How to Get a Pharmacy Technician License in Your State
How to get a pharmacy technician license: General process
Pharmacy technician license requirements by state
Because every state sets its own rules for pharmacy technician licensing and registration, it’s important to know exactly what your state requires. To make things simple, we’ve created comprehensive state-by-state pharmacy technician licensing guides.
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- Alabama Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Alaska Pharmacy Technician Registration Guide
- Arizona Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
- Arkansas Pharmacy Technician License Process
- California Pharmacy Technician License & Registration Guide
- Colorado Pharmacy Technician Licensing Requirements
- Connecticut Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
- Delaware Pharmacy Technician License Application Guide
- District of Columbia Pharmacy Technician Licensing Requirements
- Florida Pharmacy Technician Certification & License Requirements
- Georgia Pharmacy Technician License Process
- Hawaii Pharmacy Technician License & Registration Guide
- Idaho Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Illinois Pharmacy Technician Registration Process
- Indiana Pharmacy Technician Licensing Requirements
- Iowa Pharmacy Technician License & Training Requirements
- Kansas Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
- Kentucky Pharmacy Technician License Application Guide
- Louisiana Pharmacy Technician License & Certification Guide
- Maine Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
- Maryland Pharmacy Technician Registration & Training Guide
- Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Michigan Pharmacy Technician Licensing Process
- Minnesota Pharmacy Technician Registration Guide
- Mississippi Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Missouri Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
- Montana Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Nebraska Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
- Nevada Pharmacy Technician License & Certification Requirements
- New Hampshire Pharmacy Technician License Process
- New Jersey Pharmacy Technician Registration Guide
- New Mexico Pharmacy Technician Licensing Requirements
- New York Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
- North Carolina Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- North Dakota Pharmacy Technician Registration Guide
- Ohio Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
- Oklahoma Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Oregon Pharmacy Technician Registration & Certification Guide
- Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician License Application Process
- Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Licensing Requirements
- South Dakota Pharmacy Technician Registration Guide
- Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Texas Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
- Utah Pharmacy Technician Licensing Process
- Vermont Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
- Virginia Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
- Washington State Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
- West Virginia Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
- Wisconsin Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
- Wyoming Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
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Frequently asked questions
Do all states require a pharmacy technician license?
Nearly every state requires pharmacy technicians to obtain a license or registration through their State Board of Pharmacy. A few states allow limited on-the-job training before registration, but most require you to be licensed or registered before working in a pharmacy.
What is the difference between pharmacy technician registration and certification?
Registration or licensing is handled by your state’s Board of Pharmacy and gives you legal permission to work as a pharmacy technician. Certification is a national credential (such as the PTCB’s Certified Pharmacy Technician, CPhT) that proves you have passed a competency exam. Some states require certification as part of the licensing process, while others only require registration.
How do I apply for a pharmacy technician license in my state?
The application process varies by state but usually includes:
How long does it take to get a pharmacy technician license?
In most states, the process takes a few weeks to a few months depending on training, certification, and background check timelines. States that require national certification may take longer, since you must pass the exam first.
Can I transfer my pharmacy technician license to another state?
Pharmacy technician licenses are issued at the state level and generally cannot be transferred. If you move, you must apply for a new license or registration in your new state. However, holding a national certification (CPhT) often makes it easier to meet licensing requirements when relocating.
Is pharmacy technician certification required in every state?
No. Some states only require registration or licensure without certification. However, many states do require certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Even in states where it’s optional, becoming certified can increase job opportunities and pay.