Mississippi Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Mississippi 

A complete 2025 guide to Mississippi pharmacy technician licensing and registration. Learn how to apply with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, complete the background check process, and earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential to advance your career.
If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Mississippi, it’s important to understand the state’s registration and certification requirements. Pharmacy technicians are essential members of the healthcare team, working under the supervision of a pharmacist to help prepare and dispense prescriptions, manage pharmacy inventory, assist with insurance processing, and ensure patients receive their medications safely and on time.

In Mississippi, you must be registered with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy (MSBOP) before working as a pharmacy technician. The registration process is completed online and includes submitting an application and completing a criminal background check.

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While national certification is not required to become a registered pharmacy technician in Mississippi, it is legally required to work in certain pharmacy settings, such as remote dispensing facilities. Beyond that, earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) gives you several advantages. Certified technicians typically qualify for higher pay, greater job stability, and expanded career opportunities in retail, hospital, and specialty pharmacy settings.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the Mississippi pharmacy technician registration process, including application requirements, fees, background checks, and the optional national certification. Whether you’re starting your first job in healthcare, transitioning from another career, or moving to Mississippi from another state, this resource will walk you through everything you need to know to become a pharmacy technician in Mississippi.

Table of Contents

  1. Mississippi pharmacy technician registration requirements
  2. Understanding PTCB certification in Mississippi
  3. How to get PTCB certified
  4. Step-by-step guide: How to become a pharmacy technician in Mississippi
  5. Mississippi pharmacy technician FAQ

Mississippi pharmacy technician registration requirements

Before you can work as a pharmacy technician in Mississippi, you must first obtain a pharmacy technician registration from the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy (MSBOP). This registration authorizes you to work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist in a retail, hospital, or institutional pharmacy.

Below is a clear breakdown of the eligibility criteria and application steps for becoming a registered pharmacy technician in Mississippi.
  • Application and fee
    • All applicants must complete the Pharmacy Technician Registration Application through the MSBOP licensing portal.
    • Applications are submitted electronically. Paper applications are not accepted.
    • Fee: As of 2025, the licensing fee is $50.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
  • Education requirements
    • You must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Criminal background check
  • Training and certification
    • Mississippi does not require formal training or national certification to become a registered pharmacy technician.
    • However, certification is legally required to work in certain pharmacy settings, such as remote dispensing facilities.
    • Earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential can expand your job opportunities and help you advance into higher-paying roles within the pharmacy.

References:

Official requirements for registering as a pharmacy technician in Mississippi are outlined in Mississippi Administrative Code, Title 30, Part 3001, Article XL.
HIGHER SALARY AND CAREER GROWTH

Understanding PTCB certification in Mississippi

While registration with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy allows you to begin working as a pharmacy technician, earning national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can take your career further. Certification is legally required in certain pharmacy settings, such as remote dispensing facilities, and it provides a clear professional advantage by demonstrating your competence and reliability.

What is the PTCB?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the leading national organization for pharmacy technician credentialing in the United States. Founded by major pharmacy associations, such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the PTCB’s mission is to advance medication safety and ensure technicians meet high standards of knowledge and skill.

Pharmacy technicians who pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). This credential is recognized in all 50 states.

Benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Mississippi

Although the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy does not require certification for registration, earning your CPhT credential offers major advantages for your career.

In Mississippi, only nationally certified technicians are eligible to work in remote dispensing facilities, where pharmacists supervise operations electronically. This certification requirement opens the door to specialized roles and allows you to serve patients in a wide variety of communities.

Beyond this legal distinction, certification can help you grow professionally in several other ways:

Earn higher pay 

Certified pharmacy technicians are in greater demand, and employers recognize the additional expertise they bring to the workplace. As a result, CPhTs in Mississippi often earn higher starting wages, qualify for full-time roles, and receive stronger benefits packages.

Take on advanced duties 

Certified pharmacy technicians are trusted with more complex tasks that help the pharmacy run smoothly. In many Mississippi pharmacies, CPhTs help manage inventory, handle insurance or billing issues, and support daily workflow efficiency.

Stand out professionally

Having “Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)” on your badge shows patients, coworkers, and healthcare providers that you have the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to excel in your role.

Enjoy better scheduling flexibility 

Certified technicians are valuable during all pharmacy hours because they can perform a wide range of tasks efficiently. This often leads to more stable schedules, consistent hours, and opportunities for preferred shifts.

Unlock better  job opportunities

With your CPhT credential, you qualify for positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, mail-order operations, and national retail chains that require certification. The PTCB credential is recognized nationwide, so your career options extend well beyond Mississippi.

Open doors for advancement

Certification is a foundation for long-term growth. As a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), you can qualify for roles such as lead technician, inventory coordinator, or pharmacy operations manager. It also strengthens your resume if you later pursue pharmacy school, nursing, or other healthcare careers.

How to get PTCB certified

To become certified, you must meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

What is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)?

