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How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas

A step-by-step guide to Texas licensing requirements, including training, certification, and registration with the Texas Board of Pharmacy.
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If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas, understanding the state’s licensing requirements is your first step. Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists to manage medications and improve patient health. Their key responsibilities include preparing prescriptions, handling insurance billing, and supporting daily pharmacy operations.

This guide outlines exactly what you’ll need to do to become licensed through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). We’ll cover the required training, explain how to earn your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and guide you through the background check and application process. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician in Texas.

Texas Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Before you can start working as a pharmacy technician in Texas, you must obtain a license from the Texas Board of Pharmacy. In order to register, you must meet the following requirements.
  • Application and fee
    • Submit a completed application to the Texas Board of Pharmacy.
    • Pay the application fee. For 2025, the application fee is $84. 
  • Criminal background check
    • Once you submit your application, you must complete a criminal background check and provide fingerprints through an approved vendor.
    • The Texas Board of Pharmacy will automatically send you an email with instructions on how to proceed once your application is submitted.
    • Fingerprinting requires a separate fee, which typically costs less than $50.
  • Educational requirement
    • You must have a high school diploma or GED to register as a pharmacy technician in Texas. If you haven’t earned one yet, you must be actively working toward completing it, and the Texas Board of Pharmacy gives you up to two years to do so.
    • If you’re still in high school, you can still register as a pharmacy technician and start gaining experience in the healthcare field. See below for more details on becoming a pharmacy technician while attending high school in Texas.
  • Age requirement
    • The Texas Board of Pharmacy does not list any age requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician.
  • Certification requirement
    • In order to register as a pharmacy technician, the Texas Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to demonstrate basic knowledge of medications and safe pharmacy practices.
    • To meet this requirement, you must earn certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another board-approved organization.

You can find the complete list of requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 22, Part 15, Chapter 297.
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY

Pharmacy Technician Trainee

A pharmacy technician trainee is an individual registered with the Texas Board of Pharmacy and authorized to participate in a pharmacy’s technician training program. This registration allows them to work in a pharmacy for up to two years while preparing for and passing a Board-approved pharmacy technician certification exam.
  • An individual can apply for pharmacy technician trainee registration only once. This registration cannot be renewed, extended, or transferred.
  • Once approved, this registration allows an individual to work in a pharmacy for up to two years.
  • During this period, they should be actively preparing for and passing a Board-approved pharmacy technician certification exam.
The pharmacy technician trainee position is an entry-level position that allows individuals to gain experience in a pharmacy without certification.

However, those who are PTCB certified should apply for a standard pharmacy technician license, as the trainee registration has certain drawbacks. Employers recognize that certified technicians bring more value to the pharmacy team and require less training which translates to higher starting salaries and access to better job opportunities for those fully licensed as pharmacy technicians.

Certification Requirements Explained

To become a pharmacy technician in Texas, the Texas Board of Pharmacy requires you to demonstrate a strong understanding of the role and its responsibilities. To meet this requirement, you must obtain a recognized pharmacy technician certification.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

What is a PTCB Certification?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. To earn certification, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the certification exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will fulfill the Texas Board of Pharmacy’s certification requirement for pharmacy technicians. Additionally, you will earn the CPhT credential (e.g., Taylor Jones, CPhT), which is highly respected by employers and healthcare professionals.

The certification exam assesses your knowledge in four key areas of pharmacy practice:
  • Medications
    You’ll need to demonstrate knowledge of drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, side effects, and proper storage requirements.
  • Pharmacy laws and requirements
    This section tests your understanding of pharmacy laws, regulations, and professional standards that govern pharmacy practice.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    You’ll be evaluated on best practices for preventing medication errors, ensuring accurate dispensing, and maintaining high safety and quality standards in pharmacy operations.
  • Order entry and processing
    This area assesses your ability to interpret prescriptions, accurately enter medication orders, and manage essential administrative tasks in a pharmacy setting.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas 

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas has never been more accessible. With the option to complete your training, certification exam, and license application entirely online, starting this rewarding career is now more convenient than ever.
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  • Complete a PTCB-Recognized Course (online or in-person)
    • If you have no prior pharmacy experience, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete an approved training program. 
    • These programs are available in person at community colleges or online through providers like Pharmacy Technician Academy.
  • Pass the PTCB Certification Exam (online or in-person)
  • Submit Your Online Application (online)
  • Complete a criminal background check (in-person)
    • Once your application is submitted, the Texas Board of Pharmacy will email you with instructions for completing a background check and obtaining fingerprinting through an approved vendor.
    • After your fingerprinting session, it may take up to 10 days for the results to be processed and sent to the Board.

Opportunities for High School Students Under 18

Working part-time as a pharmacy technician is an excellent way for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field. This role provides the opportunity to work alongside pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, offering valuable insight into potential career paths. Recognizing the importance of early exposure, the Texas Board of Pharmacy offers a pathway for high school students to enter the field.
If you’re currently in high school, you can apply for a pharmacy technician license through the Texas Board of Pharmacy. To qualify, you must be actively working toward a high school diploma or equivalent within a two-year period. This means students who have completed their sophomore year are eligible to apply, allowing them to gain practical healthcare experience before graduation.
For more information about pharmacy technician licensure, visit the initial application guide for pharmacy technicians on the Texas Board of Pharmacy website. You can also reach out to your high school guidance counselor for help getting started in the field. 

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve certification and succeed as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a recognized program by the PTCB and designed to thoroughly prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). 

By completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements to take the certification exam, even if you don’t have prior pharmacy experience. The course is structured to cover all the essential topics tested on the PTCE, including medication basics, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more—giving you the knowledge and confidence needed to pass on your first attempt. 

We’re here to support aspiring pharmacy technicians with everything they need to achieve certification and thrive in their careers.

Frequently asked questions

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

No, Texas does not require you to attend a formal school or earn an associate degree in pharmacy technology. To become a licensed pharmacy technician, the Texas Board of Pharmacy requires certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved organization. You can meet this requirement by completing a PTCB-recognized training program and passing the PTCB certification exam.

Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy tech?

Yes. To become a licensed pharmacy technician in Texas, you must obtain certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved organization. However, the Texas Board of Pharmacy offers a temporary registration option for individuals who are not yet certified. You can register as a pharmacy technician trainee and gain hands-on experience while working toward certification.

What is a Pharmacy Technician Trainee?

A pharmacy technician trainee is an entry-level registration status granted by the Texas Board of Pharmacy for individuals who have not yet earned pharmacy technician certification. This allows them to begin working in a pharmacy while working towards certification.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Texas?

The time required depends on the training path you choose. Traditional college programs may take a year or more, while many online programs can be completed in just a few weeks or months. Once you’ve fulfilled all requirements, the Texas Board of Pharmacy usually processes license applications fairly quickly.

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Texas?

Pharmacy technicians in Texas earn an average hourly wage of $20.67, though salaries can vary based on factors like experience, location, and workplace setting. For a detailed overview, check out our Texas Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook Report.

How old do you have to be to work as a pharmacy technician?

The Texas Board of Pharmacy does not set a minimum age requirement for obtaining a pharmacy technician license. As long as you meet the necessary eligibility criteria, you can register. This means high school students who are on track to graduate within two years are eligible to apply.

Take the Next Step

Helpful Reads

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 2025, 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.

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