Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Licensing & Certification Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Tennessee

Your complete guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in Tennessee, including state license requirements, PTCB certification, training options, and Tennessee Board of Pharmacy registration.
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Becoming a pharmacy technician in Tennessee is a great way to start a rewarding career in healthcare. Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, and play an important role in ensuring patients receive their medications. Day to day, they help prepare and dispense prescriptions, process insurance claims, manage inventory, and keep the pharmacy running efficiently.

If you want to work as a licensed pharmacy technician in Tennessee, you must first register with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. The state recognizes two types of pharmacy technicians: certified and uncertified. Certified pharmacy technicians have earned a national PTCB certification (Certified Pharmacy Technician or CPhT), which allows them to take on additional responsibilities and exempts them from certain supervision limits that apply to uncertified technicians.

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In this Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide, we’ll explain the key differences between certified and uncertified pharmacy technicians, outline the Tennessee pharmacy technician license requirements, and walk you through the fastest path to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) so you can start your career as quickly as possible. 

Table of contents

  1. Overview of Tennessee pharmacy technician license requirements and registration process
  2. Differences between certified and uncertified pharmacy technicians in Tennessee
  3. Benefits of earning pharmacy technician certification in Tennessee
  4. Understanding the PTCB certification process
  5. Step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in Tennessee
  6. How high school students can become pharmacy technicians
  7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

If you want to work as a pharmacy technician in Tennessee, you must first be registered with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. This section outlines the state’s official license requirements for Tennessee pharmacy technicians, including fees, eligibility criteria, and application steps.
  • Application and fee
    • To apply for your Tennessee pharmacy technician license, you must complete the online registration application through the Tennessee Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS). Paper applications are not accepted.
    • As of 2025, the total Tennessee pharmacy technician license cost is $65. This includes a $55 application fee and a $10 peer assistance program fee.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • Tennessee has no minimum age requirement to register as a pharmacy technician. As long as you meet the other licensing criteria, you can apply at any age.
  • Education requirements
    • You do not need a high school diploma or GED to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Tennessee.
    • This flexibility allows high school students to apply for licensure and begin gaining real-world pharmacy experience before graduation.
  • Criminal background check
    • All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
    • As of 2025, fee is $37.15.
    • Instructions for completing the background check can be found on the Tennessee Department of Health website.
  • Declaration of Citizenship
    • In compliance with the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act, you must submit a Declaration of Citizenship form confirming that you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident authorized to work in the United States. 
    • This form is uploaded as part of your online application.
  • Pharmacy technician training and certification
    • Tennessee does not require formal training or national certification, such as the PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, for registration as an entry-level pharmacy technician. 
    • However, becoming certified offers several advantages:
      • Certified technicians can perform expanded duties under Tennessee law.
      • The pharmacist-to-technician supervision ratio limit does not apply to certified technicians.
    • Because of the many advantages certification offers, most Tennessee pharmacies prefer to hire, or offer higher pay to, certified technicians.

Difference Between Certified and Non-Certified Pharmacy Technicians in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians are clearly defined by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. While both certified and non-certified technicians support the daily operations of a pharmacy, earning a national PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential comes with significant advantages.

Certified pharmacy technicians in Tennessee are allowed to perform expanded duties, enjoy more career opportunities, and often earn higher salaries. They also help pharmacies improve workflow efficiency by bypassing the state’s pharmacist-to-technician supervision ratio limits.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of Tennessee certified vs. non-certified pharmacy technicians:

Pharmacy Technician

  • 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
  • Verify patient information and medication histories
  • Count, measure, and label medications
  • Cannot receive new verbal prescription orders
  • Cannot receive or transfer prescriptions between pharmacies
  • Cannot verify the contents of unit-dose carts or automated dispensing systems

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

  • 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
  • Verify patient information and medication histories
  • Count, measure, and label medications
  • Can receive new verbal prescription orders
  • Can receive and transfer prescriptions between pharmacies
  • Can verify the contents of unit-dose carts and automated dispensing systems

