New Mexico Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in New Mexico

Step-by-step guide to meeting New Mexico’s pharmacy technician licensing requirements and starting your healthcare career.
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Pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare system. They work alongside pharmacists and other healthcare providers and help in managing patient medications and promoting their health. In New Mexico, pharmacy technicians are employed in a variety of settings including retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and government healthcare institutions.

If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician, it’s important to understand the state’s certification and registration requirements. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know including required training, certification options, and how to register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.

New Mexico Board of Pharmacy
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New Mexico pharmacy technician requirements

Before you can start working as a pharmacy technician, you must register and obtain a license from the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. To qualify for registration, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.
  • Application and fee
    • Submit a completed application to the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. Applications can be submitted online or printed and mailed.
    • Pay the required application fee. As of 2026, the application fee is $25.
  • Certification requirement
    • Pharmacy technicians in New Mexico are required to obtain certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another state-approved organization. 
    • You may apply for a temporary registration without certification, but you must earn your PTCB certification within one year of receiving the temporary license.
  • Criminal background check
    • A criminal background check is not automatically required for pharmacy technician registration in New Mexico.
    • However, the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy reserves the right to conduct a background check on any applicant.
    • The application includes a declaration statement asking whether you have ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations). If you have, you must provide details and supporting documentation.
    • A prior offense does not automatically disqualify you. Each case is reviewed individually by the Board.
  • Education requirements
    • The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy does not require a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent to register as a pharmacy technician.
    • This allows individuals without a diploma or those still in high school to be eligible for registration.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • There is no specific minimum age listed for pharmacy technician registration in New Mexico.
    • This means individuals under 18 may be eligible, making it a great opportunity for those interested in getting early work experience in healthcare.
For the most up-to-date details and instructions, refer to the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy’s Pharmacy Technician Frequently Asked Questions document.

New Mexico pharmacy technician certification requirement

To work as a pharmacy technician in New Mexico, you must demonstrate your knowledge and competence by earning a nationally recognized certification. The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy requires certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another organization approved by the state.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

What is a PTCB Certification?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. To earn PTCB certification, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Passing the PTCE not only satisfies New Mexico’s certification requirement but also awards you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential—an industry-recognized title that demonstrates your professionalism and readiness to work in pharmacy settings.

What’s on the Certification Exam?

The PTCE tests your knowledge across four key areas of pharmacy practice:
  • Medications
    Covers drug classifications, brand and generic names, uses, side effects, and storage requirements.
  • Pharmacy laws and requirements
    Evaluates your understanding of federal and state laws, pharmacy standards, and legal responsibilities.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Focuses on safe medication practices, error prevention, and quality control procedures in pharmacy operations.
  • Order entry and processing
    Assesses your ability to read and interpret prescriptions, enter medication orders, and handle administrative pharmacy tasks accurately.
ALTERNATIVE entry-level PATHWAY

Temporary uncertified pharmacy technician registration

If you’re not yet certified by the PTCB you can still qualify for a temporary uncertified pharmacy technician registration. This pathway allows you to begin working in a pharmacy setting while gaining hands-on experience.

To apply, you’ll need to list the pharmacist or training sponsor who will be responsible for supervising your on-the-job education and training.

Key considerations

  • Time limit: Temporary registration is valid for up to one year. During this time, you are required to obtain PTCB certification. If you do not become certified within this period, you will no longer be eligible to work as a pharmacy technician.
  • Scope of duties: As an uncertified pharmacy technician, your responsibilities will be limited. For example:
    • You may not assist in preparing certain compounded medications.
    • You are not permitted to administer vaccines or immunizations.
  • Hiring preferences: Because uncertified technicians require more supervision and have restricted responsibilities, many employers prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians. Certified techs are often offered higher starting pay and are more competitive in the job market.
While the uncertified registration pathway can be a good option for individuals exploring a healthcare career, it’s important to weigh the limitations. With affordable, fully online PTCB training programs available most aspiring pharmacy technicians in New Mexico choose to become certified before applying.

How to become a certified pharmacy technician

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician in New Mexico is now more convenient than ever. With flexible online training programs, you can complete your education and apply for your license from the comfort of your home. Below is a step-by-step guide.
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  • Complete a PTCB-recognized course 
    • If you’re new to the pharmacy field, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete an approved training program before taking the certification exam.
    • You can choose from in-person programs at community colleges or convenient online pharmacy technician courses through providers like Pharmacy Technician Academy.
  • Pass the PTCB certification exam 
    • After completing your training, you’ll be eligible to take the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE).
    • You can schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center as soon as you finish your training.
    • Passing the PTCE earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. This is a nationally recognized certification that qualifies you to register as a certified pharmacy technician in New Mexico.
  • Submit your online application 
    • Once you have earned your CPhT credential you can apply for your New Mexico certified pharmacy technician license through the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy’s online application portal.

Pharmacy technician opportunities for high school students under 18

Working part-time as a pharmacy technician is a great way for high school students to gain early, hands-on experience in the healthcare field. This role offers the chance to work alongside pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals and gives you a first look at possible career paths in medicine and pharmacy.

Recognizing the value of early exposure to healthcare careers, the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy provides a pathway for high school students to enter the profession.

No age or diploma requirement

The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy does not require a high school diploma or a minimum age to register as a pharmacy technician. Similarly, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) does not impose age or education restrictions, making it possible for motivated students ages 16 or 17 to begin working in the field.

This early experience not only helps build valuable professional skills but also gives students a clearer sense of whether a career in healthcare is the right fit for them.
To learn more, visit the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy website or talk to your high school guidance counselor. Some schools may even offer scholarships for pharmacy technician training, which could cover the full cost of your training program.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy can help

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve certification and succeed as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a recognized program by the PTCB and designed to thoroughly prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). 

By completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements to take the certification exam, even if you don’t have prior pharmacy experience. The course is structured to cover all the essential topics tested on the PTCE, including medication basics, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more, giving you the knowledge and confidence needed to pass on your first attempt. 

We’re here to support aspiring pharmacy technicians with everything they need to achieve certification and thrive in their careers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to go to school to become a pharmacy technician in New Mexico?

No, New Mexico does not require you to attend a formal school or earn a degree to become a pharmacy technician. However, you must earn a certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved organization.

You can meet this requirement by completing a PTCB-recognized training program, such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course, and passing the PTCB certification exam.

Is certification required to work as a pharmacy technician in New Mexico?

Yes. Certification is required to work as a pharmacy technician in New Mexico. The most widely accepted certification is through the PTCB.

The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy does allow you to work under a temporary registration without certification, but there are limitations on the tasks you can perform. You must become certified within one year to maintain your license.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in New Mexico?

The timeline depends on the type of training you choose.
  • Traditional classroom programs may take up to a year to complete.
  • Online, self-paced courses (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course)can be completed in a few weeks to a few months.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in New Mexico?

Pharmacy technicians in New Mexico earn an average hourly wage of $21.86, though actual pay can vary based on certification status, experience, and location. For more detailed information, check out our New Mexico Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook Report.

How old do you have to be to become a pharmacy technician in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy does not list a minimum age requirement for registration. This means individuals who are 16 or 17 years old may be eligible to apply, as long as they meet all other requirements.

Can I work as a pharmacy technician while still in high school in New Mexico?

Yes. New Mexico does not require a high school diploma or minimum age to become a licensed pharmacy technician. As long as you complete a recognized training program and get certified, you may be eligible to work in a pharmacy even while still in high school.

Ready to get started?

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

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