North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in North Carolina
A clear, step-by-step guide to meeting North Carolina's pharmacy technician licensing requirements.
North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Requirements
Certified vs. Non-Certified Pharmacy Technicians in North Carolina
Pharmacist-to-Technician Ratio in North Carolina
Validating Pharmacy Technicians
Why Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina
Earning your certification as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina opens the door to greater responsibilities, higher pay, and expanded career opportunities. Below is the fastest and most efficient path to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
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How High School Students Can Become Pharmacy Technicians in North Carolina
No Age or Diploma Requirement
How PTCB Certification Can Strengthen College Applications
How to Get Started
Some high schools in North Carolina may offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs or scholarship opportunities to help cover the cost of pharmacy technician training. Even if your school doesn’t have a formal program, you can still begin on your own.
Many students have successfully completed our self-paced, online pharmacy technician course while balancing school and extracurriculars. With 24/7 access, you can study at your own pace—after school, on weekends, or during school breaks.
To get started:
To get started:
- Talk to your high school guidance counselor about available resources
- Enroll in a PTCB-recognized training program like the 1st Pass CPhT Course to start preparing for your certification exam
How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed
At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re committed to helping you earn your certification and launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program specifically designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you have no prior pharmacy experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to go to school to become a pharmacy technician in North Carolina?
No college degree or traditional classroom program is required. However, to become a certified pharmacy technician, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program. If you’re not seeking certification, you can still become registered by completing on-the-job training under the supervision of a pharmacist at your place of employment.
Is certification required to work as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina?
Certification is not required to register and work as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina. However, non-certified technicians must be employed in a pharmacy that provides an on-site training program, and their supervising pharmacist must notify the Board. Certified technicians can register without being employed and are eligible for expanded responsibilities and higher pay.
What’s the difference between being certified and non-certified in North Carolina?
Certified pharmacy technicians have passed the PTCB exam and can perform additional duties, such as transferring prescriptions and accepting faxed or electronic orders. They can also be supervised in greater numbers, making them more valuable to employers.
Non-certified technicians have a more limited scope of practice and must be employed in a pharmacy with a training program to be eligible for registration.
How much do pharmacy technicians earn in North Carolina?
Pharmacy technicians in Maryland earn an average hourly wage of $21.58, but pay can increase based on experience, certification, and location. For instance, experienced and certified individuals in the 90th percentile earn on average $28.60 per hour. For more information, visit our Maryland Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook Report.
How old do you have to be to become a pharmacy technician in Maryland?
You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Maryland.
Can I work as a pharmacy technician while still in high school in Maryland?
Yes. As long as you’re at least 17 years old and currently enrolled in high school, you’re eligible to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Maryland. Many high school students have successfully completed our self-paced online course while still in school.
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Helpful Reads
State requirements
North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Requirements
Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in North Carolina.
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:
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Submit an online license application and pay a registration fee. For 2025, the fee is $30.
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Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent or be currently in a program that awards a high school diploma.
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Be employed by a licensed North Carolina pharmacy.
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Successfully complete pharmacy technician certification/training requirements. See below.
North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements
Option 1: Obtain a PTCB Certification
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.
PTCB Certification Requirements
To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
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.
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.
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
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Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study.
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Certified technicians are offered significantly higher starting wages. Working 500+ hours without being certified can cost you thousands of dollars.
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Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
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Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts.
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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.