State requirements

Minnesota Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy mandates that all pharmacy technicians must be licensed with the state. In order to obtain a license, applicants must:
  • Submit an online or mail-in application and pay an application fee. For 2024, the application fee is $60.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have high school diploma or GED.
  • Obtain a PTCB certification or complete a Minnesota board-approved course. See below.
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For official text of pharmacy technician requirements, see section 6800.3850 of Minnesota Administrative Rules.

Minnesota Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements

The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy requires that aspiring technicians go through a pharmacy training program prior to registration. The Board allows this requirement to be filled in several ways:
  • Obtain a PTCB certification.
  • Complete a board-approved program that contains at least 240 hours of training.
  • Complete a pharmacy technician program by an accredited college or vocational school.
  • Complete a pharmacy technician program provided by a branch of the United States Armed Forces or Public
    Health Service.

Best Way to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Minnesota

The fastest and most cost-effective method of meeting the pharmacy technician 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 license application
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The Board of Pharmacy document outlining pharmacy technician training requirements can be found here.

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