Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician

Two Different Pharmacy Technician Licenses

There are two levels of licenses per the Certification Board: the Trainee License and the Full License. Below are the steps on how to get each type of pharmacy technician license:

• Pharmacy Technician Trainee License is required for our students to practice during their externships. To obtain a trainee license, you’ll apply at the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy with your U.S. birth certificate and high school diploma or GED. The fee is $46 for a 2-year license. This step should must be completed prior to your externship.
• Pharmacy Technician Full License is achieved by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). While going through this process, some graduates may work under a Trainee License. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) administers this exam and issues the certification. When you submit an application for certified licensure, you will be required by law to show proof of your PTCB certification.

Both your Certified License and PTCB certification must be renewed every 2 years. Before renewing your certification and applying for a renewed license, you must successfully complete 20 hours of continuing education. Of course, the process of how to become a certified pharmacy technician first starts with completing a training program and an externship where you get to work alongside a pharmacist and gain first-hand experience in the pharmacy field.