Texas Pharmacy Tech Registration Requirements

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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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. If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas, understanding the state’s licensing requirements is your first step.

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 2026, 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 after 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 role designed for individuals who wish to gain hands-on pharmacy experience prior to certification.

However, if you’re already certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), you should apply directly for a standard pharmacy technician license, as trainee registration comes with certain limitations. On average, pharmacy technician trainees earn significantly less than fully licensed technicians. Employers typically prefer fully licensed and certified pharmacy technicians because they require less on-the-job training and immediately add greater value to the pharmacy team. As a result, certified technicians usually receive higher starting salaries and have access to better career opportunities.

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 Get a Pharmacy Technician License 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 (in-person)
    • After completing a PTCB-recognized training program, you will be eligible to sit for the PTCB certification exam.
    • The PTCE is currently administered in person only at Pearson VUE testing centers. There are more than 1,400 Pearson VUE locations nationwide.
    • You can find an exam location by visiting the PTCB portal on the Pearson VUE website and selecting “Find a test center”
    • As part of our course, Pharmacy Technician Academy guides you step by step through the PTCB exam registration and scheduling process, so you know exactly what to do and when to do it.
  • 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, such as 1st Pass CPhT Course, 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 self-paced 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.

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