State requirements

California Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

The California Board of Pharmacy mandates that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed. To obtain a license, applicants must:
  • Submit an application to the California Board of Pharmacy and pay an application fee. For 2024, the fee is a $195.
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Submit a 2x2 inch passport-style photo taken within 60 days of submitting the application.
  • Submit fingerprints and a background check self-query report dated within 60 days of the application
  • Submit proof of approved pharmacy technician education. See below
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Full details of all requirements can be found in the Pharmacy Technician Application Instructions document found on the California Board of Pharmacy webpage.

Application Instructional Video

The California Board of Pharmacy published an instructional video for completing the online pharmacy technician application.

California Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements

The California Board of Pharmacy has very specific pharmacy education requirements that must be met before a pharmacy technician license can be granted. There are 4 pathways that can be used to meet this education requirement:

Option 1: Obtain a PTCB Certification

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician is the preferred method of fulfilling California's requirements. Not only is it the fastest and most cost-effective option, but it also gives you the industry recognized CPhT designation which has several benefits discussed below. This pathway involves:
  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit your PTCB certificate with your pharmacy technician application.

Option 2: An Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology, ASHP/ACPE Course, or Equivalent

This pathway involves getting an associate degree or taking an ASHP/ACPE accredited course in pharmacy technology.  This is likely to be the most time consuming and expensive pathway to meet the pharmacy technician education requirements. It is an ideal option for those who already received an associate degree in pharmacy technology. But for individuals who are just entering pharmacy, option 1 may be a better choice.

Option 3: Obtain an ExCPT certificate through NHA

The National Healthcare Association's (NHA) ExCPT program is a newer pharmacy technician certification. The drawback of using this pathway is that the ExCPT is not as widely known in the industry. So, although it does meet the licensing requirements of California Board of Pharmacy, it may not carry some of the other benefits discussed later in the page. Because of this, option 1 may be a better choice.
For this pathway, you'll need to:
  • Complete an NHA training course/getting 1,200 hours of pharmacy experience
  • Pass the ExCPT exam
  • Submit the NHA certificate with your pharmacy technician application. This part can be somewhat unclear. To identify that you are applying under the certification pathway, you should check "Attached is a copy of the PTCB certificate" box - but you should submit your NHA certificate. The CA Board of Pharmacy should still accept it.

Option 4: Military Training

Individuals who obtained pharmacy technician training in the military can submit a copy of the DD214 form documenting evidence of training. This is an ideal option for those who were trained in pharmacy in the armed forces. It is not a suitable option for the civilian population.
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Full descriptions of the education options see section 8 of the Pharmacy Technician Application Instructions document.

 Benefits of a PTCB Certification

There are several big benefits to becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Get a higher salary

Certified technicians get paid significantly more. Employers understand that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility. 

Get hired more quickly

Certified technicians have a proven commitment to pharmacy. This sends a big signal to employers that you are dedicated and dependable.

Find a more desirable job

Pharmacies that prioritize employee wellbeing and good work environments are more discerning when it comes to hiring. Certification opens doors to more attractive job opportunities.

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.

Affordably priced

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

Our Course