State requirements

Connecticut Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

Connecticut requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must register the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy. There are only a few requirements that need to be met to obtain a pharmacy technician registration.
  • Prior to applying for a pharmacy technician license, an individual must already have a position in a pharmacy within the state of Connecticut
  • The individual must submit a registration application to the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy. The application can be submitted via mail or online.  Instructions for submitting the online application can be found here.
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A PTCB certification is not required to register as a pharmacy technician in Connecticut. However, many pharmacies in Connecticut only hire PTCB certified pharmacy technicians.  This is because the Commission of Pharmacy does use the PTCB certification status to set pharmacist:technician ratio limits. See below.

Connecticut Pharmacy Technician Ratio Requirements

In Connecticut, the Commission of Pharmacy enacted limits as to how many pharmacy technicians a single pharmacist can supervise. If the pharmacy technicians are not certified, that limit is only two technicians to one pharmacist. However, the limit increases to three, if one of the technicians is certified. In order to maintain the 3 technicians to 1 pharmacist ratio at all times, certified technicians are strongly preferred by CT pharmacies. Some pharmacies will only hire certified technicians in order to simplify scheduling and ensure compliance with the ratio limit.
More details on the Connecticut pharmacy technician ratio limits can be found in section 20-576-36 of the CT Registration of Pharmacy Technicians document.

PTCB Certification Advantages

Obtaining a PTCB certification has several advantages in Connecticut. As a technician, being certified makes you more valuable to your employer because the pharmacy can maintain a better pharmacy technician to pharmacist ratio. Being more valuable means that you can:

Get a higher salary

Certified technicians get paid significantly more. Aside from allowing a better technician to pharmacist ration, employers know 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