California Pharmacy Tech Requirements

Updated 11/9/22

There are a few different ways to become licensed in California as a Pharmacy Technician but there is one way that is much faster than the others, while also saving you time and money.

The best way to become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in California:

  1. Complete our PTCB-Recognized Course
  2. Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
  3. Submit an application with the California Board of Pharmacy with the following:
    • A copy of your PTCB Certificate (see application page 3, #6B)
    • $195 application fee
    • A 2×2 passport style photo
    • Your High School Diploma/Transcript/GED
    • A NPDB-HIPDB Self-Query Report
    • Fingerprint card via Live Scan with a Live Scan receipt
    • Complete 10 hours continuing education per renewal period

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Requirements:

Complete our PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or have over 500 hours of Pharmacy Technician experience. Complete the application process at PTCB.org and include, as part of the application process, pay the exam fee of $129.

Continuing Education Requirements:

  • All Continuing Education must be Tech-Specific
  • The PTCB Requires that you obtain 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) during 2 year re-certification cycle
  • PTCB Requirements: 1 hour must be in Pharmacy Law, and 1 hour in Patient Safety