West Virginia Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia

Step-by-step guide to training, certification, and licensing under West Virginia’s 2025 pharmacy technician requirements.
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Becoming a pharmacy technician is an excellent way to begin a career in healthcare. Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and are an important part of the healthcare team. They help prepare and dispense prescriptions, process insurance claims, and ensure the pharmacy runs smoothly day to day.

If you want to work as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia, you’ll need to obtain a license from the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. West Virginia has some of the most specific licensing requirements in the country. To qualify, you must complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program and earn national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying organization.

WV Board of Pharmacy
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In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get licensed. You’ll learn:
  • What training and certification requirements are mandated by the state
  • The different paths available for completing these requirements
  • How to meet all of the requirements without spending a fortune on college tuition

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of West Virginia pharmacy technician license requirements
  2. Understanding training and certification requirements
  3. Fastest and most affordable path to getting licensed
  4. Step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in West Virginia
  5. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

West Virginia pharmacy technician license requirements

To work as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia, you must obtain a pharmacy technician license from the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Here's an overview of the requirements you'll need to meet:
  • Application process
    • You must submit a pharmacy technician license application to the Board of Pharmacy.
    • Applications must include a 3X4 head and shoulders photo. 
    • Applications can be submitted online or by mail using the paper form available on the Board’s website.
  • Education requirements
    • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • West Virginia does not have a minimum age requirement for pharmacy technicians.
    • Applicants under 18 are eligible for licensure as long as they’ve already graduated from high school or earned a GED.
  • Training requirement
    • All applicants must complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program.
    • All approved programs must include an in-person training component. This may take the form of a structured externship or employer-based on-the-job (OTJ) training.
    • Because of this in-person requirement, fully online training programs are not eligible for Board approval.
    • Important: If you are located in West Virginia, our fully online training program does not meet the state’s training requirement on its own. To qualify for licensure, you must also complete a WV Board-approved program that includes in-person training.
  • National certification requirement
    • After completing an approved training program, you must earn national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying organization approved by the Board.
    • You must obtain this certification within 90 days of completing your training.
    • If you do not pass the exam within this 90-day window, you cannot work in a pharmacy until you pass.
For the most current information, visit the WV Board of Pharmacy pharmacy technician requirements page.

West Virginia pharmacy technician training and certification requirements

The West Virginia Board of Pharmacy has strict training and certification requirements for pharmacy technicians.
Unlike many other states, completing a PTCB-recognized course and earning PTCB certification alone is not enough to meet the state’s requirements.

Approved training options

To qualify for registration as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia, you must complete a training program that is specifically approved by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
  • All approved programs must include an in-person training component.
  • This requirement can be met by completing a formal program with an externship or by participating in an approved on-the-job (OTJ) training program through your employer.

A complete list of approved training programs is available on the WV Board of Pharmacy website. Always verify that a training program is on the Board’s approved list before enrolling.

National certification requirement

After completing your training, you must pass a national certification exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying body approved by the WV Board of Pharmacy.

The PTCB is the most widely recognized certification provider in the U.S., established in 1995 to promote medication safety and support the pharmacy profession. Its certification has become the industry standard and is recognized by employers and pharmacy boards nationwide, including West Virginia.

Once you complete a Board-approved training program, you’ll have 90 days to take and pass the certification exam.
If you do not pass within this time frame, you will not be permitted to work in a pharmacy until you successfully pass the exam.

How to become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia without college tuition

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If you’re looking for the most efficient and cost-effective way to start your pharmacy career in West Virginia, completing an employer-based, on-the-job training program is often the best route. These programs are approved by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy, allow you to earn income while you learn, and eliminate the need to pay tuition.

Instead of enrolling in a college or vocational school, you can gain hands-on experience by working directly in a pharmacy under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Once you complete the employer’s approved training program, you’ll meet the state’s training requirement for licensure, all while getting paid.

The first step is to register as a pharmacy technician trainee with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. After that, you can begin applying to pharmacies that offer Board-approved on-the-job training programs.

Give yourself an edge with certification

While on-the-job training is a great option, these positions can be highly competitive, especially for those without prior pharmacy experience. Many employers prefer candidates who already have some training or certification, as it shows initiative and reduces the time needed for onboarding.

That’s where earning your PTCB certification first can give you a significant advantage.

