Connecticut Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Connecticut

Learn how to meet state requirements, register with the Board, and launch your pharmacy technician career.
If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Connecticut, it’s important to understand the state’s registration process and how certification can benefit your career. Pharmacy technicians are a vital part of the healthcare team. They work alongside pharmacists to prepare prescriptions, manage medications, and support patient care.

Whether you’re new to the field or relocating from another state, this guide will walk you through the steps to become a registered pharmacy technician in Connecticut. You’ll learn how to complete the state registration process, understand the advantages of national certification, and find helpful tips to launch or advance your pharmacy technician career in Connecticut.

CT Commission of Pharmacy 
Contact Information

Helpful Links

Connecticut Pharmacy Technician Requirements

To work as a pharmacy technician in Connecticut, you must register with the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy. Below are the requirements for obtaining your pharmacy technician license:
  • Application and fee
    • Complete the pharmacy technician registration application.
    • Applications may be submitted online or printed and sent by mail.
    • Pay the required application fee. As of 2025, the application fee is $100.
    • You must already have a position in a Connecticut-licensed pharmacy at the time of application and list that employer on your form.
  • Criminal history
    • A background check is not automatically required, but the application includes a felony conviction disclosure.
    • If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you must submit an explanation and any supporting documents.
    • A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you. Each case is reviewed individually by the Commission.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Connecticut does not specify a minimum age for pharmacy technician registration.
    • This means individuals 16 or 17 may be eligible for licensure.
  • Education requirements
    • A high school diploma or GED is not required for registration.
    • This means high school students are eligible to apply and gain hands-on pharmacy experience while still in school.
  • Pharmacy technician certification
    • Obtaining a national pharmacy technician certification is not required for registration in Connecticut.
    • However, under Connecticut law, pharmacies that employ certified pharmacy technicians are eligible for expanded staffing ratios, which allow for greater flexibility in daily operations. As a result, certified technicians are often more desirable to employers and may receive higher pay and better job opportunities.
For official guidelines, visit the Connecticut General Statutes Section 20-598a: Registration of pharmacy technicians. 
Higher Salary and Career Growth

Why Pharmacy Technician Certification Matters in Connecticut

In Connecticut, national certification, such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), is not required to work as a pharmacy technician. However, earning your CPhT credential can offer significant advantages for both your career and your employer.

Expanded Supervision Ratios

Under Connecticut law, the number of pharmacy technicians a pharmacist may supervise depends on certification status:
  • If none of the pharmacy technicians are certified, a pharmacist may supervise no more than two technicians.
  • If at least one of the technicians is certified, the limit increases to three technicians per pharmacist.
This flexibility makes scheduling easier and helps pharmacies remain compliant. As a result, many Connecticut pharmacies prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians or offer them higher wages.

Professional Identification Requirements

In Connecticut, pharmacy technicians are legally required to wear a name badge and clearly identify their title during all work-related interactions. This helps patients and healthcare professionals understand your role and level of training.

Whether you’re identified as a “Pharmacy Technician” or a “Certified Pharmacy Technician” can significantly impact how patients, coworkers, and healthcare providers perceive your knowledge and professionalism.

Certified technicians are often viewed as more qualified and trustworthy, leading to greater respect, more meaningful responsibilities, and higher overall job satisfaction.

Pharmacy Technician

  • Must wear a badge displaying their name and the title “Pharmacy Technician.”
  • Identify themselves as a “Pharmacy Technician” when interacting with patients or contacting doctors’ offices.
  • Perception: Sometimes seen as support staff.

Certified Pharmacy Technician

  • Must wear a badge displaying their name and the title “Certified Pharmacy Technician.”
  • Identify themselves as a “Certified Pharmacy Technician” when interacting with patients or contacting doctors’ offices.
  • Perception: Viewed as highly trained and professionally credentialed

Career Benefits of Earning Your CPhT Credential

If you’re planning to start a career in pharmacy, earning your CPhT credential is a smart investment. Certification opens the door to better job prospects, increased earning potential, and more advancement opportunities.

  • Higher Salary 
    Certified pharmacy technicians are often offered higher starting pay and have greater long-term earning potential.
  • Better Job Opportunities 
    Pharmacies seeking to maximize supervision ratios and operational efficiency actively seek out certified technicians.
  • Opportunities for Advancement
    Certification can open doors to leadership positions, hospital or clinical roles, and specialized pharmacy settings.
  • Professional Recognition 
    Becoming certified shows you’re a skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated professional, earning greater respect from pharmacists, physicians, and patients alike.
For more details on supervision limits and identification requirements for pharmacy technicians, refer to Connecticut General Statutes Section 20-598a: Registration of pharmacy technicians. 

