State requirements

Colorado Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy mandates that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the state. Requirements to obtain a license include:
  • Submit an application to the Colorado Board of Pharmacy and pay an application fee. All fees are non-refundable.
  • If you had a name change, you will have to upload that documentation.
  • Submit to a criminal background check
  • Be proficient in reading and writing in English
  • Obtain a PTCB certification or another approved national certification. See below.
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The official Colorado Board of Pharmacy Pharmacy Technician Application checklist can be found here.

Colorado Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements

A state law regarding pharmacy technician education requirements was enacted on August 29, 2020. The law specifies, that in order to obtain a license to practice as a pharmacy technician in Colorado, an individual must obtain a certification from The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certification agency.
The state law regarding pharmacy technician education requirements can be found here.
The Colorado Pharmacy Code of Regulations can be found here.

Steps to obtaining a PTCB Certification

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) is the fastest and most cost effective method of meeting the Colorado pharmacy technician education requirements. Becoming a CPhT involves:
  1. Completing a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Passing the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submitting your PTCB certificate with your pharmacy technician application.
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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