Maryland Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Maryland

A clear, step-by-step guide to meeting Maryland's pharmacy technician licensing requirements and starting your career.
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If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy helping others, and are interested in building a career in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician in Maryland may be a great fit. Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in supporting pharmacists by performing technical tasks such as preparing medications, processing insurance claims, managing inventory, and assisting with daily pharmacy operations. By handling these responsibilities, pharmacy technicians allow pharmacists to focus on clinical duties like verifying prescriptions, checking for drug interactions, and counseling patients.

Pharmacy technician requirements vary by state. In Maryland, licensing and registration requirements are set by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process to meet Maryland’s pharmacy technician requirements, earn national certification, and begin your career as a pharmacy technician in the state.

Maryland Board of Pharmacy
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Maryland pharmacy technician requirements

Before you can start working as a pharmacy technician in Maryland you must register and obtain a license from the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. To qualify for registration, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.
  • Application and fee
    • Complete the official pharmacy technician application and mail it to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy.
    • Applications must be printed and submitted by mail. 
    • Pay the required application fee with a check or money order. As of 2026, the fee is $45.
  • Criminal background check
    • All applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check through the Maryland CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System).
    • A criminal offense does not automatically disqualify you. Each case is reviewed individually by the Board.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Maryland.
  • Education requirements
    • Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be a high school graduate, hold a GED, or be currently enrolled in high school.
    • This means that high school students who are 17 or older can apply and start gaining pharmacy experience before graduation.
  • Proof of date of birth
    • You must include proof of your date of birth with your pharmacy technician application.
    • Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
  • Training and certification requirement
For the most current information, visit the Maryland Board of Pharmacy’s pharmacy technician page.

Maryland pharmacy technician certification requirement

To work as a pharmacy technician in Maryland, you must demonstrate your knowledge and competence through certification or training. The Maryland Board of Pharmacy requires one of the following:
  • Earn national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
OR
  • Complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program and pass a Maryland Board-approved exam
This ensures that all pharmacy technicians in Maryland have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely work in a pharmacy environment.
Pathway 1

National certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. To earn PTCB certification, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

This option meets Maryland’s licensing requirements and also gives you a national certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) credential, making it easier to find pharmacy technician jobs and advance your career.

What’s on the PTCB certification exam?

The PTCE assesses your pharmacy knowledge across four key domains:
  • Medications
    Drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, common side effects, and proper storage.
  • Pharmacy laws and regulations
    Federal regulations, legal requirements, and standards that govern pharmacy practice.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Best practices for medication safety, error prevention, and maintaining a high standard of care.
  • Order entry and processing
    Read and interpret prescriptions, input medication orders, and carry out essential pharmacy tasks.
PATHWAY 2

Complete a Maryland-specific training and examination

In addition to national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the Maryland Board of Pharmacy offers an alternative, state-specific pathway for meeting the training requirement to become a licensed pharmacy technician.

To qualify through this route, you must:
 • Complete a Maryland Board-approved pharmacy technician training program, and
 • Pass a Maryland Board-approved pharmacy technician examination

These training programs must include a minimum of 160 hours of in-person work experience to ensure hands-on exposure in a pharmacy setting.

Important considerations for the Maryland-specific pathway

  • In-Person training requirement: Unlike PTCB-recognized programs, which can often be completed entirely online, Maryland Board-approved training programs must include at least 160 hours of in-person work experience. This requirement makes them less flexible for individuals seeking online or self-paced learning options.
  • Maryland-specific exam requirement: After completing the Maryland-approved training, you are required to pass a Maryland Board-approved pharmacy technician exam to verify your competency. This exam is specific to Maryland and does not carry over to other states.
  • Limited recognition outside Maryland: Training and certification earned through the Maryland-specific pathway are not nationally recognized. If you plan to move or work in nearby states—such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C.—you may be required to obtain PTCB certification to qualify for employment.
  • Hiring preferences: The PTCB credential (CPhT) is widely recognized and accepted by most states. National pharmacy chains and healthcare employers often prefer candidates who are PTCB certified, especially those with operations across multiple states.
  • Does not award a CPhT Credential: Completing a Maryland Board-approved program and exam will make you eligible to work as a pharmacy technician in Maryland—but it does not grant you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation, which is awarded only through the PTCB.
Choosing Between Maryland-Specific Training and National Certification

Which path is right for you?

