Oregon Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Oregon

A step-by-step guide to meeting Oregon's pharmacy technician licensing requirements and starting your career.
If you’re thinking about a career as a pharmacy technician in Oregon, understanding the state’s licensing requirements is the first step. The Oregon Board of Pharmacy oversees pharmacy technician registration and certification, and you’ll need to meet specific requirements before you can start working in a pharmacy setting.

Oregon recognizes two types of pharmacy technicians: Pharmacy Technician (PT) and Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT). Each role has its own requirements and career benefits.

Whether you’re new to the field or ready to become certified, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including Oregon’s education and certification requirements, application steps, and how to move from a Pharmacy Technician (PT) to a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT).

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Oregon pharmacy technician requirements

To begin working as a pharmacy technician in Oregon, you must first register with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. The state recognizes two license types:
  • Pharmacy Technician (PT) – Entry-level registration for those new to the profession.
  • Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) – An advanced designation for technicians who have passed a national certification exam.

Each license type has different qualifications and opportunities for career growth.

Pharmacy Technician registration requirements

The Pharmacy Technician license is Oregon’s entry-level designation. To become registered, you must:
  • Submit an application and fee
    • Complete the Oregon pharmacy technician registration application.
    • All applications must be submitted online.
    • Application instructions can be found on the Oregon Board of Pharmacy website.
    • Pay the required application fee. As of 2026, the application fee is $70.
  • Undergo a national fingerprint background check
    • A background check is required for all applicants.
    • The fee is $45.
    • Having a prior offense does not automatically disqualify you. Cases are reviewed individually.
  • Provide required identification documents
    • Submit a copies of your Oregon-issued photo ID and your birth certificate
    • A 2x2" passport-style photo taken within the last six months.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Oregon requires that all pharmacy technicians be at least 18 years old.
  • Education requirements
    • All applicants must hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. 

Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) registration requirements

The Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) license is for pharmacy technicians who have passed a national certification exam and wish to advance in their careers. To become a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician, you must:
  • Meet all requirements listed above
    • To register as a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician, you must meet all requirements listed above.
  • Pass a national certification exam
  • Submit proof of certification
    • Upload a copy of your PTCB certification as part of your application.
For full application details and official requirements, visit the Oregon Board of Pharmacy’s Pharmacy Technician (PT) and Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) application instructions.

Why become a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT)?

Becoming a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) license can unlock significant career benefits. While the entry-level PT registration allows you to start working in a pharmacy, earning your COPT credential can help you stand out in a competitive job market and grow faster in your career.

Key benefits of COPT license

Higher earning potential

Certified pharmacy technicians earn more than their non-certified peers. Employers value the added knowledge, skills, and professionalism that come with certification.

Better job opportunities

Many pharmacies, especially those focused on quality care and employee development, prefer to hire certified technicians. COPT status can make you eligible for more desirable positions.

Increased job security

In competitive markets or healthcare systems where certification is required, COPT license holders are more likely to be prioritized for hiring and long-term positions.

Professional recognition

Holding a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician license shows that you’ve met national certification standards and demonstrates your competence to pharmacists, healthcare teams, and patients.
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Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

What is a PTCB certification?

To apply for your Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) license, you must provide proof of national certification with your application to the Oregon Board of Pharmacy.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a nationally recognized organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. If you’re new to the field and don’t have pharmacy experience, you’ll need to complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to earn your certification. Both the training and the exam are available online, making the process flexible and accessible.

Becoming PTCB certified not only qualifies you for Oregon’s COPT license—it also earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, a respected designation that is recognized by employers, healthcare professionals, and pharmacy boards across the country. This can be especially valuable if you plan to move or work in another state.

What’s on the PTCB certification exam?

The PTCE assesses your pharmacy knowledge across four key areas:
  • Medications
    Drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, common side effects, and proper storage.
  • Pharmacy laws and regulations
    Federal regulations, legal requirements, and standards that govern pharmacy practice.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Best practices for medication safety, error prevention, and maintaining a high standard of care.
  • Order entry and processing
    Read and interpret prescriptions, input medication orders, and carry out essential pharmacy tasks.

How to become a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician

Becoming a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) is now more accessible than ever. The primary difference between Oregon’s standard Pharmacy Technician (PT) license and the COPT license is earning a national certification—and with flexible online options, the process is both convenient and affordable.

Follow These 3 Steps to Become a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician:

Step 1: Complete a PTCB-recognized training program

If you’re new to the pharmacy field, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete a recognized training program before you can take the certification exam.
You have two options:
  • Enroll in an in-person program through a local community college
  • Choose a flexible and affordable online course from a PTCB-recognized training provider like Pharmacy Technician Academy

Step 2: Pass the PTCB certification exam (PTCE)

Once you complete your training, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
  • You’ll take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you, with over 1,400 locations nationwide.
  • Passing the PTCE earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. This is a nationally recognized certification that meets Oregon’s requirements for the COPT license.

Step 3: Apply for your COPT license

After earning your CPhT certification, you can apply for your Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician license through the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. Here’s what you’ll need to complete your application:
  • Submit your application online
  • Provide a valid government-issued photo ID and a recent passport-style photo
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Upload a copy of your PTCB certification

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.

The course is self-paced, fully online, and built to fit your schedule. You’ll learn everything tested on the PTCE, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, order processing, and patient safety. With clear instruction and real-world examples, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pass the exam on your first try.

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 Oregon?

No, a college degree or traditional classroom education is not required. However, if you don’t have prior pharmacy experience and want to become a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT), you’ll need to complete a PTCB-recognized training program before taking the certification exam.

Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician in Oregon?

No, you can start working as a pharmacy technician in Oregon with a standard Pharmacy Technician (PT) registration. However, earning national certification and applying for the Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) license allows you to take on more responsibilities and qualify for higher-paying roles.

What’s the difference between a Pharmacy Technician (PT) and a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT)?

The main difference is national certification. A PT is entry-level, while a COPT has passed a national certification exam like the PTCB exam and submitted proof to the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. Certified technicians often earn more and have access to better job opportunities.

How long does it take to become a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician?

It depends on the training path you choose. Self-paced, online PTCB-recognized programs can typically be completed in 2 to 3 months, while in-person options at community colleges may take longer. Once you meet the requirements and apply, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy generally processes applications quickly.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Oregon?

Pharmacy technician salaries in Oregon vary based on experience, certification, and location. On average, pharmacy technicians in Oregon earn around $21.92 per hour. Certified technicians typically earn significantly more. 

Is there a minimum age to become a pharmacy technician in Oregon?

Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to register as a pharmacy technician with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy.

Do I need a high school diploma to be a pharmacy technician in Oregon?

Yes. To register as a pharmacy technician in Oregon, you must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

However, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) does not require a diploma or minimum age to take the PTCE certification exam. This means high school students can complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the exam before graduation.

If you’re planning to pursue a healthcare career—such as becoming a pharmacist, physician, or nurse—earning your CPhT credential while still in high school is a great way to strengthen your college application. It also puts you on track to apply for Oregon’s COPT license as soon as you graduate.

Ready to get started?

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

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