Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana

Your complete 2025 guide to Louisiana pharmacy technician requirements, including licensing, registration, training, and certification. Learn the steps to qualify for the Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Certificate, meet Board of Pharmacy requirements, and start your pharmacy career quickly and affordably.
Starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana is a great way to enter the healthcare field quickly and affordably, without spending years in school. Pharmacy technicians are essential members of the pharmacy team, working under the supervision of a pharmacist to help prepare and dispense prescriptions, manage inventory, and ensure patients receive their medications safely and on time.

In Louisiana, pharmacy technicians are regulated by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, which oversees all licensing and training requirements. The state uses a two-step process for licensing: individuals first register as Pharmacy Technician Candidates, then upgrade to the Pharmacy Technician Certificate once they complete the required training, experience, and national certification.

There are multiple ways to meet the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy’s requirements, and the best pathway depends on your background, goals, and preferred learning style.

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In this guide, we’ll explain each option in detail, outline every step of the application process, and show you the fastest and most affordable route to becoming a licensed pharmacy technician in Louisiana.

Table of contents

  1. Requirements to become a pharmacy technician candidate in Louisiana
  2. Transitioning from candidate to licensed pharmacy technician
  3. Fastest and most cost-effective path to becoming a pharmacy technician in Louisiana
  4. Louisiana pharmacy technician licensing FAQs

Pharmacy technician candidate requirements

Before you can work as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana, you must first obtain a Pharmacy Technician Candidate (PTC) registration from the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. This credential authorizes you to begin supervised training in a licensed pharmacy and start earning the experience hours required for full licensure.

Because Louisiana has several training pathways and detailed documentation requirements, the process can feel confusing at first. Below is a clear breakdown of the eligibility criteria and application steps for becoming a Pharmacy Technician Candidate.

Pharmacy Technician Candidate: Basic eligibility requirements

To qualify for a Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration, you must:
  • Application and fee
    • To apply for your Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Candidate (PTC) registration, you must complete the online application through the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
    • All applications are submitted electronically; paper applications are not accepted.
    • Fee: As of 2025, the licensing fee is $50.
    • Here is a sample of the electronic application
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
    • Exception: Students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in a Louisiana Department of Education Jump Start program offering pharmacy technician as a career path may apply.
  • Education requirements
    • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
    • High school students enrolled in an approved Jump Start career program may apply prior to graduation.
  • Identification and documentation
    Applicants must submit:
    • Copy of Social Security Card
    • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
    • Name change documents, if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
    • A passport-style photo (head and shoulders only)
  • Criminal background check
    • All applicants must agree to a criminal background check through the FBI.
    • Instructions for completing the background check are provided after submitting your online application.

Louisiana pharmacy technician training pathways 

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, applicants must complete an approved training pathway to gain practical experience. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy recognizes three different routes for meeting your training requirement. Each pathway fulfills the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy’s practical training requirement and leads to eligibility for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate.

Option 1: Employer-based pharmacy technician training (recommended)

Most applicants qualify through employer-based training, which allows you to gain hands-on experience while earning income. To use this pathway, you must first secure a trainee position at a Louisiana pharmacy. The supervising pharmacist or pharmacy manager will then complete the Pharmacist’s Certification of Training Intention for Pharmacy Technician Candidate Applicant form, which must be submitted as part of your application.

This is the most common and cost-effective pathway to licensure because on-the-job training is typically provided at no cost to you. It also tends to be the fastest route, allowing you to start gaining real-world experience immediately.
  • Tip: Our 1st Pass CPhT Program can help you prepare for the PTCB certification exam while completing your employer-based training, making you a stronger job candidate.

Option 2: Enrollment in a Louisiana Board-approved training program

Applicants may also qualify by completing a Louisiana Board of Pharmacy–approved training program that is nationally accredited (typically ASHP-accredited). These programs are offered by vocational schools and community colleges and include both classroom and in-person experiential components.
  • Note: Because the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy requires an in-person component for programs under this pathway, fully online programs (including the 1st Pass CPhT Program) do NOT meet this requirement.
    However, students can still become licensed through the faster and more affordable employer-based training option (Option 1).

Option 3: Louisiana Department of Education Jump Start program

High school students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in a Louisiana Department of Education Jump Start Program offering pharmacy technician as a career path may also qualify.
Students must provide their Louisiana Secure ID (LASID) number to verify enrollment. This number is available from your school or district and must be included in your application; without it, the Board cannot process your registration.

This pathway is designed specifically for high school students pursuing pharmacy technician training as part of their career and technical education curriculum.

References:

Official Louisiana pharmacy technician candidate registration requirements are outlined in Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LIII, §903.

Transitioning from candidate to licensed pharmacy technician

Your Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration is a training credential that allows you to gain supervised experience in a Louisiana pharmacy. It is valid for up to two years and cannot be renewed, so you must complete all remaining requirements within that timeframe to upgrade to a full Pharmacy Technician Certificate.

During your candidate period, you’ll complete the final steps needed to become a fully licensed pharmacy technician. These include meeting the minimum age requirement, completing your training pathway, gaining hands-on experience, and earning national certification.

Requirements to upgrade to a Pharmacy Technician Certificate

To qualify for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate, you must complete all of the following before your candidate registration expires:
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Education requirements
    • If you qualified through Option 1 (employer-based training), you must successfully complete your program and document at least 600 hours of pharmacy work experience. At full-time status, this typically takes about 15 weeks to complete.
    • If you qualified through Option 2 (Board-approved training program), you must complete the program in its entirety and have the school send proof of completion directly to the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
  • National certification
    • You must pass a national pharmacy technician certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or another Board-approved equivalent.
    • Earning the CPhT credential demonstrates your competence and is required to obtain the full technician license.
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for your Pharmacy Technician Certificate through the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy’s online licensing portal. This license authorizes you to perform the full range of pharmacy technician duties under the supervision of a pharmacist.