Pharmacist-to-Technician Ratio Rules in Tennessee

In addition to job duties, Tennessee law outlines specific supervision requirements based on a technician’s certification status:
  • A licensed pharmacist may supervise up to six (6) pharmacy technicians who are not certified.
  • However, when pharmacy technicians are certified, this limit is waived. A single pharmacist may supervise an unlimited number of certified pharmacy technicians.
This staffing flexibility is a major reason why many Tennessee pharmacies prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians.
The official definitions and scope of practice for Tennessee pharmacy technicians are detailed in Rules of the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, Chapter 1140‑02‑.02.
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Benefits of PTCB Certification for Tennessee Pharmacy Technicians

Earning your PTCB certification offers significant benefits for both your personal career growth and the pharmacy team you work with. In Tennessee, certified pharmacy technicians are authorized to take on additional responsibilities that improve pharmacy operations, reduce the workload for other team members, and allow pharmacists to focus more on clinical care.

Here’s why becoming certified is a smart step toward a successful pharmacy career:

  • Expanded scope of practice 
    Certified technicians in Tennessee are legally permitted to perform many tasks that non-certified technicians cannot. These added responsibilities make certified technicians more valuable and versatile on the job.
  • Higher salary potential 
    With increased responsibilities and staffing flexibility under Tennessee Board of Pharmacy rules, certified technicians often earn higher starting wages, receive larger raises, and enjoy greater job stability.
  • Better job opportunities 
    Most Tennessee pharmacies prefer or exclusively hire certified pharmacy technicians. Certification can give you a competitive edge during the hiring process.
  • Career advancement
    Certification opens doors to roles like lead pharmacy technician, inventory specialist, or sterile compounding technician. It also strengthens your application if you plan to attend pharmacy school or pursue other healthcare careers.
  • Professional recognition 
    In Tennessee, pharmacy technicians must identify whether they are certified when interacting with patients and healthcare providers. Having “Certified Pharmacy Technician” on your badge builds trust and credibility with both patients and coworkers.
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Tennessee is highly recommended. It increases your earning potential, expands your responsibilities, and makes you a stronger job candidate. Because certified technicians improve workflow and reduce staffing costs, many Tennessee pharmacies are willing to offer them higher pay and better schedules.

Understanding the Certification Process

To become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) in Tennessee, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This is the most widely recognized pharmacy technician certification in the United States and is accepted by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy.

About the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

The PTCE is a two-hour exam with 90 multiple-choice questions covering four key knowledge domains:
  • Medications
    Covers drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, common side effects, and proper storage guidelines.
  • Pharmacy laws and requirements
    Assesses knowledge of federal pharmacy laws, regulations, and professional standards.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Focuses on strategies to prevent medication errors, ensure accurate dispensing, and maintain high standards of patient care.
  • Order entry and processing
    Evaluates your ability to accurately interpret prescriptions, enter medication orders, and handle administrative pharmacy tasks.

What is a PTCB-recognized training program?

To qualify for the PTCE, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or have equivalent work experience. These programs meet strict national standards to ensure students are fully prepared for both the exam and real-world pharmacy work.

Completing a recognized program will give you the foundational knowledge, exam strategies, and confidence you need to succeed.

Where to find a PTCB-recognized course in Tennessee

PTCB-approved programs are available both in-person and online:
  • In-person training – Many community colleges, vocational schools, and some Tennessee high schools with CTE programs offer classroom-based programs that include hands-on learning.
  • Online training – Flexible, affordable options like our 1st Pass CPhT Course allow you to study at your own pace from home. This makes it easy to prepare for certification while balancing work, school, or family commitments.
Our Tennessee pharmacy technician training program is fully PTCB-recognized and designed to help you pass the PTCE on your first attempt, without the high cost of traditional in-person programs.

How to become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) in Tennessee

Earning your PTCB certification in Tennessee expands your scope of practice, increases your earning potential, and makes you a more competitive job candidate. Below is the fastest and most efficient step-by-step path to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in Tennessee.
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Step 1: Enroll in a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician training program

If you don’t already have qualifying pharmacy work experience, you’ll need to complete a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)-recognized training program to become exam-eligible. Options include:
  • In-person programs – Offered through Tennessee community colleges, career centers, and some high school CTE programs.
  • Online programs – Flexible, self-paced options such as our 1st Pass CPhT Course, which is fully PTCB-recognized and designed to prepare you for certification while fitting around your schedule.

