State requirements

South Dakota Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

South Dakota requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must obtain a license from the state Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of starting employment. The state recognizes two designations of the pharmacy technician role: Pharmacy Technician, and Pharmacy Technician-in-Training. The Pharmacy Technician-in-Training designation is a "trainee-type" designation and will eventually need to be upgraded to Pharmacy Technician. 

Pharmacy Technician-in-Training

The Pharmacy Technician-in-Training designation in South Dakota is a "trainee-type" designation. It is temporary, and must be upgraded to a Certified Pharmacy Technician designation within two years of initial registration. There are very few requirements to become a pharmacy technician-in-training. Applicants must:
  • Submit an online application and pay the registration fee. For 2024, the fee is $25.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be employed by a licensed pharmacy*
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*In South Dakota, you must find a job in a pharmacy before registering as a pharmacy technician. Once you find a job, you can begin working immediately, but you must register with the state within 30 days of starting employment. 

Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements

Within two years of registering as a Pharmacy Technician-in-Training all individuals must upgrade their registration to a Pharmacy Technician. In order to do that you must:
  • Obtain a national pharmacy technician certification (CPhT) from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). 

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota

The fastest and most cost effective method of meeting the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy pharmacy technician requirements:
  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit the PTCB Certificate to the Board of Pharmacy.
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For more information, visit the South Dakota Pharmacy Technician Requirements document found here.
For application assistance, visit the South Dakota Pharmacy Technician User Guide and New Application Instructions document found here.

Other Benefits of Certification

A PTCB certification is not required to begin working in a pharmacy in South Dakota, but you do have to become certified within two years of initially registering. Keep in mind that there are other benefits to a PTCB certification. Getting certified as soon as possible is recommended for most individuals. Benefits include:

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.

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