State requirements

Georgia Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

The State of Georgia requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must register with the Board of Pharmacy. To meet requirements, applicants must:
  • Submit an application to the Board of Pharmacy and pay a non-refundable application fee. For 2024, the fee is $100.
  • Be at least 17 years old.
  • Be currently in high school, have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Obtain a criminal background check
  • If currently employed in a pharmacy, submit the license number of that pharmacy
  • If certified, submit a copy of the PTCB certificate. More details below.
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More details can be found in chapter 480-15-.02 of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.

Georgia Pharmacy Technician Ratio Requirements

A PTCB certification is not required to register as a pharmacy technician in the State of Georgia. However, in practice many pharmacies strongly prefer hiring technicians who are certified. This is because the Georgia Board of Pharmacy limits the number of technicians a single pharmacist can supervise. The limits change if the technicians are certified.

► A single pharmacist can only supervise up to two pharmacy technicians if none of them are certified.
► This number increases to three technicians if at least one of them is certified.
► One pharmacist can supervise up to FOUR pharmacy technicians if at least two of them are certified.

There is a significant advantage to the pharmacy to having a certified staff. With an improved pharmacist to technician ratio, the pharmacy is able to save money while providing better staffing. This creates a better work environment and decreases patient wait times. To take advantage of these benefits, and make scheduling easier, many pharmacies only hire certified technicians. 
More details on the Georgia pharmacy technician ratio limits can be found in Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Chapter 480-15-.03

PTCB Certification Advantages

In Georgia, PTCB certified pharmacy technicians are significantly more valuable than non-certified employees. As a more valuable employee, you can expect to:

Get a higher salary

Certified pharmacy technicians provide a substantial benefit to Georgia pharmacies. Aside from staffing and scheduling improvements, employers know that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility. This translates to a significantly higher salary.

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