Step 2: Pass the PTCB certification exam (PTCE)

Once you finish your training, you can register for the PTCE through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Step 3: Apply for your Tennessee pharmacy technician license

All pharmacy technicians (certified or uncertified) must be registered with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy before starting work. To apply, you’ll need to:

Step 4: Begin your career as a certified pharmacy technician

Once you’re licensed and certified, you can start applying for jobs in Tennessee pharmacies. In your applications and interviews, clearly highlight that you hold both your Tennessee pharmacy technician license and your PTCB certification. Employers place a high value on candidates who are already fully qualified, as it means you can step into the role with minimal additional training. This can make your application stand out, help you get interviews faster, and give you a higher starting wage.

How high school students can become pharmacy technicians in Tennessee

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

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

No age or diploma requirement in Tennessee

The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy does not require a high school diploma (or a minimum age) to register as a pharmacy technician. This means motivated students can begin working in a pharmacy while still in school, earning income and building a resume long before graduation.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) also has no minimum age or diploma requirement for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This means you could become a nationally certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) before you graduate high school.

How PTCB certification can make your college application stand out

Earning your PTCB certification in high school is an impressive accomplishment. It shows initiative, dedication, and the ability to meet professional standards. These are all qualities that college admissions officers look for. Whether you plan to apply to pharmacy school, a nursing program, or a pre-med track, the CPhT credential will give you a competitive edge.

You can also highlight your certification in college essays, interviews, and scholarship applications to demonstrate that you are focused, motivated, and already taking steps toward your healthcare career.

How to get started as a high school student in Tennessee

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

If your school doesn’t have a pharmacy program, you still have options. You can enroll on your own. Our course is affordable, flexible, and designed to fit around your school schedule. You can complete your PTCB-recognized training at your own pace while balancing classes and extracurricular activities.

Another option is to speak with your guidance counselor about being sponsored to enroll in a PTCB-recognized online training program. Many schools across Tennessee have sponsored students in our course, even without having a formal pharmacy curriculum in place. If you’d like help starting that conversation, we can reach out to your school on your behalf. Simply fill out the form below, and we will contact them with more information.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes. All pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy before starting work in a pharmacy. Without an active Tennessee pharmacy technician license, you cannot legally perform pharmacy technician duties in the state.

What is the difference between a certified and non-certified pharmacy technician in Tennessee?

A certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) has passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). In Tennessee, certified technicians can perform additional duties that uncertified technicians cannot, such as:
  • Transferring prescriptions between pharmacies
  • Receiving new verbal prescription orders from prescribers
  • Verifying the contents of automated dispensing systems
Certified technicians are also not counted toward the state’s pharmacist-to-technician ratio limit, making them more valuable to employers.

How old do you have to be to register as a pharmacy technician in Tennessee?

There is no minimum age requirement for Tennessee pharmacy technician registration. As long as you meet the application requirements, you can apply at any age. The PTCB also has no minimum age requirement, meaning you can become a CPhT even before turning 18.

Can you work as a pharmacy technician while still in high school in Tennessee?

Yes. The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy does not require a high school diploma or GED for registration, and the PTCB does not require one for certification. This allows motivated high school students to gain valuable healthcare experience while earning income and building a professional resume.

Should I get certified before applying for pharmacy technician jobs?

Certification is not required before applying for jobs in Tennessee, but it’s highly recommended. Certified pharmacy technicians can take on more responsibilities and are exempt from supervision ratio limits. Certification lets your job application stand out and helps you get higher starting wages. Many Tennessee pharmacies prefer (or even require) CPhTs when hiring.

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

No. Tennessee does not require a degree or the completion of a formal school program to register as a pharmacy technician. However, enrolling in a PTCB-recognized training program is strongly recommended. It qualifies you for certification, teaches the necessary pharmacy skills, and makes you more competitive in the job market. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed recognized training and hold the CPhT credential.

Ready to Get Started?

Enroll today and start your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Tennessee.

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