References:

Official Louisiana pharmacy technician certificate requirements are outlined in Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LIII, §905.

Fastest path to becoming a pharmacy technician in Louisiana

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If you’re looking for the quickest and most affordable way to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Louisiana, an employer-based training program is your best option. 

This pathway allows you to gain paid, hands-on experience while meeting the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy’s training and experience requirements for the Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Find a trainee position at a Louisiana-licensed pharmacy that offers on-the-job training.
  2. Register as a Pharmacy Technician Candidate with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
  3. Complete your employer-based training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and log at least 600 hours of experience (about 15 weeks full-time).
  4. Pass the PTCB certification exam and earn your CPhT credential.
  5. Apply for your full Pharmacy Technician Certificate with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

This route allows you to gain real-world experience, earn income during training, and avoid the high tuition costs of lengthy college-based programs.

Strengthen your job application with PTCB certification

Although employer-based programs are the most cost-effective and time-efficient option, they can also be competitive. Many pharmacy managers prefer to hire trainees who already have basic pharmacy knowledge or are PTCB-certified, since this reduces the amount of on-the-job training required.

That’s why many individuals choose to complete an affordable online program like the 1st Pass CPhT Course and earn their CPhT credential before applying for trainee positions.

Becoming certified first makes you a more appealing candidate and helps you secure one of the limited employer-based training spots.

By earning your PTCB certification early, you’ll:
  • Stand out from other job applicants
  • Qualify for a broader range of pharmacy technician roles
  • Require less in-house training, making you more desirable to employers
  • Be one step closer to obtaining your full Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Certificate
  • Tip: You’ll need to get nationally certified anyway to qualify for your full Louisiana license. Earning your CPhT credential first simply meets this requirement sooner and helps you get hired faster.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy can help

If you’re having trouble finding an employer willing to sponsor your training, Pharmacy Technician Academy can help you get started.

Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized, fully online training program designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The course covers all major exam domains, including pharmacy calculations, law, safety, and medication classifications, giving you everything you need to pass the exam on your first attempt.
Even though the course does not replace Louisiana’s employer-based training requirement, it provides a strong foundation that helps you stand out when applying for trainee positions. Completing the course and earning your CPhT credential demonstrates to employers that you’re knowledgeable, reliable, and ready to contribute from day one.

Submitting your CPhT credential along with your 1st Pass CPhT Course Certificate of Completion is one of the best ways to make your application stand out to pharmacies offering on-the-job training.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana?

Yes. You must hold a valid Louisiana pharmacy technician credential issued by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy in order to work in any pharmacy setting.
Most individuals begin with a Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration, which allows you to train under supervision while completing your required experience hours.
Once you’ve completed training and earned your national certification (CPhT), you can apply for your full Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Certificate, the official license that authorizes you to work as a pharmacy technician.

Can I work as a pharmacy technician while training?

Yes. Once you obtain your Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration, you can work in a Louisiana-licensed pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. This registration allows you to complete the hands-on training and experience hours required for full licensure.

What is the difference between a Pharmacy Technician Candidate and a Pharmacy Technician Certificate holder?

A Pharmacy Technician Candidate is a trainee authorized to work under direct supervision while completing training and experience requirements.
A Pharmacy Technician Certificate holder is a fully licensed pharmacy technician who has completed training, passed a national certification exam, and can perform the full range of pharmacy technician duties under a pharmacist’s supervision.

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

The time it takes depends on the training pathway you choose:
  • If you complete an employer-based training program, you can finish your 600 required hours in about 15 weeks of full-time work.
  • If you enroll in a college-based or vocational program, it can take 6 to 18 months to complete.

After training, you must pass the PTCB certification exam and apply for your Pharmacy Technician Certificate from the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. Once all required documents are received, the Board typically processes applications quickly.

Do I need to be nationally certified to work as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana?

Yes. To upgrade from a Pharmacy Technician Candidate to a Pharmacy Technician Certificate, you must earn a national pharmacy technician certification such as the one obtained through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Can I become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana without attending a college program?

Yes. You can qualify through an employer-based training program, which allows you to complete all required experience hours while earning income.
This is typically the fastest and most affordable path to licensure. Many individuals strengthen their job applications by completing an online PTCB-recognized course like the 1st Pass CPhT Program before applying for trainee positions.

Ready to get started?

Louisiana’s pharmacy technician licensing process may seem confusing at first, with multiple training pathways, documentation requirements, and two separate credentials: the Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration and the Pharmacy Technician Certificate. But with the right plan, you can move from trainee to fully licensed pharmacy technician in just a few months.


The fastest and most affordable path is to complete an employer-based training program while earning your national PTCB certification. By getting certified first, you’ll stand out to employers, qualify for more trainee opportunities, and fulfill Louisiana’s national certification requirement for full licensure.

  • PTCB-recognized – Prepares you for national certification and allows you to take the PTCB exam even without prior pharmacy experience.
  • Career-focused – Builds the practical knowledge and confidence you’ll use every day in real-world pharmacy practice.
  • 100% online and flexible – Study anywhere, anytime, and progress entirely at your own pace.
  • Affordable – A fraction of the cost of traditional college or vocational programs.

Start your journey toward becoming a licensed pharmacy technician in Louisiana today with the 1st Pass CPhT Course.

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