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How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado

Learn the steps to become a pharmacy technician in Colorado, including required training, certification, and how to register with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy.
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Pharmacy technicians are important members of the healthcare team. They work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to help manage patient medications and improve their health. Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and government healthcare systems.

If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Colorado, the first step is understanding the state’s certification and registration requirements. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—including required training, PTCB certification, and how to register with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy.

You’ll also learn how to complete these steps as efficiently as possible so you can start your pharmacy technician career in Colorado with confidence.

Colorado Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Before you can begin working as a pharmacy technician in Colorado, you must register with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy. To be eligible for registration, you must meet the following requirements.
  • Application and fee
    • Submit a completed online registration application to the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy.
    • Pay the required non-refundable, non-transferable application fee.
  • Certification requirement
    • To become registered, you must demonstrate basic knowledge of medications and pharmacy safety practices.
    • This requirement is met by earning certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another board-approved certification organization.
  • Criminal background check
    • You are required to confirm that you have completed a criminal background check as part of the registration process. 
    • While you are required to attest to completing the background check, you do not need to submit the results to the Board.
  • Education requirements
    • The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy does not list a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent as a requirement for pharmacy technician registration.
    • This means individuals who are still in high school or who do not have a diploma may still be eligible to register.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy does not specify a minimum age requirement for pharmacy technician registration. 
    • This means individuals under 18 who are interested in gaining experience in healthcare may still be eligible to register.
For the most current information on registering as a pharmacy technician in Colorado, visit the Pharmacy Technician Portal on the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy website. You can also find helpful details in the Board’s official Licensing Guide.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements Explained

To become a pharmacy technician in Colorado, the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy requires proof of your knowledge and competency. This is demonstrated by earning a nationally recognized pharmacy technician certification, such as the PTCB.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

What is a PTCB Certification?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a nationally recognized organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. To earn your certification, you’ll need to complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Passing the exam not only fulfills Colorado’s certification requirement, but also earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential (e.g., Jamie Smith, CPhT)—a respected title among employers and healthcare professionals.

What’s on the Certification Exam?

The PTCE evaluates your knowledge in four core areas of pharmacy practice:
  • Medications
    Covers drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, side effects, and proper storage procedures.
  • Pharmacy laws and requirements
    Tests your understanding of federal and state laws, pharmacy regulations, and professional standards.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Focuses on procedures to prevent medication errors, ensure accurate dispensing, and maintain high safety and quality standards.
  • Order entry and processing
    Assesses your ability to interpret prescriptions, enter medication orders accurately, and perform essential administrative tasks in a pharmacy setting.

How to Get a Pharmacy Technician License in Colorado 

Starting your career as a pharmacy technician in Colorado is now more accessible than ever. Thanks to flexible online options, you can complete your pharmacy technician training, take the certification exam, and submit your license application—all from the comfort of your home.
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  • Complete a PTCB-Recognized Course (online or in-person)
    • If you’re new to the pharmacy field, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete an approved training program before taking the exam.
    • You can choose from in-person programs at community colleges or convenient online pharmacy technician courses through providers like Pharmacy Technician Academy.
  • Pass the PTCB Certification Exam (online or at a test center)
  • Submit Your Online Application (online)
    • After passing the exam, apply for your Colorado pharmacy technician license through the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy’s online application portal.

Pharmacy Technician Opportunities for High School Students Under 18

Working part-time as a pharmacy technician is an excellent way for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field. This role provides the opportunity to work alongside pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, offering valuable insight into potential career paths. Recognizing the importance of early exposure, the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy offers a pathway for high school students to enter the field.

The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy does not list high school diploma or minimum age requirements for obtaining a pharmacy technician license. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) also does not have age or high school diploma requirements. This gives high school students who are looking to get experience in a career in healthcare, a pathway to register as pharmacy technicians.

This valuable experience will give you an opportunity to interact with all types of healthcare professionals and help you decide if a career in healthcare is a good path for you.
For more information about pharmacy technician licensure, visit the Licensing Guide found on the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy website. You can also reach out to your high school guidance counselor for help getting started in the field. 

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve certification and succeed as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a recognized program by the PTCB and designed to thoroughly prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). 

By completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements to take the certification exam, even if you don’t have prior pharmacy experience. The course is structured to cover all the essential topics tested on the PTCE, including medication basics, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more—giving you the knowledge and confidence needed to pass on your first attempt. 

We’re here to support aspiring pharmacy technicians with everything they need to achieve certification and thrive in their careers.

Frequently asked questions

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

No, Colorado does not require you to attend a formal school or earn a degree to become a pharmacy technician. However, the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy does require you to be certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved organization. You can meet this requirement by completing a PTCB-recognized training program—like the 1st Pass CPhT Course—and passing the PTCB exam.

Is certification required to work as a pharmacy technician in Colorado?

Yes. In Colorado, certification is mandatory to become a licensed pharmacy technician. The most commonly accepted certification is from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

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

It depends on the training path you choose. Some formal programs take a year or more, while online, self-paced courses can be completed in just a few weeks or months. After completing your training and passing the certification exam, the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy typically processes registration applications promptly.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Colorado?

Pharmacy technicians in Colorado earn an average hourly wage of $20.86, though actual pay can vary based on experience, employer, and location. For more details, visit our Colorado Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook Report.

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

The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy does not list a minimum age requirement for pharmacy technician registration. This means that individuals who are 16 or 17 years old may be eligible to apply for a license, as long as they meet the other requirements.

Can I work as a pharmacy technician while still in high school in Colorado?

Colorado does not require a high school diploma or set a minimum age to become a licensed pharmacy technician. As long as you meet the other licensure requirements—such as earning a recognized certification—you may be eligible while still in high school.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) also does not have a minimum age requirement, and the 1st Pass CPhT Course is open to students of all ages. This means motivated high school students can start training, get certified, and begin gaining hands-on experience in the healthcare field before they graduate.

Take the Next Step

Helpful Reads

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.

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