State requirements

Washington State Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in the state of Washington.
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Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
Washington State

Washington requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the state board of pharmacy. Requirements for registration include:
  • Submit an application and pay the registration fee.
  • Submit a social security number
  • Pass the PTCB certification exam or become certified through another board-approved certifying agency.
  • Complete a Washington State Board of Pharmacy approved pharmacy technician training program. See below.

Washington State Board of Pharmacy Approved Technician Training Programs

The Washington Board of Pharmacy has very specific training requirements for pharmacy technicians. Unlike most other states, a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification alone does not meet the education requirements in Washington. In order to get a pharmacy technician license, you will need to complete a board-approved program and obtain a PTCB certification.

1st Pass CPhT Course by Pharmacy Technician Academy does NOT meet Washington State's pharmacy technician training requirements. If you are in Washington, and want to register as a pharmacy technician for the first time, you must complete a Washington-approved training program.

For a list of Washington State-approved programs, visit the Washington Board of Pharmacy website.
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Already took a Washington State-approved course but still feel unprepared?

If you completed a Washington-approved training program, but still feel unprepared to take the PTCB exam, then the 1st Pass CPhT course is the perfect choice for you. 

See below for PTCB certification requirements and the benefits of the 1st Pass CPhT Course.

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