GEORGIA PHARMACY TECHNICIAN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Georgia

A complete, step-by-step guide to getting licensed and starting your career as a pharmacy technician in Georgia.
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If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Georgia, it’s important to understand the state’s registration process. Before you can begin working in a pharmacy, you must register with the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and meet specific requirements.

This step-by-step guide explains how to become a pharmacy technician in Georgia, including how to complete your registration, what background checks are required, and how optional national certification (CPhT) can increase your job opportunities and earning potential. Whether you’re new to the pharmacy field or looking to expand your healthcare career, this guide will walk you through the licensing process.

Georgia Board of Pharmacy
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Georgia Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Before you can begin working as a pharmacy technician in Georgia, you must register with the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and obtain a technician license. To qualify for registration, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Application and fee
    • All applications must be submitted online through the Georgia Board of Pharmacy’s website.
    • As of 2025, the registration fee is $100.
  • Criminal background check 
    • You must complete a criminal background check as part of the application process.
    • A prior offense does not automatically disqualify you. Each case is reviewed individually by the Board.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Applicants must be at least 17 years old to qualify for registration.
  • Education requirements
    • You must be a high school graduate, hold a GED, or be currently enrolled in high school.
    • This means that high school students who are at least 17 years old can register and begin working in a pharmacy before graduating.
  • Certification requirement
    • A national PTCB certification is not required for obtaining a license in Georgia.
    • However, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy allows a pharmacist to supervise a larger number of certified pharmacy technicians compared to uncertified ones. As a result, many employers in Georgia prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians. 
The official rules for pharmacy technician registration can be found in the Georgia Administrative Code: Comp. R. & Regs. r. 480-15-.02
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Pharmacy Technician Certification in Georgia: Why it Matters

In Georgia, pharmacy technician certification is not required to register or work. You can apply for your Georgia pharmacy technician license without holding a national certification such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

However, becoming certified can provide major advantages. In Georgia, the number of pharmacy technicians a pharmacist may supervise directly depends on the technicians’ certification status:
  • No certified technicians: A pharmacist may supervise up to two pharmacy technicians.
  • At least one certified technician: A pharmacist may supervise up to three technicians.
  • At least two certified technicians: A pharmacist may supervise up to four technicians.
Because certified pharmacy technicians allow pharmacies to operate with larger, more efficient teams, many Georgia employers prefer or require certification when hiring. Earning your CPhT credential can give you a competitive edge, leading to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater career stability.

If you’re planning to build a long-term career as a pharmacy technician in Georgia, earning national certification is a smart investment in your future success.

  • Expanded Supervision Ratios 
    Certified pharmacy technicians allow pharmacists to supervise more staff at once. Having a fully certified team makes scheduling easier and ensures compliance with Georgia Board of Pharmacy rules. Because of this, many pharmacies choose to hire only certified pharmacy technicians.
  • Higher Salary 
    Pharmacy technician certification increases your value to employers, often leading to higher starting wages and stronger long-term earning potential.
  • Better Job Opportunities 
    Many pharmacies in Georgia actively seek out certified technicians to optimize staffing, improve workflows, and maintain compliance with supervision ratio requirements.
  • Opportunities for Advancement
    Certification can open the door to leadership roles, specialized positions in hospital and clinical pharmacy settings, and future career growth opportunities.
  • Professional Recognition 
    Becoming a certified pharmacy technician shows your commitment to the profession and demonstrates your skills and competence to employers, coworkers, and patients.
You can find more information about Georgia’s pharmacy technician supervision limits in the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Chapter 480-15-.03.

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Georgia

Earning your certification as a pharmacy technician in Georgia opens the door to higher pay and better job opportunities. Below is the fastest and most efficient path to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
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Step 1: Complete a PTCB-Recognized Pharmacy Technician Training Program

If you do not already have pharmacy work experience, you must complete a training program approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
You can choose from:
  • An in-person training program such as those offered by local community colleges, or
  • A flexible online course offered by PTCB-recognized online training providers like Pharmacy Technician Academy.

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

After completing your pharmacy technician training, you’ll be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
  • The PTCE can be taken online with remote proctoring or in person at an authorized testing center.
  • Once you pass the exam, you will officially earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, which is recognized nationwide.

