they differ in how the background check is initiated:
  • Expedited application – You, the applicant, initiate the state and federal background check. Because the Board receives your results more quickly, this method is generally faster and highly recommended.
  • Standard application – The Arkansas Board of Pharmacy initiates the background check on your behalf. While this is still a valid option, it often results in processing delays.
For faster approval and less waiting, most applicants choose the expedited option.

Below are the official requirements you’ll need to meet when applying for an Arkansas pharmacy technician license.
  • Application and fee
    All applicants must complete the Pharmacy Technician Registration Application found on the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy’s website.
    • The application fee is $70 (check or money order payable to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy).
    • Cash is not accepted, and incorrect fee amounts will delay your application.
  • Minimum age requirement
    Arkansas does not set a minimum age requirement to become a licensed pharmacy technician.
  • Education requirements
    To qualify for registration, you must provide proof of high school completion or the equivalent. Accepted documents include:
    • High school diploma
    • Official high school transcript (must list graduation date)
    • GED certificate
    • College diploma or official transcript (showing high school or college graduation date)
    • An official letter from your school with a seal and signature verifying graduation
  • Background check
    A state and federal criminal background check is required for all applicants.
    • Background checks must be submitted electronically. Paper fingerprint cards are no longer accepted.
    • The instructions for completing a background check are found on the Board's website.
    • The background check fee is $35, paid at the time of fingerprinting.
  • Required documents
    When applying, you'll have to submit the following documents:
    • A copy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID card
    • A copy of your Social Security card (no substitutions accepted)
    • Proof of education (one of the documents listed above)
    • The completed Criminal Background Check Identity Verification Form
    • Application fee payment ($70 check or money order)
You can review the most up-to-date requirements and download forms directly from the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy’s licensing page.

Understanding the PTCB certification process in Arkansas

Obtaining a national certification as a pharmacy technician is an optional step in Arkansas that can significantly increase your career opportunities and earning potential. By becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), you show employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the pharmacy.

While registration with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is enough to start working, certification gives you a competitive edge in the job market, opens the door to advanced responsibilities, and usually leads to higher pay.

What is the PTCB?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the leading national organization for pharmacy technician credentialing in the United States. Founded by major pharmacy associations, such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the PTCB’s mission is to advance medication safety and ensure technicians meet high standards of knowledge and skill.

By becoming certified, you demonstrate your ability to:
  • Support pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications
  • Follow state and federal pharmacy laws and regulations
  • Maintain patient safety and quality assurance
  • Perform critical administrative and technical tasks in a pharmacy setting

What is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)?

To earn the CPhT credential, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Passing this test demonstrates that you meet high professional standards and are committed to patient safety and quality care. The PTCE is a two-hour, computer-based exam consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions. It covers four key areas of pharmacy knowledge:
  • Medications
    Covers drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, common side effects, and proper storage guidelines.
  • Pharmacy laws and requirements
    Assesses knowledge of federal pharmacy laws, regulations, and professional standards.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Focuses on strategies to prevent medication errors, ensure accurate dispensing, and maintain high standards of patient care.
  • Order entry and processing
    Evaluates your ability to accurately interpret prescriptions, enter medication orders, and handle administrative pharmacy tasks.

How to qualify for the PTCE exam in Arkansas

To qualify for the PTCE, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or have equivalent work experience. These programs meet strict national standards to ensure students are fully prepared for both the exam and real-world pharmacy work.

Completing a recognized program will give you the foundational knowledge, exam strategies, and confidence you need to succeed.

Where to find a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician training program in Arkansas

In Arkansas, students have access to both in-person and online options for PTCB-recognized training:
  • In-person training – Some community colleges, vocational schools, and high schools with Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, offer pharmacy technician programs with classroom instruction and lab practice.
  • Online training – Flexible and affordable online programs, such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course from Pharmacy Technician Academy, allow you to study at your own pace from home. This is especially useful for students balancing work, school, or family responsibilities.

Our Arkansas pharmacy technician training program is fully PTCB-recognized and designed to help you pass the PTCE on your first attempt. With engaging lessons, interactive activities, and built-in practice tests, you’ll gain the confidence and skills you need without the high cost or rigid schedule of traditional classroom programs.
Higher pay and more opportunities

Benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Arkansas

Although Arkansas does not require national certification to register as a pharmacy technician, earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential can make a big difference in your career. Below are the top benefits of becoming certified in Arkansas.

Expanded job opportunities

Many pharmacies in Arkansas prefer or require national certification when hiring. By becoming a certified pharmacy technician, you immediately stand out as a stronger candidate for positions in community pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order facilities, and specialty pharmacies.

Higher earning potential

Certification often leads to higher starting pay and better long-term salary growth. Employers recognize the value of certified pharmacy technicians and may offer pay raises or advancement opportunities to those who hold the CPhT credential.

