State requirements

Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

Massachusetts requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the state Board of Registration in Pharmacy. In order to get licensed, applicants must:
  • Submit a completed online application along with a non-refundable application fee. For 2024, the application fee is $150.
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Submit one 2x2 inch passport size photo.
  • Complete a PTCB-approved course and/or obtain a PTCB certification.  See below.
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The official Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy technician training requirements can be found here.
The full, official text listing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements can be found here.

Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements

In order to register as a pharmacy technician, Massachusetts requires that all individuals complete a PTCB-approved training program. Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course meets this requirement. The certificate of completion obtained from this course can be used as proof of training.

Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course also qualifies you to take PTCB certification exam. This is an optional step in Massachusetts, but there are benefits to getting certified, so you should consider taking after completing the course.

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