State requirements

North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in North Carolina.
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Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
North Carolina

North Carolina requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. In order to get licensed, applicants must:
  • Submit an online license application and pay a registration fee. For 2025, the fee is $30.
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent or be currently in a program that awards a high school diploma.
  • Be employed by a licensed North Carolina pharmacy.
  • Successfully complete pharmacy technician certification/training requirements. See below.

North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements

The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy requires that all technicians have basic competency in pharmacy. The Board gives individuals two options to obtain this competency:

Option 1: Obtain a PTCB Certification

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) meets the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy technician education requirements. This pathway involves:

  1. Completing a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Passing the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submitting your PTCB certificate with your pharmacy technician application.

This is the preferred method. Besides qualifying you to register as a pharmacy technician, a PTCB certification has several other advantages. If a career in pharmacy is something you desire, you should strongly consider becoming certified.

Certified pharmacy technicians can expect to:

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 are more discerning when it comes to hiring. Certification opens doors to more attractive job opportunities.

Option 2: Complete a training program approved by the pharmacy manager.

The contents of this training vary depending on each individual pharmacy manager and practice setting type. But it should include basic information such as pharmacy terminology, pharmacy calculations, dispensing systems and labeling requirements, pharmacy laws
and regulations, record keeping and documentation, and the proper handling and storage of medications.

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