State requirements

New Mexico Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

New Mexico requires that all pharmacy technicians must become licensed with the  Board of Pharmacy. The state only has a couple of requirements for licensure. In order to register as a pharmacy technician in New Mexico, applicants must:
  • Submit an application and pay an application fee. Applications can be done online or in print. For 2025, the application fee is $25.
  • Obtain a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification within 1 year of becoming licensed.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements in
New Mexico

A PTCB certification is not required to begin working in a pharmacy in New Mexico. However, you do have to become certified within one year of getting a New Mexico license. There are other benefits to a PTCB certification. Getting certified as soon as possible is recommended for most individuals. Benefits include:

Get a higher salary

Certified technicians get paid significantly more. Employers know that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility. 

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 Mexico

The fastest and most cost-effective method of meeting the New Mexico 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 Section 16.19.22.14 of New Mexico State Records.
The official New Mexico Board of Pharmacy frequently asked questions for pharmacy technicians document 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