Easier interstate mobility

Many states require certification for obtaining aa pharmacy technician license. If you plan to move or work outside Arkansas, certification makes it easier to meet the licensing or registration requirements in other states.

Career advancement and specialization

Once you hold the CPhT credential, you can pursue advanced PTCB certifications in areas such as:
  • Billing and reimbursement
  • Medication history
  • Inventory management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Medication therapy management
  • Controlled substance diversion prevention

Professional recognition and credibility

Certification signals to employers, other healthcare professionals, and patients that you have met a national standard of knowledge and competency. It demonstrates professionalism, commitment to patient safety, and dedication to high-quality pharmacy practice.

Ability to perform advanced duties

Certified pharmacy technicians may qualify for responsibilities that go beyond the scope of non-certified technicians. These can include:
  • Compounding sterile or non-sterile medications
  • Verifying automated dispensing systems
  • Training and supervising entry-level pharmacy technicians
While it’s possible to work as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas without certification, becoming certified can give you a competitive edge in the job market, higher pay, and long-term career growth. For aspiring technicians, enrolling in a PTCB-recognized training program such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course from Pharmacy Technician Academy is the best way to prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and start building a rewarding career.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in Arkansas

To begin working as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, you must first obtain a state pharmacy technician license. You may also choose to pursue national certification to increase your job opportunities and earning potential. The guide below walks you through each step of the process.
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Step 1: Meet the basic eligibility requirements

Before applying, make sure you:
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Can provide proof of identification (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Have a valid Social Security card

Step 2: Submit your application and fee

Apply through the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy using the official Pharmacy Technician Registration Application.
  • Pay the $70 application fee (check or money order only; cash not accepted)
  • Attach your required documents (ID, Social Security card, proof of education, background check identification form)

Step 3: Complete your background check

Arkansas requires all pharmacy technician applicants to pass a state and federal criminal background check.
  • The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy provides detailed step-by-step instructions on completing your background check. You can review the official process here: Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Background Check Instructions.
  • You'll need to pay the $35 background check fee at the time of fingerprinting

Step 4: Wait for Board approval

  • On average, it takes about three weeks for the Board to receive your background check results after your fingerprints have been submitted.
  • If you applied using the expedited process and have no criminal history issues, your registration may be approved in as little as a few business days after your background check clears.
  • With the standard process (Board-initiated background check), expect longer processing times
  • Once approved, you will receive your official Arkansas pharmacy technician license

Step 5 (Optional): Pursue national certification

Although not required in Arkansas, becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) can give you a major advantage. To get certified, start by enrolling in a PTCB-recognized training program. Once you’ve completed your training, you can register for and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Earning the CPhT credential demonstrates your professionalism and can lead to higher pay, more job opportunities, and expanded responsibilities.

Step 6: Start your pharmacy technician career

Once you are registered (and certified if you choose) you are ready to begin your career. Arkansas pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including:
  • Retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and independents)
  • Hospital and health-system pharmacies
  • Mail-order and specialty pharmacies
Certification can also open the door to advanced roles in sterile compounding, medication history, and pharmacy management.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a pharmacy technician in Arkansas

Do you need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas?

Yes. All pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy before they can begin working in a pharmacy. Registration requires completing the application and passing a state and federal criminal background checks.

How much does it cost to get an Arkansas pharmacy technician license?

As of 2025, the Arkansas pharmacy technician license costs about $105 in total. This includes a $70 application fee (paid to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy) and a $35 background check fee (paid at the time of fingerprinting).

Do pharmacy technicians in Arkansas need to be certified?

No. Arkansas does not require national certification (such as the PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician, or CPhT credential) to work as a pharmacy technician. However, certification is highly recommended because it can lead to higher pay, more job opportunities, and expanded responsibilities.

What is the difference between a registered and certified pharmacy technician in Arkansas?

  • Registered pharmacy technician – Meets the minimum state requirements (application, fee, background check, proof of education) and is authorized to work in Arkansas pharmacies.
  • Certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) – Has passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) through the PTCB, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills. Certified techs are often more competitive in the job market and may qualify for higher pay.

Where can I find a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician training program in Arkansas?

Arkansas students can choose from in-person programs at some community colleges and career centers, or online programs such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course offered by Pharmacy Technician Academy. Online training is flexible, affordable, and specifically designed to help students pass the PTCE on their first attempt.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Arkansas is a smart career move and the best way to stand out is by earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is:

  • PTCB-recognized, meeting the highest national training standards
  • Designed to help you pass the PTCE on your first attempt
  • 100% online and flexible, so you can learn at your own pace
  • More affordable than traditional classroom programs

Whether you’re starting a new career in healthcare or moving to Arkansas from another state, we’ll give you the knowledge, confidence, and support you need to succeed.

Enroll in the 1st Pass CPhT Course today and take the first step toward becoming a licensed and certified pharmacy technician in Arkansas.

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