Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Requirements

How to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island

Your complete 2025 guide to getting licensed, certified, and job-ready as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island. Learn the difference between Pharmacy Technician I and II, discover the benefits of PTCB certification, and follow a simple step-by-step path to launch your pharmacy career.
Becoming a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island is an excellent way to begin a rewarding and stable career in healthcare. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in ensuring patients receive their medications safely and efficiently. Each day, they assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing prescriptions, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and supporting overall pharmacy operations.

In Rhode Island, all pharmacy technicians must be licensed by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. The state offers two license types: Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II. While both allow you to work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, earning national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) qualifies you for the Pharmacy Technician II license, which comes with higher pay, greater independence, and more job opportunities.

Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy
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In this Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide, we’ll explain the state’s license requirements, outline the differences between Technician I and II, discuss the benefits of PTCB certification, and provide a clear, step-by-step roadmap to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and launching your pharmacy career.

Table of contents

  1. Rhode Island pharmacy technician license requirements
  2. Pharmacy Technician I vs. Pharmacy Technician II in Rhode Island
  3. Benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) in Rhode Island
  4. PTCB certification exam overview and eligibility requirements
  5. Step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island
  6. Rhode Island pharmacy technician licensing FAQs

Rhode Island pharmacy technician license requirements

Rhode Island issues two types of pharmacy technician licenses: Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II. Both allow you to work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, but each has different requirements, levels of supervision, and responsibilities.

Understanding which license fits your situation is the first step toward starting your pharmacy technician career in Rhode Island.

Pharmacy Technician I license requirements

  • Application and fee
    • To apply for your Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician I license, you must submit the pharmacy technician license application to the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
    • The same form is used for both Pharmacy Technician I and II. You'll need to select the license type when completing the application.
    • Fee: As of 2025, the licensing fee is $25.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
    • High school students participating in school or community-sponsored career exploration programs are exempt from this age requirement and may register as Pharmacy Technician I even if under 18.
  • Education requirements
    • You must be a high school graduate or equivalent, or currently enrolled in a high school or GED program.
  • Criminal history requirements
    • Applicants must report any felony or misdemeanor convictions.
    • A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island. The Board reviews each case individually, considering the nature of the offense and evidence of rehabilitation.
  • Pharmacy technician training and certification
    • You must be currently enrolled in an employer-based pharmacy technician training program or another program approved by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
    • This means you generally need a pharmacy position already secured before applying for a pharmacy technician I license.

Pharmacy Technician II license requirements

  • Application and fee
    • To apply for your Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician II license, you’ll complete the same pharmacy technician license application and select “Technician II” as your license type.
    • Fee: As of 2025, the licensing fee is $25. 
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Education requirements
    • You must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
  • Criminal history requirements
    • Applicants must report any felony or misdemeanor convictions.
    • As with Technician I, a criminal record does not automatically prevent licensure. The Board of Pharmacy evaluates each case individually.
  • Pharmacy technician training and certification
    • To register as a Pharmacy Technician II, you must hold an active Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Training and certification explained

To register as a Pharmacy Technician I in Rhode Island, you must already be enrolled in a Board-approved or employer-based training program. In most cases, this means having a job offer or employment arranged before applying for your license. Because Pharmacy Technician I license holders have limited duties and must work under direct supervision, many pharmacies prefer to hire Pharmacy Technician II candidates who are already certified, making entry-level positions for non-certified technicians harder to find.

By earning your PTCB certification first, you can apply directly for the Pharmacy Technician II license. This pathway offers several key advantages:
  • You don’t need to secure employment before applying for your license.
  • You’ll qualify for more responsibilities and greater independence from day one.
  • Most employers prefer or require CPhT-certified applicants, giving you a clear hiring advantage.

For these reasons, most individuals in Rhode Island choose to become certified first before applying for their pharmacy technician license.

References:

Official Rhode Island pharmacy technician registration requirements can be found in 216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-40-15-1.12.

Differences between Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy defines two levels of pharmacy technician licensure: Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II. Both play important roles in helping pharmacists prepare and dispense medications, manage inventory, and serve patients.

However, earning national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and becoming licensed as a Pharmacy Technician II allows you to perform more advanced duties, work more independently, and qualify for a wider range of employment opportunities.

In most Rhode Island pharmacies, certified technicians are trusted with greater responsibility, while non-certified technicians must work under closer supervision. This difference often impacts hiring decisions, schedules, and workflow efficiency.

