State requirements

Maryland Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

Maryland requires that all pharmacy technicians obtain a license from the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. Applicants must:
  • Submit an application and licensing fee to the Board of Pharmacy. For 2025, the application fee is $45.
  • Be currently attending high school, have a high school diploma, or a GED.
  • Submit proof of national certification or proof of training/work experience. See below. 

Pharmacy Technician Certification and Education Requirements

In order to register as a pharmacy technician, Maryland requires that all applicants complete pharmacy training. Applicants have a choice to complete a national, or a state-sponsored program.
Option 1: Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Option 2: Complete a Maryland Board of Pharmacy-approved technician training program that includes at least 160 hours of live training. In addition, pass a Maryland Board of Pharmacy-approved technician exam.

Best Way to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Maryland

Option 1 is the better choice for most applicants. It meets the registration requirements, while also giving you the industry recognized certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) designation.
Option 2 will still require you to complete a pharmacy technician course and take an exam. In addition to that, you will have to complete at least 160 hours of in-person, live training. This path does not award you with a CPhT designation. 
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The fastest and most cost-effective method of meeting the Maryland Board of Pharmacy technician education requirements:
  1. Complete a national PTCB-approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the national PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit the PTCB Certificate with your pharmacy technician application.
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More details can be found in the Maryland Pharmacy Technician Registration Application Instructions document found here.

Other Benefits of PTCB Certification

Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course and passing the PTCE satisfies the requirements for registering as a pharmacy technician in Maryland. Aside from meeting the Board of Pharmacy requirements, benefits of certification include:

Get a higher salary

Certified technicians get paid significantly more. Employers know that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility. 

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