State requirements

Texas Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

Texas requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the Texas Board of Pharmacy. 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 have to be upgraded to pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements

All individuals looking to practice as a pharmacy technician in Texas must obtain a pharmacy technician license from the state. Applicants must:
  • Submit an online application and licensing fee. The application can be found here. For 2024, the registration fee is $84.
  • Be currently attending high school, have a high school diploma, or GED
  • Submit demographic information, including a valid social security number
  • Submit to a criminal background check and pay the associated fee. Information regarding the background check process can be found here. The background check fee is less than $50.
  • Obtain a PTCB certification or another Board-approved national certification. See below.

Pharmacy Technician-in-Training Registration Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a pharmacy technician trainee license are similar to those of pharmacy technician, with the notable difference being that technicians-in-training do not need to provide a copy of a PTCB certificate to the Texas Board of Pharmacy. A pharmacy technician-in-training license is granted for a period of up to two-years and cannot be renewed. To continue working in a pharmacy you will need to become PTCB certified and upgrade your license to "pharmacy technician". Steps to upgrading your license can be found here. Complete this step AFTER getting you PTCB certification.
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Official requirements for registering as a pharmacy technician can be found in Chapter 297.3 of Texas Administrative Rules.

Additional Benefits of a PTCB Certification

There are additional benefits to certification and it is recommended that all individuals become certified as soon as possible. These benefits include:

Get a higher salary

Employers know that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility. This translates to a significantly higher salary.

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.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas

The fastest and most cost-effective method of meeting the Texas 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

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