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How to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. Formal training program required. Total initial fees: $174. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. 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
License (2-tier: Trainee + License)
Credential Type
Yes
National Cert Required
Yes
Formal Program Required
$174
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
Biennial (October 31)
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
License (2-tier: Trainee + License)
Official Title
Licensed Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy
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
Required for full licensure; must pass PTCE or ExCPT before advancing from Trainee to Licensed status
On-the-Job Training Alternative
Formal program or certification required
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-prescribed training program required
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee License application fee; Trainee application is $25 | $82 |
Registration Fee Included in application fee for full licensure | $82 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB (required for full licensure); ExCPT exam fee is $115 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Background Check Fee Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by DPS; valid for 6 years | $67 |
Total Initial Fees $25 Trainee + $82 License + $67 Fingerprint Clearance Card (excludes national exam fees) | $174 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified20
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
Biennial (October 31)
Renewal Period
Continuing Education Required
Renewal Fee
$72
Biennial renewal; 20 CE hours required (1 law, 1 patient safety, 3 opioid, 2 immunization, 2 telepharmacy)
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.
Arizona uses a 2-tier system (Trainee/Licensed) requiring national certification for full licensure, a unique Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card valid for 6 years ($67), notarized application with passport photo, and very specific CE topic mandates including opioid, immunization, and telepharmacy hours.
Two-tier system: Pharmacy Technician Trainee and Licensed Pharmacy Technician
Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card required ($67, valid for 6 years) issued by Department of Public Safety
Application must be notarized and include a passport-style photo
National certification (PTCE or ExCPT) is REQUIRED for full licensure
Very specific CE topic requirements: 1 law, 1 patient safety, 3 opioid, 2 immunization, 2 telepharmacy
English proficiency required in addition to standard education requirements
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#7 of 51
Cost
#44 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$39,870
25th percentile
Median
$47,620
+10% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$50,100
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,260 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+190% salary growth potential
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
$47,620
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$47,620
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$138,080
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: Arizona State Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arizona State Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Arizona requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Licensed Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.