Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania

A complete guide to Pennsylvania pharmacy technician licensing requirements. Learn how to apply with the Pensylvania Board of Pharmacy, earn your CPhT certification, and begin a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.
If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand the Pennsylvania pharmacy technician license requirements that recently took effect. 

As of June 28, 2025, the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy requires all pharmacy technicians to register with the state before working in a pharmacy. Prior to this date, the Board only issued licenses to pharmacists and pharmacy interns, but under the updated regulations, technicians must also complete the registration process.

To qualify, applicants must finish a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program, meet education standards, and pass both a state and federal criminal background check.

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This guide will provide a step-by-step explanation of PA pharmacy tech requirements, including eligibility criteria, application instructions, background check details, and renewal timelines. Whether you are just starting your healthcare career, relocating and wondering how to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, or seeking career advancement through certification, this resource will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully register as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

  1. Licensing requirements
  2. Pennsylvania pharmacy technician training requirements explained
  3. Understanding PTCB certification
  4. Step-by-step guide to getting licensed in Pennsylvania
  5. A guide for high school students
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

Pennsylvania pharmacy technician license requirements

If you want to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you must be registered with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy. Beginning June 28, 2025, all pharmacy technicians are required to hold either a pharmacy technician registration or a pharmacy technician trainee registration before working in a pharmacy.

Below is a step-by-step overview of the PA pharmacy tech requirements you’ll need to meet.
  • Application and fee
    • You'll need to submit your online pharmacy technician registration application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
    • Pharmacy technician application fee: $30 
    • Pharmacy technician trainee application fee: $15
    • If upgrading from trainee to full technician, an additional $15 conversion fee applies.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • To apply for a pharmacy technician license in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 17 years old.
    • Individuals who are 16 years old may apply for a pharmacy technician trainee license.
  • Education requirements
    • To become a registered Pennsylvania pharmacy technician, you must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.  
    • High school students who are at least 16 years old can qualify for the trainee license, allowing them to gain valuable pharmacy experience before graduation.
  • Complete an approved training program
    • You must successfully complete a pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy.
  • Child abuse recognition and reporting training
    • Under Pennsylvania law (23 Pa.C.S. § 6383(b)(3)(i)), pharmacy technicians are required to complete at least 3 hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting.
    • This training must be completed as part of the application process and is required for both trainee and full technician registrations.
  • Criminal background check
    • All new applicants for health care practitioner licenses must obtain a fingerprint-based FBI background check for review as part of your application.  
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Pennsylvania pharmacy technician trainee license

The pharmacy technician trainee license is designed for individuals who are just beginning their careers or high school students seeking healthcare experience. It allows you to begin working in a pharmacy while completing your training and education requirements.

Important notes about the trainee license:
  • Available to applicants who are at least 16 years old
  • Requires a criminal history background check
  • Requires at least 3 hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting
  • Application fee: $15 (plus $15 conversion fee when upgrading to full registration)
  • You can only apply for this registration once. It cannot be renewed.

Under this registration, trainees are expected to finish their approved training program and complete high school if still enrolled. While working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, trainees may perform the same duties as fully registered pharmacy technicians.

You can find the official list of requirements for registration in Pennsylvania Rules and Regulations Title 49 PA. Code Ch 27.

Pennsylvania pharmacy technician training requirements explained

Working as a pharmacy technician requires a strong foundation in medications, pharmacy law, prescription processing, and patient safety procedures. To ensure that all pharmacy technicians are properly trained, the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy now requires completion of a formal pharmacy technician training program. These updated standards went into effect on June 28, 2025, and apply to anyone seeking a Pennsylvania pharmacy technician license moving forward.

There are several pathways to meet this requirement, each with unique advantages and considerations.

Option 1: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) recognized program

The most common way to meet Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirements is by completing a PTCB-recognized training program. These programs are reviewed and approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to ensure they meet national standards for technician education.

In addition to meeting Pennsylvania's licensing requirements, this pathway makes you eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. While certification is not required in Pennsylvania, holding the CPhT can give you a significant career advantage.