While the Maryland-specific pathway may work for some individuals, it’s important to consider your long-term career goals. Earning a PTCB certification not only satisfies Maryland’s training requirement but also gives you more flexibility, broader job opportunities, and a credential that’s respected across the country.

How to become a certified pharmacy technician

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician Maryland is now more convenient than ever. With flexible online training programs, you can complete your education, pass the certification exam, and apply for your license, all from the comfort of your home.
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Step 1: Complete a PTCB-recognized training program

If you’re new to the pharmacy field, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete a recognized training program before you can sit for the certification exam.
  • You can choose from in-person programs at local community colleges
  • Or enroll in a convenient online course from a PTCB-recognized provider like Pharmacy Technician Academy

Step 2: Pass the PTCB certification exam (PTCE)

After finishing your training, you’ll be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
  • The exam is administered at a Pearson VUE testing center, with more than 1,400 locations nationwide.
  • Once you pass, you’ll earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. This is a nationally recognized certification that satisfies Maryland’s licensing requirements

Step 3: Apply for your Maryland pharmacy technician license

Once you’ve earned your CPhT credential, you can apply for your license through the Maryland Board of Pharmacy.
  • Applications must be printed and mailed, along with the required documents and a check or money order for the application fee
  • You will also be required to complete the Maryland CJIS criminal background check and submit proof of age and education

How high school students can become pharmacy technicians in Maryland

If you’re a high school student interested in healthcare, working part-time as a pharmacy technician is a great way to gain hands-on experience early. This role gives you the opportunity to work alongside pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals and provides a valuable first look at potential careers in pharmacy and medicine.

No high school diploma required

The Maryland Board of Pharmacy allows students who are at least 17 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license—even if they haven’t yet graduated. As long as you’re currently enrolled in high school, you meet the education requirement to become licensed.

In addition, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) does not require a high school diploma or a minimum age to take the certification exam, making it possible for motivated students to earn their CPhT credential before graduation.

A smart first step toward a healthcare career

Becoming a pharmacy technician in high school can help you:
  • Build real-world professional skills
  • Gain experience in a clinical environment
  • Explore your interest in pharmacy or other healthcare fields
  • Boost your college and scholarship applications

Some Maryland high schools may offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs or scholarships that help cover the cost of pharmacy technician training. Even if your school doesn’t have a formal program, you can still get started on your own.

Many high school students have successfully completed our self-paced, online pharmacy technician course while managing their school schedules and extracurricular activities. Because the course is flexible and available 24/7, you can study on your own time—whether it’s after school, on weekends, or during school breaks.

To get started:
  • Talk to your high school guidance counselor about available resources or funding opportunities
  • Enroll in a PTCB-recognized program like the 1st Pass CPhT Course to prepare for the certification exam and take the first step toward a healthcare career

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 Maryland?

No college degree or traditional school is required to become a pharmacy technician in Maryland. However, to qualify for licensure, you must complete either a PTCB-recognized certification program or a Maryland Board-approved training program and exam. These options ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely in a pharmacy environment.

Is certification required to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Maryland?

Not necessarily. The Maryland Board of Pharmacy requires all pharmacy technicians to complete an approved training pathway. Most individuals choose to earn national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), but you also have the option to complete a state-approved training program and pass a Maryland-specific exam.

What’s the difference between PTCB certification and a Maryland-specific training program?

PTCB certification is nationally recognized, giving you more job flexibility and career options—especially if you plan to move or work in a nearby state. Maryland-specific training programs meet state requirements but do not award the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential and may limit your future job opportunities.

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

The time required depends on the training path you choose. Traditional college programs may take a year or more, while many self-paced online programs can be completed in just a few weeks or months. Once you’ve fulfilled all requirements, the Maryland Board of Pharmacy usually processes license applications fairly quickly.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Maryland?

Pharmacy technicians in Maryland earn an average hourly wage of $21.58, but pay can increase based on experience, certification, and location. For instance, experienced and certified individuals in the 90th percentile earn on average $28.60 per hour. For more information, visit our Maryland Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook Report.

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

You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Maryland.

Can I work as a pharmacy technician while still in high school in Maryland?

Yes. As long as you’re at least 17 years old and currently enrolled in high school, you’re eligible to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Maryland. Many high school students have successfully completed our self-paced online course while still in school.

Ready to get started?

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

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