Below is a comparison of Pharmacy Technician I vs. Pharmacy Technician II duties in Rhode Island:

Pharmacy Technician I

  • Wear a badge displaying their name and the title “Pharmacy Technician”
  • Identify themselves as a “Pharmacy Technician” when interacting with patients or contacting doctors’ offices
  • Enter prescription data into the pharmacy computer system
  • Count, measure, and label medications
  • Request prescription refills
  • Accept prescription refill authorizations as long as nothing has changed on the prescription
  • Cannot accept new prescriptions from a prescriber
  • Cannot transfer prescriptions between pharmacies
  • Cannot administer vaccines
  • Cannot compound prescriptions
  • Cannot clarify prescription orders with a prescriber

Pharmacy Technician II

  • Wear a badge displaying their name and the title “Certified Pharmacy Technician”
  • Identify themselves as a “Certified Pharmacy Technician” when interacting with patients or contacting doctors’ offices
  • Enter prescription data into the pharmacy computer system
  • Count, measure, and label medications
  • Request prescription refills
  • Accept prescription refill authorizations whether or not the prescription has changed
  • May accept new prescriptions from a prescriber
  • May transfer prescriptions between pharmacies
  • May administer vaccines
  • May compound prescriptions
  • May clarify prescription orders with a prescriber

Rhode Island pharmacy technician supervision rules

In addition to differences in daily responsibilities, supervision requirements also set the two license types apart.
  • Pharmacy Technician I license holders must work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and may not remain in the pharmacy if the pharmacist is not present.
  • Pharmacy Technician II license holders, on the other hand, may be present in the pharmacy without a pharmacist physically present, allowing them to continue certain tasks like preparing medications or organizing inventory.
This distinction is very important and has major implications on pharmacy workflow. When the pharmacist steps away for a break or lunch, Pharmacy Technician I employees must leave the dispensing area, while Pharmacy Technician II staff can continue working.

Because of these differences in scope of practice and supervision, most Rhode Island pharmacies prefer to hire Pharmacy Technician II staff. Having certified technicians allows pharmacies to operate more efficiently by opening earlier, staying open during pharmacist breaks, and maintaining productivity after hours. 

References

The scope of practice for pharmacy technicians can be found in 216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-40-15-1.12.
HIGHER SALARY AND CAREER GROWTH

How PTCB certification benefits you

Earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential is one of the most valuable steps you can take in your pharmacy career. In Rhode Island, this certification not only qualifies you for the Pharmacy Technician II license, but it also gives you the professional credibility and career advantages that come with being nationally certified.

Earn higher pay 

Certified technicians are in greater demand, and employers recognize the added value they bring to the pharmacy. As a result, CPhTs in Rhode Island typically earn higher starting wages and receive more frequent raises than non-certified technicians. Certification can make you eligible for full-time roles and better benefit packages.

Take on more responsibility

Once you become a Pharmacy Technician II, you’ll have the ability to perform a wider range of tasks, from compounding prescriptions and administering vaccines, to assisting the pharmacist with more complex functions. You’ll be trusted to work more independently.

Stand out professionally

Having “Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)” on your badge shows patients, coworkers, and healthcare providers that you have the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to excel in your role.

Enjoy better scheduling flexibility 

Because certified technicians can remain in the pharmacy when the pharmacist is on break or performing other duties, they’re more valuable during all operating hours. This flexibility often translates to more stable schedules, consistent hours, and opportunities for preferred shifts.

Unlock better  job opportunities

With your CPhT credential, you qualify for positions in hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and major retail chains that require certification. Your application will stand out not only in Rhode Island but also nationwide, since the PTCB credential is recognized across all 50 states.

Build a pathway for career advancement

Certification isn’t just about getting a job, it’s about building a career. Many CPhTs go on to become lead technicians, inventory coordinators, sterile compounding technicians, or pharmacy operations managers. It also strengthens your resume if you later pursue pharmacy school, nursing, or other healthcare careers.

How to become PTCB certified in Rhode Island

If you want to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in Rhode Island, you’ll need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
The PTCB credential is the most widely recognized pharmacy technician certification in the United States and in Rhode Island, it’s required to qualify for the Pharmacy Technician II license.

What is the PTCB exam?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is a computer-based exam that measures your knowledge of essential pharmacy concepts. It includes 90 multiple-choice questions and lasts two hours. The exam is offered year-round and can be taken online or in person at approved testing centers.

The PTCE covers four key knowledge areas:
  • Medications
    Brand and generic names, drug classifications, common indications, storage, and dosage forms.
  • Pharmacy laws and regulations
    Federal pharmacy regulations, controlled substance requirements, professional standards, and compliance.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Strategies to prevent errors, ensure accuracy, and maintain patient safety.
  • Order entry and processing
     Reading prescriptions, performing calculations, and managing pharmacy workflow.