Benefits of this pathway:

  • Fastest and most affordable training option
  • Many programs can be completed fully online with flexible schedules
  • No unpaid externship required
  • Recognized nationwide by pharmacies and healthcare employers
  • Qualifies you for the PTCE and the CPhT credential (optional to obtain a license but required for many jobs)

Option 2: ASHP or college-based pharmacy technician programs

Another way to meet the Pennsylvania pharmacy technician training requirement is by completing a formal program through an accredited college or training provider, such as:

These programs are a good choice for students who prefer structured, classroom-based instruction and may be pursuing broader academic goals.

Important considerations:

  • These programs usually take 12–24 months to complete
  • They require an in-person externship
  • Can cost significantly more than online PTCB-recognized options (often several thousand dollars)

Option 3: U.S. military pharmacy technician training

If you received pharmacy technician training through the U.S. Armed Forces, you may meet Pennsylvania’s training requirement by submitting documentation (such as a DD214 form) showing successful completion of a military pharmacy technician program.

Military pharmacy training is comprehensive, highly respected, and usually included as part of military service. This pathway is especially valuable for individuals planning to continue their pharmacy careers within the military healthcare system or federal service.

Understanding PTCB certification in Pennsylvania

To work as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you now must register with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and complete a Board-approved training program. National certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is not required, but it can give you an important edge in your career.

Earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential demonstrates that you have the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to succeed in any pharmacy setting. Many employers (especially hospitals and specialty pharmacies) prefer or require certification, and certified technicians often enjoy higher pay and more opportunities for advancement.

What is the PTCB?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the leading national organization for pharmacy technician credentialing in the United States. Established by major pharmacy associations such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the PTCB’s mission is to advance medication safety and ensure technicians meet high standards of knowledge and competency.

Earning the CPhT credential shows that you can:
  • Support pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications
  • Follow pharmacy laws and regulations
  • Maintain patient safety and quality assurance
  • Perform administrative and technical tasks in a pharmacy setting

How do you become certified?

To earn the CPhT credential, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The exam covers:
  • Medications and drug classifications
  • Pharmacy laws and regulations
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
  • Prescription order entry and processing

While certification is optional in Pennsylvania, completing a PTCB-recognized training program has two major benefits:
  • Meets Pennsylvania’s licensing requirement – so you can register and begin working legally as a pharmacy technician.
  • Qualifies you to sit for the PTCE – giving you the option to become nationally certified if you choose.
This dual benefit makes PTCB-recognized training programs, such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course, the best choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania. You’ll satisfy state requirements and be fully prepared to take the certification exam if you want to advance your career.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania

To begin working as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you must first obtain a state pharmacy technician license through the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy. The guide below walks you through each step of the process.
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Step 1: Meet the basic eligibility requirements

Before applying, make sure you:
  • Are at least 17 years old (or 16 if applying for a pharmacy technician trainee license)
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent (trainees may still be in high school)

Step 2: Complete a Board-approved training program

All applicants must complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program before registering. Options include:
  • PTCB-recognized training programs (such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course)
  • ASHP-accredited programs through colleges or vocational schools
  • Military pharmacy technician training through the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Other programs specifically approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy

Step 3: Complete child abuse recognition and reporting training

Pennsylvania law requires all pharmacy technicians to complete at least 3 hours of state-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting.

Step 4: Complete your background check

Pennsylvania requires all applicants to pass a state and federal criminal background check.
  • Fingerprinting appointments are scheduled through IdentoGO and typically take about 10 minutes
  • Processing times vary, but most applicants are cleared within 5–7 business days

Step 5: Submit your application and pay the fee

Applications must be submitted online through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
  • Pharmacy technician application fee: $30
  • Pharmacy technician trainee application fee: $15
  • In this step, you’ll need to upload required documents such as proof of education, verification of your pharmacy technician training, and your child abuse training certificate.

