Minnesota Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Minnesota

Step-by-step guide to meeting Minnesota's pharmacy technician licensing requirements and starting your career.
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, the first step is to understand the state’s training, certification, and licensing requirements. Pharmacy technicians are an important part of the healthcare team. They work alongside pharmacists to prepare prescriptions, manage medications, and support patient care. Before you can begin working in this role, you must obtain a pharmacy technician license from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

Whether you’re just starting your career or moving to Minnesota from another state, this guide will walk you through the process of becoming a licensed pharmacy technician. You’ll learn the state’s registration requirements, how to earn a national certification, and how to successfully complete your application with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. 

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy 
Contact Information

Helpful Links

Minnesota Pharmacy Technician Requirements

To work as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, you must obtain a license from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. Below are the requirements you’ll need to meet to become a registered:
  • Application and fee
  • Minimum age requirement
    • You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for registration.
  • Education requirements
    • You must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
    • The following documents are accepted as proof of graduation:
      —High school diploma
      —High school transcript with graduation date
      —GED certificate
      —College       transcript 
      —College diploma
  • Pharmacy technician training and certification requirement
    • In Minnesota, pharmacy technicians must complete an approved form of training.
    • You can meet this requirement by either: 
      —Obtain a national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or
      —Complete a pharmacy technician training program that is recognized by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
You can find the official list of requirements on the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy’s Pharmacy Technician Registration page.

Minnesota Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements Explained

Working as a pharmacy technician requires more than just filling prescriptions—it demands a strong understanding of medications, their side effects, pharmacy laws, prescription processing, and quality assurance procedures. To help ensure patient safety, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy requires all newly licensed pharmacy technicians to complete an approved training or certification program within 12 months of registration.

There are several ways to meet this training requirement, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Option 1: Certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

The most common and often preferred path is earning national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This route typically involves completing a PTCB-recognized training program (such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course) and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Once you pass the PTCE, you meet Minnesota’s training requirement and can use the CPhT credential (e.g., Alex Smith, CPhT), which is highly respected by pharmacists, employers, and patients alike.

Key benefits:

  • Fastest and most affordable training option
  • Can be completed entirely online
  • No unpaid externship required
  • Recognized nationally by pharmacies and employers
You can learn more in our Complete Guide to the PTCB Certification Exam.

Option 2: Training offered by an approved college or an ASHP-accredited provider

Another way to meet Minnesota’s training requirement is by completing a pharmacy technician program that is either:
  • Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), or
  • Offered through a college, vocational, or technical school accredited by a recognized agency
These programs include an in-person externship and typically take 12 to 24 months to complete. The drawback is that they tend to have higher tuition and associated costs compared to certification-based options. However, they can be very valuable if you’re seeking formal, in-person instruction.

Important considerations

If you choose this route, it’s important to verify that the technical school or college is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You can find a list of accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education on their official website. If the college or vocational/technical school is not accredited by one of these recognized agencies, its program will not be accepted by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

Option 3: Training Through the U.S. Armed Forces or Public Health Service

If you plan to work in a military or government-operated pharmacy, completing a pharmacy technician training program through the U.S. Armed Forces or Public Health Service can be an excellent option. Many military bases and federal healthcare facilities, such as VA hospitals, offer on-site training programs.

These programs are typically included as part of your government service or contract, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for the training. This makes it a great option for those pursuing pharmacy careers within federal or military healthcare systems.

Option 4: Employer-based training programs

Some pharmacies, such as large chains and health systems, offer their own Minnesota Board–approved training programs for pharmacy technicians. Like military or government-sponsored training, these programs are typically provided at no cost to the employee.

To meet state requirements, employer-based programs must include:
  • At least 240 hours of training completed within 12 months
  • A combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on practical experience

Important considerations

While these programs may seem like a convenient and affordable option, they come with trade-offs.

If you’re hired without PTCB certification or prior formal training, your employer must invest time and resources into training you. As a result, most employers will classify you as a pharmacy technician trainee and offer a reduced starting wage—often several dollars per hour less than what certified technicians earn.

Once you complete your training, your pay should increase to match other technicians. However, the difference in pay can add up quickly over the course of the training period.
  • Keep in mind: Although employer-based training is technically “free,” the lost wages during your training period could cost you more than simply enrolling in a PTCB-recognized online program upfront.