Certification is a required step for licensure in West Virginia anyway. You’ll need to pass the PTCB exam within 90 days of completing your training, so getting certified early allows you to check off that requirement ahead of time and makes your application stand out to employers.

Being certified demonstrates that you’re knowledgeable, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one. It can help you get hired faster, reduce the amount of training you’ll need, and may even lead to a higher starting wage.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy can help

If you’re having difficulty finding a position at pharmacy that offers employer-based training, completing a PTCB-recognized program like our 1st Pass CPhT Course can help open doors.

Our course is:
  • Fully online and self-paced
  • PTCB-recognized, preparing you to pass the national certification exam
  • Designed for beginners, no prior pharmacy experience required
Although our course does not meet West Virginia’s training requirement on its own, it shows employers that you’re serious about the profession and already have a solid foundation. Submitting your PTCB certification and a 1st Pass CPhT Course Certificate of Completion can help set your job application apart and make you a more attractive candidate for competitive on-the-job programs.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a certified pharmacy technician in West Virginia

Here’s a common pathway that many of our students have followed to become certified pharmacy technicians in West Virginia.
  • Step 1: Complete a PTCB-Recognized Course
    • Completing a PTCB-recognized course allows you to take the certification exam even if you do not have any pharmacy experience.
    • PTCB-recognized courses can be taken fully online through providers like the Pharmacy Technician Academy or found in-person at community colleges or vocational schools.
  • Step 2: Pass the PTCB certification exam
  • Step 3: Apply for a pharmacy technician trainee license
    • Next, apply for your trainee license through the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. 
    • The trainee application is available on the Board’s website and can be completed online.
    • You’ll need this license to begin working and complete your on-the-job training.
  • Step 4: Get hired at a pharmacy with an approved on-the-job training program
    • Look for employers who offer Board-approved on-the-job training programs.
    • A full list of approved programs is available on the Board’s website.
    • Be sure to include your PTCB certification and your 1st Pass CPhT Course Certificate of Completion when applying. This will make your application stand out and shows employers that you’re already trained and ready to contribute from day one.
  • Step 5: Upgrade to a full pharmacy technician license
    • After you’ve completed your employer’s approved training program, you’re ready to apply for your full pharmacy technician license.
    • Since you’re already PTCB-certified, you’ll meet all requirements.
    • The application can be found on the Board's website.
Note: If you’re able to secure a trainee position at a pharmacy that offers a Board-approved on-the-job training program without first earring your CPhT credential, you can follow an alternative path:
Start at Step 4, then complete Step 3, Step 2, and finally Step 5.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes. In West Virginia, you must be licensed by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to work as a pharmacy technician. This includes trainee roles, so you’ll need to apply for a pharmacy technician trainee license before beginning any on-the-job training.

What are the requirements to get licensed as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia?

To get licensed, you must:
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete a WV Board-approved pharmacy technician training program
  • Pass a national certification exam (e.g., the PTCB exam) within 90 days of completing your training
  • Submit a license application to the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy

What’s the fastest and cheapest way to get licensed in West Virginia?

The most affordable and efficient path is to:
  1. Register as a pharmacy technician trainee
  2. Get hired at a pharmacy that offers a Board-approved on-the-job training program
  3. Earn your PTCB certification
  4. Apply for your full pharmacy technician license
This route allows you to earn while you train and avoid paying traditional college tuition. However, these positions can be competitive, so obtaining your certification first may give you a hiring advantage.

Is national certification required in West Virginia?

Yes. After completing your Board-approved training program, you must pass a national certification exam, such as the one offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). You must pass the exam within 90 days of completing your training, or you will not be allowed to work in a pharmacy until you do.

Can I complete my training online?

Not entirely. West Virginia requires that all approved training programs include an in-person component (either through a formal externship or an approved on-the-job training program at a pharmacy).

Fully online programs do not meet this requirement on their own. However, completing a PTCB-recognized online program can help you prepare for the certification exam and make your application more competitive when applying for a trainee position.

Should I get certified before applying to jobs?

It’s not required before applying, but it’s highly recommended.
Certification is a required step for licensure in West Virginia, so you’ll need to pass the exam eventually. Earning your PTCB certification early can help your application stand out, especially in competitive markets. It shows employers that you’re already prepared, motivated, and will need less training.

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