Iowa Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Iowa

Step-by-step guide to meeting Iowa's pharmacy technician licensing requirements and starting your career.
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Iowa Board of Pharmacy
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Table of Contents

  1. Iowa pharmacy technician licensing requirements
  2. Why certification is important for pharmacy technicians
  3. Understanding PTCB certification
  4. Step-by-step guide to getting licensed
  5. How high school students can start a pharmacy technician career
  6. Frequently asked questions about becoming a pharmacy technician in Iowa

Iowa Pharmacy Technician Licensing Requirements

If you’re planning to work as a pharmacy technician in Iowa, you must first be registered with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Registration is required before you can begin working in any pharmacy setting. Below is a breakdown of the current licensing requirements to help guide you through the process:
  • Application and fee
    • All pharmacy technician applications must be submitted online through the Iowa Board of Pharmacy licensing portal or printed and mailed.
    • As of 2025, the nonrefundable registration fee is $60.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • The Iowa Board of Pharmacy does not have a minimum age requirement for pharmacy technician registration.
  • Education requirements
    • Iowa does not require a high school diploma or GED for obtaining a pharmacy technician license.
    • This means that high school students who are under 18 are eligible to apply and start gaining pharmacy experience before graduation.
  • Certification requirement
    • All pharmacy technicians must hold national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certification body approved by the state.
    • Individuals who are not yet certified may be eligible for a provisional license pending certain requirements.
Official rules and regulations governing pharmacy technician registration in Montana can be found in the Iowa Administrative Code 657 Chapter 3.

Certification Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians

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To work as a licensed pharmacy technician in Iowa, you must hold national certification. Certification ensures that all technicians have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to assist pharmacists, support patient safety, and maintain high standards of pharmacy practice.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy accepts certification from nationally recognized organizations. The most common and widely preferred option is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which awards the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. While other certifying bodies may be accepted, most employers in Montana look for the PTCB credential due to its credibility and nationwide recognition.

If you are not yet certified, you may qualify for a provisional technician license. This allows you to begin working in a pharmacy under certain conditions while you complete the certification process. However, you must obtain full national certification to maintain long-term licensure in Iowa.

Understanding PTCB certification

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the most widely recognized certification body for pharmacy technicians in the U.S. Founded by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and other leading pharmacy organizations, the PTCB sets national standards for technician competency and helps ensure patient safety across all pharmacy settings.

To become certified, candidates must complete a PTCB-recognized training program, or have equivalent work experience, and successfully pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Once certified, you can use the CPhT designation professionally (e.g., Taylor Morgan, CPhT) and will meet Iowa's requirement for full pharmacy technician registration.

What’s on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)?

The PTCE is a nationally standardized exam designed to assess the core competencies required for safe and effective pharmacy practice. It includes 90 multiple-choice questions and covers the following four knowledge domains:
  • Medications
    Covers drug classes, brand and generic names, uses, common side effects, and proper storage guidelines.
  • Pharmacy laws and requirements
    Assesses knowledge of pharmacy laws, DEA regulations, controlled substances, and ethical/legal standards.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Focuses on preventing medication errors, using quality control procedures, and maintaining high standards in patient care.
  • Order entry and processing
    Evaluates your ability to read prescriptions, perform calculations, and process medication orders accurately.

Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
Iowa

In Iowa, all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. The board established two main criteria for registration. To obtain a obtain a pharmacy technician license, applicants must:
  • Submit an application and pay an application fee. The application can be submitted online or in print. The application fee for 2025 is $60.
  • Obtain a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another Iowa board-approved national certifying agency.

Steps to Meeting Iowa Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

The fastest and most cost effective method of meeting the Iowa education requirements:
  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit the PTCB Certificate with your pharmacy technician application.

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