State requirements

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

The State of Rhode Island requires that all individuals practicing in a pharmacy technician role must be licensed with the Board of Pharmacy. The state recognizes two tiers of the pharmacy technician role: Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II. These positions are very different. Before applying, take the time to understand the differences between them. Registering for the wrong role will have a significant impact on what duties you can perform, and how much you get paid.

Pharmacy Technician I Registration Requirements

The Pharmacy Technician I designation in Rhode Island is a lower tier, entry level, pharmacy technician role. In order to register as a Pharmacy Technician I in Rhode Island, applicants must:
  • Submit an application and licensing fee. For 2025, the application fee is $25.
  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Currently have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be working towards achieving a high school diploma or equivalent

Pharmacy Technician II Registration Requirements

The Pharmacy Technician II designation is the more advanced pharmacy technician tier. The differences in licensing requirements are highlighted in bold.
  • Submit an application and pay a licensing fee. For 2025, the application fee is $25.
  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Currently have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Obtain a CPhT designation from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved organization.

Benefits of a Pharmacy Technician II Designation

The list of allowed activities and privileges is significantly different between the two tiers.

Pharmacy Technician I Duties and Privileges

  • May only request refill authorizations from a prescriber and only if the request is recorded on the prescriber's voicemail system.

Pharmacy Technician II Duties and Privileges

  • Any duty performed pharmacy technician, PLUS
  • May request verbal refill authorizations from a prescriber
  • Transfer and receive new verbal prescriptions from a prescriber 
  • Receive verbal changes to a prescription from a prescriber's office
  • Provide immunizations
  • Perform non-sterile compounding
  • Perform sterile compounding
  • Clarify prescriptions and medication orders
  • May be present in the pharmacy when the pharmacy is closed for business and does not have a pharmacist on duty. Pharmacy Technician II can prepare medication orders and perform other administrative tasks during this time.
Due to these differences in scope of practice, many pharmacies only hire individuals licensed as Pharmacy Technician II. By having a technician staff that is capable of assisting in more duties, the pharmacist's time is freed up for other activities during hours when the pharmacy is open. Pharmacy technician II licensed staff is also able to perform many day-to-day activities before the pharmacy opens, when the pharmacist is at lunch, and after hours. 

There is a big advantage to the pharmacy to hire Pharmacy Technician II licensed staff. This also means that individuals licensed as Pharmacy Technician II are significantly more valuable and can expect to:

Get a higher salary

Pharmacy Technician II can help the pharmacist with a lot more responsibilities, so in return they get paid significantly more.

Get hired more quickly

Pharmacy Technicians II 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 only hire the best talent. Being licensed as a Pharmacy Technician II opens doors to more attractive job opportunities.

How to get licensed as a Pharmacy Technician II in
Rhode Island

The fastest and most cost-effective method of meeting the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy requirements for licensure as a Pharmacy Technician II:
  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the national PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit a copy of the PTCB Certificate along with the pharmacy technician application
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Full details of requirements and privileges of the two technician roles can be found in the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy Code of Regulations Section 1.12

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

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