Step 3: Register as a Pharmacy Technician with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy

Once you are certified, obtain a pharmacy technician license from the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.
  • To complete your pharmacy technician registration in Georgia:
    —Submit an online application through the Board of Pharmacy website.
    —Pay the $100 registration fee (as of 2025).
    —Complete the required background check.
  • When applying for pharmacy technician jobs, be sure to highlight your CPhT certification and Georgia pharmacy technician license. Employers often prioritize certified candidates, which can help you find a position faster, get a higher starting salary.

How High School Students Can Become Pharmacy Technicians in Georgia

If you’re a high school student interested in healthcare, working part-time as a pharmacy technician in Georgia is a smart way to gain hands-on experience. You’ll have the chance to work alongside pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals—giving you valuable exposure to career paths in pharmacy, medicine, and beyond.

Can You Work as a Pharmacy Technician in High School in Georgia?

Yes. The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy allows high school students to register as pharmacy technicians. You do not need a high school diploma to qualify. As long as you are currently enrolled in high school and at least 17 years old, you meet Georgia’s minimum age and education requirements to register and work as a pharmacy technician.

In addition, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) does not have a minimum age or diploma requirement to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This means motivated students can earn their Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential before graduating.

How Earning Your PTCB Certification Can Strengthen College Applications

Earning your Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) credential in high school can significantly strengthen your college applications. Certification demonstrates your motivation, discipline, and ability to successfully complete a nationally recognized professional program—qualities highly valued by college admissions officers.
Additionally, certification shows your early commitment to a career in healthcare, making your application stand out, particularly if you're applying to pharmacy, nursing, pre-med, or other health-related programs. 

Earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential isn’t just a line on your resume—it’s a story you can share in essays and interviews, showing that you’re already taking proactive steps toward a healthcare career.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in High School

Here’s the step-by-step process for becoming a certified pharmacy technician while still in high school:
  • Step 1: Enroll in a PTCB-Recognized Course
    • Many PTCB-recognized training programs do not have minimum age or diploma requirements.
    • Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a flexible, affordable online option that perfectly fits into a busy student schedule. 
  • Step 2: Pass the PTCB Certification Exam
    • After completing your training, register for and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
    • Passing the exam awards you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, an excellent addition to your college applications.
  • Step 3: Register as a Pharmacy Technician
    • Complete the online registration application
    • Submit to a criminal background check
    • Pay the $100 application fee (as of 2025)
  • Step 4: Find a Part-Time Pharmacy Technician Job
    • Look for pharmacy technician positions in local pharmacies.
    • Inform potential employers that you are already certified and licensed. It demonstrates your commitment and increases your hiring prospects.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re committed to helping you earn your certification and launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program specifically designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you have no prior pharmacy experience.

The course is self-paced, fully online, and built to fit your schedule. You’ll learn everything tested on the PTCE, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, order processing, and patient safety. With clear instruction and real-world examples, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pass the exam on your first try.

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 Georgia?

You do not need a college degree or traditional classroom education to become a pharmacy technician in Georgia. However, if you do not have prior pharmacy experience and want to become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program to meet the eligibility requirements for the certification exam.

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

Certification is not required to register or work as a pharmacy technician in Georgia.
However, becoming certified is highly recommended. Certified pharmacy technicians allow pharmacies to operate with more flexible supervision ratios, making them more valuable to employers. As a result, certified technicians are often preferred for hiring and typically earn higher starting salaries compared to non-certified technicians.

What’s the difference between certified and non-certified pharmacy technicians in Georgia?

Certified pharmacy technicians in Georgia have earned their CPhT credential by passing the PTCB exam.
Georgia law allows a pharmacist to supervise up to four certified pharmacy technicians at once, compared to only two uncertified technicians. Because of this staffing advantage, certified pharmacy technicians are often given priority for job opportunities, earn higher pay, and have more options for career advancement.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Georgia?

As of the most recent data, pharmacy technicians in Georgia earn an average wage of approximately $18.43 per hour. Certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) tend to earn more, with experienced CPhTs making between $22 and $25 per hour, depending on the employer, location, and type of pharmacy setting (retail, hospital, or specialty pharmacy).

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

You must be at least 17 years old to register as a pharmacy technician with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.

Can you work as a pharmacy technician while still in high school in Georgia?

Yes. As long as you are currently enrolled in high school and at least 17 years old, you meet Georgia’s education and age requirements for pharmacy technician registration. 

Ready to Get Started?

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

Helpful Reads

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.

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