State requirements

Indiana Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in Indiana.
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If you’re someone who is detail-oriented, enjoys helping others, and wants to work in a growing healthcare field, a career as a pharmacy technician could be an ideal fit. Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists by handling many of the technical tasks in a pharmacy—like preparing medications and managing inventory—so that pharmacists can focus on clinical responsibilities such as reviewing drug interactions and counseling patients.

In the United States, each state sets its own set of rules for becoming a pharmacy technician. In Indiana, these rules are established by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. In this guide, we will walk you through the requirements for obtaining a pharmacy technician license in Indiana and give step-by-step instructions on how to begin your career in this rewarding field.

Indiana Pharmacy Technician Requirements

To work as a pharmacy technician in Indiana, you must be licensed by the Indiana Board of Pharmacy. Here are the requirements for obtaining a license:
  • Application and Fee
    • Submit a completed application to the Indiana Board of Pharmacy.
    • Pay the application fee, which is $25 for 2025. You can pay online by credit or debit card when you apply.
  • Criminal Background Check
    • After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on completing your criminal background check.
    • Only proceed with the background check after you have submitted your application.
    • Further details are available on the Board’s website: Criminal Background Check Instructions
  • Certification or Approved Training
    • To meet the requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician, you must demonstrate understanding of the role. The Indiana Board of Pharmacy offers two pathways to fulfill this requirement, which are detailed in the next section:
    • Pathway 1: Earn certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or
    • Pathway 2: Complete an Indiana Board-approved pharmacy technician training program.
  • Age Requirement
    • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirement
    • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
Note: If you are under 18 and still in high school, there is an alternative pathway for obtaining a license to work in a pharmacy in Indiana. See below to learn how to become a pharmacy technician while still in high school.

For a full list of requirements, visit the Board’s official website: Pharmacy Technician Licensing Information

Certification and Training Requirements Explained

To become a pharmacy technician in Indiana, the Board of Pharmacy requires you to demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and the responsibilities of working in a pharmacy. You can meet this requirement through one of two pathways: earning a PTCB certification or completing an Indiana Board-approved training program. 

pathway 1

Obtain a PTCB Certification

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. To become certified, you need to complete a PTCB-recognized program and pass a certification exam. After passing the exam, you can use the CPhT credential (e.g., Alex Smith, CPhT), which is highly valued by both employers and healthcare professionals.

In addition to meeting Indiana's licensing requirements, there are additional benefits to certification:
  • Higher salary potential
    Certified pharmacy technicians often earn more because employers know they require less training and can handle greater responsibilities.
  • Faster hiring process
    Holding a PTCB certification demonstrates a clear commitment to the field, signaling to employers that you are reliable, dedicated, and already trained.
  • Better job opportunities
    Pharmacies that prioritize employee well-being and a positive work culture tend to be more selective, and a PTCB certification can open the door to these desirable positions.
Pathway 2

Complete an Indiana Board of Pharmacy approved training program

The Indiana Board of Pharmacy also approves certain training programs offered by some large pharmacies and other organizations. These programs are typically geared toward entry-level positions with lower pay. As a result, Pathway 1 is the preferred choice for those seeking better pay and broader career opportunities.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Indiana

There are multiple ways to fulfill Indiana’s requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician. Most steps can be completed online, making the process faster and more convenient. Here is the most common pathway:
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  • Complete a PTCB-Recognized Course (online)
    • If you don’t have prior pharmacy experience, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete an approved training program.
    • These programs can be taken in person at community colleges or online through institutions such as the Pharmacy Technician Academy.
  • Pass the PTCB Certification Exam (online)
    • Once you finish your training program, you’ll be eligible to take the PTCB certification exam.
    • You can take this exam either in person at a testing center or online.
  • Submit Your Online Application (online)
    • Complete your pharmacy technician application through the Indiana Board of Pharmacy’s website.
    • Pay the required application fee.
  • Criminal Background Check (in-person)
    • Follow the instructions provided by the Board of Pharmacy to schedule your fingerprinting and background check.
    • A criminal background check must be submitted after the application for licensure. Make sure you wait for the Board’s email before completing this step.
In addition to the personal satisfaction of helping patients, pharmacy technicians in Indiana enjoy the advantage of higher-than-average pay in a stable and growing field. To see how much you can expect to earn, visit the Indiana Pharmacy Technician Salary Overview.

Opportunities for High School Students Under 18

Working part-time as a pharmacy technician is an excellent way for high school students to explore a career in healthcare. This hands-on experience allows you to work alongside pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, giving you insight into the field and helping you decide if healthcare is the right path for you. Recognizing the value of this early exposure, the Indiana Board of Pharmacy provides options for high school students to gain this valuable experience.

If you are under 18

Indiana law typically requires pharmacy technicians to be at least 18 years old to obtain a license. However, if you are under 18, you can still pursue this opportunity by having the managing pharmacist at your place of employment submit a statement or letter supporting your application for licensure as a pharmacy technician.

If you are still in high school

For students who are enrolled in high school but have not yet earned a diploma or GED, the Indiana Board of Pharmacy offers a “technician-in-training permit.” This permit allows you to work in a pharmacy, gaining practical experience while interacting with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. It’s an excellent way to build your skills and explore healthcare as a potential career path.
For more information about navigating these requirements as a high school student, visit the Indiana Board of Pharmacy website: Pharmacy Technician Licensing Information. You can also reach out to your high school guidance counselor for assistance in meeting these requirements and 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

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

In Indiana, the Board of Pharmacy usually processes license applications quickly once you’ve met all the requirements. However, the overall timeline depends on which program you choose and how soon you complete it and pass your certification exam. Some programs, especially those offered by colleges, may take over a year (including breaks), while self-paced options can be finished in just a few months.

Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy tech?

No, certification isn’t mandatory in Indiana; however, you do need to either earn a PTCB certification or complete a Board-approved training program. Many aspiring pharmacy technicians choose to become PTCB certified because it’s often faster and may lead to higher starting pay.

Do I need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech?

Not necessarily. An associate’s degree in pharmacy technology isn’t required in Indiana. Instead, you can fulfill the Board’s requirements by earning a PTCB certification or completing a state-approved training program.

Can I work as a pharmacy technician in high school?

Yes. Indiana allows high school students under 18 to gain pharmacy experience by obtaining a “technician-in-training permit.” As long as you meet the requirements, you can work alongside pharmacists and other technicians while still in school.

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