Step 6: Start your pharmacy technician career

Once you are registered (and certified, if you choose), you are ready to begin your career as a licensed pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania. Common employment settings include:
  • Retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, and independent pharmacies)
  • Hospital and health-system pharmacies (UPMC, Penn Medicine, Geisinger, etc.)
  • Mail-order, specialty, and long-term care pharmacies
Certification can also open the door to advanced roles in sterile compounding, medication history, and pharmacy management.

How high school students can become pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania

If you’re a high school student in Pennsylvania interested in a healthcare career, becoming a pharmacy technician is an excellent way to gain experience. Working part-time in a pharmacy allows you to develop valuable job skills and build connections with healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, and doctors. These relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities and strong letters of recommendation for college or scholarship applications.

It’s also a great way to explore careers in pharmacy, nursing, medicine, or other healthcare fields while you’re still in school.
High school teen working in a pharmacy.

Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician trainee license

The Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy allows students as young as 16 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician trainee license. This makes it possible to:
  • Work in a pharmacy while still enrolled in high school
  • Gain practical experience before graduation
  • Earn an income while building your healthcare resume
The trainee license is valid for up to two years and is not renewable. During this time, students are expected to complete their training and education requirements and prepare to transition to full registration.

Earning PTCB certification as a high school student

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) does not require a minimum age or high school diploma to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This means motivated students in Pennsylvania can also earn their CPhT credential before they graduate high school.

Becoming nationally certified in high school shows initiative, focus, and discipline. These are qualities that stand out on college applications, scholarship essays, and job interviews. Whether you’re interested in pharmacy school, a nursing program, or a pre-med track, holding the CPhT credential gives you a competitive advantage.

How to get started as a high school student in Pennsylvania

Some Pennsylvania high schools offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that include pharmacy technician training. If your school offers this, it’s a great place to begin.

If your school doesn’t have a pharmacy technician program, you still have options:
  • You can enroll independently in a PTCB-recognized online training program such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course. Our course is affordable, flexible, and designed to fit around your school schedule.
  • Talk to your guidance counselor about being sponsored to take a PTCB-recognized course. Many high schools without a formal pharmacy curriculum have sponsored students in enrolling in our online training program.
If you’d like assistance in starting that conversation, we can reach out to your school on your behalf. Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll provide them with the details they need.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania

Do you need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania?

Yes. As of June 28, 2025, all pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy before they can begin working. Prior to this date, only pharmacists and pharmacy interns were licensed by the Board.

What are the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania?

To qualify for registration, you must:
  • Be at least 17 years old (16 if applying for a trainee license)
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent (trainees may still be in high school)
  • Complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program
  • Complete 3 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting training
  • Pass a state and federal criminal background check
  • Submit an application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and pay the required fee

Do you need national certification to work as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania?

No. The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy does not require national certification to work as a pharmacy technician. However, earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can provide major career advantages. Certification can lead to higher pay, more job opportunities, and easier license transfer if you move to another state where it is mandatory.

Can high school students work as pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Students who are at least 16 years old can apply for a trainee license and begin gaining pharmacy experience while still in high school. They may also sit for the PTCE exam and earn the CPhT credential before graduation.

What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacy technician trainee in Pennsylvania?

  • A pharmacy technician trainee license is available to students as young as 16 who are still completing their education or training. It is valid for up to two years and cannot be renewed.
  • A pharmacy technician registration is the full license, available to applicants 17 and older who have met all training and education requirements.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania?

The timeline depends on the training path you choose:
  • Online PTCB-recognized training programs may be completed in as little as a few months.
  • College or ASHP-accredited programs often take 12–24 months.
Once you complete the training and other requirements, the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy generally issues licenses fairly quickly. You can begin working soon after your application is approved.

Ready to Get Started?

The fastest and most affordable way to meet the Pennsylvania pharmacy technician training requirement is through our 1st Pass CPhT Course.

  • PTCB-recognized, meeting both Pennsylvania’s licensing requirements and national standards
  • Designed to prepare you for success in real-world pharmacy practice
  • 100% online and flexible, so you can train on your schedule
  • More affordable than traditional classroom programs

Enroll in the 1st Pass CPhT Course today and take the fastest path to becoming a licensed pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania.

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