State requirements

New Hampshire Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

New Hampshire requires that all individuals practicing in a pharmacy technician role must be licensed with the  Board of Pharmacy. The state recognizes two designations of the pharmacy technician role: Pharmacy Technician, and Certified Pharmacy Technician. These positions are very different. Before applying, you should take the time to understand the differences between the two positions. Registering for the wrong role will have a significant impact on what duties you can perform, and how much you get paid

Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements

The Pharmacy Technician designation in New Hampshire is a lower tier, entry level, pharmacy technician role. In order to register as a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire, applicants must:
  • Submit an application and licensing fee. For 2024, the application fee is $128.
  • Be 16 years old or older
  • Currently have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be working towards achieving a high school diploma or equivalent

Certified Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements

The differences in licensing requirements are highlighted in bold. Most individuals prefer to register under this title - see below.
  • Submit an application and pay a licensing fee. For 2024, the licensing fee is $128.
  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Currently have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Obtain a CPhT designation from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved organization.

Benefits of Certification

Below is a list of privileges that the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy grants to the two tiers of the pharmacy technician role.

Pharmacy Technician

  • Non-discretionary functions within the pharmacy concerning cashier, stocking, delivery, and other non-clinical functions necessary for pharmacy operation under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist or certified pharmacy technician
  • Performing the data entry of a prescription or medication order into the computer
  • The counting, weighing, measuring, pouring, and reconstitution of medications

Certified Pharmacy Technician

  • Any duty performed pharmacy technician, PLUS
  • Accept a new oral telephone orders
  • Accept an oral refill authorization
  • Communicate a prescription transfer for a non-control medication to or from another pharmacy
  • Clarification of an original prescription or drug order with a practitioner
  • The task of reducing to writing a prescription left on a recording or message line
  • Communicate orally or in writing, any medical, therapeutic, clinical, or drug information, or any information recorded on a patient profile that does not require professional judgment
  • Preparing or compounding sterile and non-sterile compounds
  • Verifying stock replenishment medications against the stocking/replenishment system
Although a PTCB certification is not required to work in a pharmacy in New Hampshire, the number of activities that can be done by a technician that is not certified is very limited. In practice, many pharmacies only hire certified pharmacy technicians, or pay significantly more to those who are certified.

By having a technician staff that is capable of assisting in more duties, the pharmacist's time is freed up for other activities. This is a great advantage to the pharmacy. This also means that PTCB certified pharmacy technicians are significantly more valuable than non-certified employees. As a more valuable employee, you can expect to:

Get a higher salary

Certified technicians can help the pharmacist with a lot more responsibilities, so in return they get paid significantly more.

Get hired more quickly

Certified technicians have a proven commitment to pharmacy. This sends a big signal to employers that you are dedicated and dependable.

Find a more desirable job

Pharmacies that prioritize employee wellbeing and good work environments only hire the best talent. Certification opens doors to more attractive job opportunities.

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in
New Hampshire

The fastest and most cost effective method of meeting the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy education requirements for certified technicians:
  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit the PTCB Certificate to the Board of Pharmacy
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Full details of requirements and privileges of the two technician roles can be found in Chapter 800 of the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy Regulations.

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