Tip: Do the Math Before You Decide

Before committing to an employer-based training program, ask the following:
  • What is the starting hourly wage for a pharmacy technician trainee?
  • How long does the training last?
  • What hourly rate will I earn after completing training?
Then, compare the total wages you’d earn as a trainee vs. a certified technician.

Example:
If the difference between your trainee rate and post-training rate is $3 per hour, and training lasts 240 hours (the minimum required), you would miss out on $720 in wages during that period—and you still wouldn’t have your CPhT credential.

By comparison, completing a PTCB-recognized online program (such as the one offered by Pharmacy Technician Academy) could cost less and allow you to earn more, sooner while also helping you earn a nationally recognized CPhT credential.
You can find more details about technician training on the Technician Training Requirements page of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy website.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Minnesota

Earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential is the fastest and most cost-effective way to meet Minnesota’s licensing requirements, improve your job prospects, and increase your earning potential. 
Write your awesome label here.
Below is the most efficient path to gaining national certification and registering with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. Most steps can be done entirely online, making the process simple and convenient.

Step 1: Complete a PTCB-Recognized Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Complete a training program approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
You can choose from:
  • An in-person program at a local community college or vocational school, or
  • A flexible online course from a PTCB-recognized provider, such as Pharmacy Technician Academy

Step 2: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This is the national exam administered by the PTCB.
  • The PTCE is available online with remote proctoring or in-person at testing centers.
  • Passing the exam earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, which is nationally recognized by employers and satisfies Minnesota’s pharmacy technician training requirement.

Step 3: Register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

After becoming certified, your next step is to register as a pharmacy technician with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. To complete your registration:
  • Submit your technician registration application online or by mail.
  • Pay the $60 registration fee (as of 2025).
  • Upload proof of your high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Upload a copy of your PTCB certificate.

Step 4: Start Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician

After you’ve earned your certification and registered with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, you’ll be ready to start applying for pharmacy technician jobs. Make sure to highlight your certified and licensed status as employers often favor candidates who are already fully qualified. This can give you a strong advantage during the hiring process and help you secure better-paying positions sooner.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, our mission is to help you become a certified pharmacy technician and build a successful career in healthcare. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program designed to fully prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you’re starting with no prior pharmacy experience.

This flexible, self-paced online course is built to fit your schedule. You’ll cover everything tested on the PTCE, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, order processing, and patient safety. With clear explanations, practical examples, and focused exam prep, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to pass the PTCE on your first attempt.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your career, we’re here to provide the support, tools, and training you need to achieve certification and succeed in the pharmacy field.

Frequently asked questions

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

Certification is not required to begin working as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota. However, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy requires all technicians to complete an approved training or certification program within 12 months of registration. Most technicians choose to earn national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which is widely recognized by employers.

What are the requirements to become a registered pharmacy technician in Minnesota?

To register as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, you must:
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Submit a pharmacy technician registration application
  • Pay the $60 registration fee (as of 2025)
  • Complete an approved training or certification program within 12 months

Is national certification (like the PTCB) accepted in Minnesota?

Yes. Earning your CPhT credential through the PTCB fully satisfies Minnesota’s training requirement. It’s also a major advantage when applying for jobs, as many employers prefer certified technicians and often offer them higher starting pay.

What is the fastest way to meet Minnesota’s pharmacy technician training requirement?

The fastest and most affordable option is to:
  • Complete a PTCB-recognized online training program (such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course)
  • Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
  • Register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
This path is fully online, flexible, and allows you to become certified and registered in as little as a few weeks.

Do I need to complete an externship in Minnesota?

No. If you choose the PTCB certification route, an externship is not required. However, if you complete a training program through a college or vocational school, an externship may be part of the curriculum.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Minnesota?

As of 2025, pharmacy technicians in Minnesota earn an average of $19–$24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certification status. Certified technicians (CPhTs) often qualify for higher-paying roles and advancement opportunities.

Does Pharmacy Technician Academy’s course help meet Minnesota's requirements?

Yes. The 1st Pass CPhT Course offered by Pharmacy Technician Academy is a PTCB-recognized training program, which qualifies you to take the PTCE and earn national certification. After certification, you’ll be eligible to register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

Ready to Get Started?

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

Helpful Reads