State requirements

Oregon Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

All individuals looking to work in a pharmacy in Oregon need to be licensed with the Board of Pharmacy. Oregon has a two tier pharmacy technician licensing system. The state recognizes Pharmacy Technicians (PT) and Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technicians (COPT) as two separate roles. The requirements for the positions are similar, with the difference highlighted in bold.

How to Register as a Pharmacy Technician (PT)

To register as a pharmacy technician, an applicant must:
  • Submit an online application and pay a registration fee. For 2024, the fee is $100.
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Submit to a criminal background check and pay the required fee. For 2024, the fee is $46.25.
  • Personal identification document or proof of identity such as state-issued driver's license or a US passport. 
  • Submit a 2x2 inch passport-style photo taken within the past 6 months.
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How to Register as a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT)

To register as a certified pharmacy technician, an applicant must:
  • Submit an online application and pay a registration fee. For 2024, the fee is $100.
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Submit to a criminal background check and pay the required fee. For 2024, the fee is $46.25.
  • Personal identification document or proof of identity such as state-issued driver's license or a US passport. 
  • Submit a 2x2 inch passport-style photo taken within the past 6 months.
  • Submit a copy of a national certification obtained from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another board-approved agency.
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Official text on Pharmacy Technician (PT) and Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) licensing requirements can be found in the Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 855-025-0005.

Benefits of Certification

According to the Oregon Board of Pharmacy "the purpose of the Pharmacy Technician (PT) license is to provide an opportunity for an individual to obtain competency in the role as a Pharmacy Technician. This license will allow an individual time to take and pass a national pharmacy technician certification examination, which is required to be eligible for licensure as a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (CPT)." Certified pharmacy technicians typically:

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.
More information regarding the purpose of the Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Technician roles can be found on the Oregon Board of Pharmacy Division 25 Summary Page.

The Preferred Method of Becoming a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician

The fastest and most cost-effective method to become a Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician is to:

  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the national PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit your PTCB certificate along with your Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician (COPT) application.

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