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Connecticut 

Earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential is the best way to increase your job opportunities, qualify for higher pay, and gain professional recognition.
Write your awesome label here.

The entire process, including training, certification, and state registration, can now be completed fully online. Below is the most efficient path to becoming certified and registered in Connecticut:

Step 1: Complete a PTCB-Recognized Pharmacy Technician Training Program

To be eligible for national certification, you must first complete a training program that is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification. You can choose from:
  • An in-person training program such as those offered by local community colleges, or
  • Online training, like the self-paced, PTCB-recognized course offered by Pharmacy Technician Academy

Step 2: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—the official national certification exam offered by PTCB.
  • The PTCE can be taken online with remote proctoring, or in person at an approved testing center.
  • Once you pass the exam, you will officially earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.

Step 3: Secure a Pharmacy Technician Position

Before you can register with the state, you must secure a position in a pharmacy. This is a requirement of the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy, as you’ll need to list your employer on the registration application.

When applying for jobs, highlight that you’re already certified—many employers give priority to candidates who are both certified and ready to register.

Step 4: Register with the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy

Once you’ve passed the PTCE and secured a position in a Connecticut pharmacy, you’re ready to apply for your state license. To complete the registration process:
  • Submit an online application  through the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy website.
  • Follow the instructions provided on the Commission’s website for completing the online application.
  • Pay the $100 registration fee (as of 2025).
  • Include your employer’s information on the application.

How High School Students Can Become Pharmacy Technicians in Connecticut

If you’re a high school student interested in healthcare, working part-time as a pharmacy technician is a great way to gain hands-on experience. This opportunity lets you work alongside pharmacists and healthcare professionals and gives you early exposure to careers in pharmacy, nursing, medicine, and other health-related fields.

Can High School Students Work as Pharmacy Technicians in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut does not have a minimum age or education requirement to register as a pharmacy technician. That means high school students can begin working in a pharmacy and start getting hands-on healthcare experience.

Additionally, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) does not require a high school diploma or have an age limit to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). That means you can earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential while still in high school.

How Earning Your PTCB Certification Strengthens College Applications

Getting certified as a pharmacy technician in high school can make a powerful impact on your college and scholarship applications. It shows that you’re motivated, disciplined, and capable of completing a nationally recognized professional program.

Certification also signals a serious commitment to a healthcare career, making your application stand out—especially if you’re applying to pharmacy, nursing, pre-med, or other healthcare programs.

But it’s more than just a line on your resume. Earning your CPhT credential gives you a compelling story to tell in college essays and interviews. It shows that you’re already taking meaningful steps toward a career in healthcare.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, our mission is to help you become a certified pharmacy technician and build a successful career in healthcare. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program designed to fully prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you’re starting with no prior pharmacy experience.

This flexible, self-paced online course is built to fit your schedule. You’ll cover everything tested on the PTCE, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, order processing, and patient safety. With clear explanations, practical examples, and focused exam prep, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to pass the PTCE on your first attempt.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your career, we’re here to provide the support, tools, and training you need to achieve certification and succeed in the pharmacy field.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Connecticut?

Yes. To work as a pharmacy technician in Connecticut, you must be registered with the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy. 

Is PTCB certification required to become a pharmacy technician in Connecticut?

No, a PTCB certification is not required to register in Connecticut. However, earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential through the PTCB is strongly recommended. Certified technicians often qualify for higher wages, better job opportunities, and allow pharmacies to operate more efficiently.

What’s the difference between PTCB certification and state registration?

PTCB certification earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, which is recognized nationwide and valued by employers. State registration allows you to legally work as a pharmacy technician in Connecticut. While registration is required, certification is optional (but it can give you a competitive edge in the job market and increase your earning potential.)

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Connecticut?

As of the most recent data, pharmacy technicians in Connecticut earn an average of $20.49 per hour, or roughly $42,600 annually. Certified technicians often earn more, especially in hospital and specialty pharmacy settings.

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

Connecticut does not specify a minimum age for pharmacy technician registration. However, you must be employed at a licensed pharmacy in Connecticut to apply, and some employers may have their own age requirements (commonly 16 or 17 years old).

Can high school students work as pharmacy technicians in Connecticut?

Yes. Since Connecticut does not require a high school diploma or GED, high school students can register and work as pharmacy technicians if they have a job in a licensed pharmacy. It’s a great opportunity for students interested in healthcare careers.

What are the supervision rules for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut?

Connecticut has specific supervision limits based on technician certification status:
 • No certified technicians: A pharmacist may supervise up to 2 pharmacy technicians
 • At least one certified technician: A pharmacist may supervise up to 3 technicians
This is one reason many employers prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians.

Ready to Get Started?

Enroll today and start your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Connecticut.

Helpful Reads