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How to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama. National certification not required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $100. Verified 2026-03-01. Data verified 2026-03-01. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pharmacy Technician
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
79% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Registration
Credential Type
No
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$100
Total Initial Fees
6 hrs
CE Hours
Biennial (December 31 odd years)
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registration
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy (ALBOP)
Minimum Age
Education Level
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Drug Screening
Immunization Requirements
Pharmacist supervision required
YesTechnician-to-Pharmacist Ratio
National Certification Required
Accepted Certification Exams
PTCE
from PTCB · $129
ExCPT
from NHA
Certification Deadline
Not required; PTCE or ExCPT recognized but optional; passing either counts as training completion
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved program within 6 months of registration; no ASHP accreditation required
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Registration fee paid to ALBOP | $60 |
Registration Fee Registration fee paid to Alabama State Board of Pharmacy | $60 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB (optional; not required by state); ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Background Check Fee Criminal background check fee | $40 |
Total Initial Fees $60 registration + $40 background check (excludes optional national exam fees) | $100 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified6
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
Biennial (December 31 odd years)
Renewal Period
Continuing Education Required
Renewal Fee
$60
Biennial renewal fee; 6 CE hours required (2 must be live)
Regulatory Board
PTCB recertification requires 20 CE hours per 2-year cycle, including 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour of patient safety. State CE requirements may overlap with PTCB requirements.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PTCB Certification Transfers
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require pharmacy technicians to apply for a new credential in the destination state, even if they hold national certification. Requirements vary by state.
Alabama is notable for allowing registration at age 17 without a high school diploma, a tiered technician-to-pharmacist ratio (2:1 base up to 4:1 with certified techs), and immunization authority with only a 2-hour ACPE training plus CPR.
Minimum age is 17 with no high school diploma requirement, one of the lowest entry barriers nationwide
National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) is NOT required but recognized as completing training pathway
Tiered technician-to-pharmacist ratio rewards certified technicians (2:1 base, up to 4:1 with certified techs)
Immunization administration allowed with 2-hour ACPE-accredited training and current CPR certification
6 CE hours per biennium required (2 must be live/in-person)
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#47 of 51
Cost
#24 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$35,780
25th percentile
Median
$37,690
-13% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$43,820
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
8,710 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Pharmacy Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.7%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+12,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
46,200
per year (avg.)
461,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Pharmacy Career Ladder+255% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$37,690
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$37,690
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$133,930
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 32–62 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Alabama State Board of Pharmacy (ALBOP) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Alabama State Board of Pharmacy (ALBOP) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Alabama does not require national certification to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy (ALBOP).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.