Eligibility requirements for the PTCE

To take the PTCB exam, you must meet one of the following eligibility pathways:
  1. PTCB-recognized training program
    The most common route and the fastest way to qualify. Completing a recognized program ensures you meet all national standards and gives you the practical knowledge and confidence needed to pass the exam.
  2. Gain 500 hours of work experience
    You may also qualify by completing at least 500 hours of supervised pharmacy technician experience in a licensed pharmacy. This option is best suited for individuals who are already employed in a pharmacy setting.

Why completing a recognized training program is the best option

Completing a PTCB-recognized education program prepares you for both the certification exam and real-world pharmacy work. You’ll learn how to:
  • Interpret prescriptions accurately
  • Understand drug names and classifications
  • Apply pharmacy laws and standards
  • Prevent medication errors
  • Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals
A recognized course also makes you immediately eligible to take the PTCE upon completion, saving you months compared to gaining work experience hours first.

PTCB-recognized training programs in Rhode Island

You can choose between in-person and online training options:
  • In-person training – Offered through community colleges or vocational schools, these can take 12–18 months to complete and often cost several thousand dollars.
  • Online training – Flexible, affordable, and self-paced options like the 1st Pass CPhT Course by Pharmacy Technician Academy allow you to study from home and prepare for the exam in as little as 8–12 weeks.
Our program is fully PTCB-recognized, meets all national requirements, and provides everything you need to pass the PTCE and qualify for your Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician II license.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island

If you want to work as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island, you’ll need to register with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
Below is the most efficient, step-by-step path to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and licensed Pharmacy Technician II in Rhode Island.
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Step 1: Complete a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician training program

The best place to start is with a PTCB-recognized education program, which fulfills the national training requirement to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Programs like the 1st Pass CPhT Course are fully online, self-paced, and typically completed in 2-3 months and give you both exam eligibility and a strong foundation for your pharmacy career.

Step 2: Pass the PTCB certification exam (PTCE)

After finishing your training, register for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
  • The PTCE costs $129 and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions.
  • You can take it at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through remote proctoring.
  • Passing earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, recognized nationwide and required to become a Pharmacy Technician II in Rhode Island.

Step 3: Apply for your Rhode Island pharmacy technician II license

Once you’ve earned your CPhT credential, submit your pharmacy technician license application to the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
  • You’ll use the same application form whether you’re applying for a Pharmacy Technician I or Pharmacy Technician II license, just select the correct license type when completing the application.
  • Pay the $25 registration fee (as of 2025). 
  • After approval, you’ll receive your Rhode Island pharmacy technician license number and may begin working immediately.

Step 4: Start your career as a certified pharmacy technician

With your CPhT certification and Pharmacy Technician II license, you’re ready to begin your pharmacy career. Highlight your certification and license in your job applications. It shows employers that you’re already trained and ready to take on advanced responsibilities from day one.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island?

Yes. All individuals who work in a pharmacy setting in Rhode Island must be licensed by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. There are two types of licenses: Pharmacy Technician I (non-certified) and Pharmacy Technician II (certified).

What is the difference between a Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II in Rhode Island?

The key difference is PTCB certification.
  • Pharmacy Technician I license holders are not certified, can perform limited duties, and must work under direct pharmacist supervision.
  • Pharmacy Technician II license holders are certified and may perform advanced duties such as compounding, accepting new prescriptions, and may continue working even when the pharmacist steps away.
Because of these advantages, most Rhode Island pharmacies prefer to hire Pharmacy Technician II staff.

How do I become eligible for the Pharmacy Technician II license?

To qualify for a Pharmacy Technician II license, you must first become PTCB certified by earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. You can do this by completing a PTCB-recognized training program, such as the 1st Pass CPhT Course, and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

How long does it take to become a certified pharmacy technician in Rhode Island?

The timeline depends on your training route. Most students who enroll in our PTCB-recognized online program can complete their training and pass the certification exam in 8–12 weeks. After certification, the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy issues pharmacy technician licenses fairly quickly. 

Do I need to go to school to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island?

You don’t need a college degree or formal education to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island. However, to qualify for the advanced Pharmacy Technician II license, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or have equivalent work experience and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Ready to get started?

The fastest and most affordable way to start your Rhode Island pharmacy technician career is with the 1st Pass CPhT Course. This PTCB-recognized online program gives you everything you need to pass the national certification exam and qualify for your Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician II license.

  • PTCB-recognized – Prepares you for national certification and supports Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy requirements.
  • Career-focused – Designed to build the knowledge and skills you’ll use every day in real-world pharmacy practice.
  • 100% online and flexible – Train anytime, anywhere, at your own pace.
  • Affordable – A fraction of the cost of traditional classroom programs.

Enroll today and take the quickest path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Rhode Island.

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