The PTCE is a computer-based exam administered by the PTCB to evaluate a technician’s readiness to work safely and effectively in any pharmacy setting. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Passing the PTCE demonstrates that you meet nationally recognized standards for knowledge, accuracy, and professionalism in pharmacy practice. It covers four key areas of pharmacy knowledge:
  • Medications
    Covers drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, common side effects, and proper storage guidelines.
  • Pharmacy laws and requirements
    Assesses knowledge of federal pharmacy laws, regulations, and professional standards.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Focuses on strategies to prevent medication errors, ensure accurate dispensing, and maintain high standards of patient care.
  • Order entry and processing
    Evaluates your ability to accurately interpret prescriptions, enter medication orders, and handle administrative pharmacy tasks.

How to qualify for the PTCE in Mississippi

To qualify for the PTCE, you must either complete a PTCB-recognized training program or have equivalent work experience in a pharmacy setting. 

PTCB-recognized programs are designed to meet rigorous national standards and ensure students gain the practical knowledge needed to succeed on the exam and in real-world practice. 

Where to find a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician training program in Mississippi

Mississippi students have several options for completing PTCB-recognized training:
  • In-person training: Some community colleges and vocational schools in Mississippi offer pharmacy technician programs with classroom instruction and hands-on lab components.
  • Online training: Flexible and affordable online options, such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course from Pharmacy Technician Academy, allow you to study from home at your own pace. Online programs are ideal for students balancing work, school, or family responsibilities.

Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is fully PTCB-recognized and designed to help you pass the PTCE on your first attempt. With interactive lessons, real-world examples, and built-in practice exams, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to excel without the high cost or rigid schedule of traditional in-person programs.

How to become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) in Mississippi

Earning your PTCB certification can open doors to better job opportunities, higher starting pay, and faster career growth. 

Here’s the step-by-step process to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in Mississippi.
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Step 1: Enroll in a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician training program

To become eligible for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or qualify through approved work experience.
Training options available in Mississippi include:
  • In-person programs: Offered by select community colleges and vocational schools.
  • Online programs: Flexible, self-paced options like the 1st Pass CPhT Course allow you to study from home and prepare for certification on your own schedule.

Step 2: Pass the PTCB certification exam (PTCE)

Once you’ve completed your training, you can register for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) directly through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) website.
Exam details:

Step 3: Apply for your Mississippi pharmacy technician registration

All pharmacy technicians working in Mississippi must be registered with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.
Application process:

Step 4: Start your career as a certified pharmacy technician in Mississippi

After you’ve registered with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and earned your CPhT credential, you’ll be a strong candidate for pharmacy positions across the state. Employers in retail, hospital, long-term care, and mail-order pharmacies often prefer, and in some cases require, technicians who are nationally certified.

Holding both state registration and national certification demonstrates that you’re fully prepared to contribute from day one. It shows employers that you can work confidently, take initiative, and continue to grow within the pharmacy profession.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a pharmacy technician in Mississippi

Do you need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Mississippi?

Yes. Anyone working as a pharmacy technician in Mississippi must be registered with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy before beginning employment.  Registration requires completing the application and passing a criminal background check.

How do I apply for a Mississippi pharmacy technician license?

You must submit the Pharmacy Technician Registration Application through the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy’s online licensure gateway. For 2025, the application fee is $50. You’ll also need to complete a criminal background check ($40). Once approved, you’ll receive your registration certificate and can begin working in a licensed pharmacy.

Do pharmacy technicians in Mississippi need to be certified?

No. The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy does not require national certification to register as a pharmacy technician. However, certification is legally required to work in certain pharmacy settings, such as remote dispensing facilities, where pharmacists supervise operations electronically.

Even outside of those settings, becoming certified can lead to higher pay, greater job security, and more career opportunities across retail, hospital, and specialty pharmacy environments.

What is the fastest way to become a certified pharmacy technician in Mississippi?

The quickest path is to complete a PTCB-recognized training program such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course, pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), and register with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy. This combination of national certification and state registration makes you job-ready and highly competitive.

Where can I find a PTCB-recognized training program in Mississippi?

You can choose from in-person programs offered by community colleges and vocational schools or online programs like the 1st Pass CPhT Course from Pharmacy Technician Academy. Online options are ideal for students who want flexibility and self-paced learning while preparing for the PTCB exam.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Mississippi is a smart and rewarding career choice, and the best way to stand out in today’s job market is by earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.


Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is designed to help you succeed from day one:

  • PTCB-recognized, meeting the highest national training standards
  • Focused on exam success, with lessons built to help you pass the PTCE on your first attempt
  • 100% online and self-paced, so you can study anytime, anywhere
  • More affordable, costing a fraction of traditional classroom programs

Whether you’re beginning your first healthcare job, returning to the workforce, or advancing your current pharmacy role, our program gives you the knowledge, confidence, and support to reach your goals.


Enroll in the 1st Pass CPhT Course today and take the first step toward becoming a registered and certified pharmacy technician in Mississippi.

Continue learning 

Explore the articles below to learn more about the pharmacy technician career.