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How to become a pharmacy technician in Arkansas. National certification not required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $105. 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
$105
Total Initial Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
Biennial
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registration
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Arkansas 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
Not required; recommended but optional
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
No formal program required; OJT is the primary pathway
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee paid to Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy | $70 |
Registration Fee Included in application fee | $70 |
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 State and federal fingerprint background check (live scan only since 2021, Act 630) | $35 |
Total Initial Fees $70 application + ~$35 background check (excludes optional national exam fees) | $105 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified0
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
Biennial
Renewal Period
No State CE Requirement
Renewal Fee
$70
Biennial renewal; NO state CE required
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.
Arkansas has no state CE requirement for renewal, requires live scan fingerprinting only (no paper cards since Act 630 in 2021), offers a dual application pathway (expedited/standard), and allows technician vaccine administration to patients as young as age 3.
No state CE required for renewal, one of the few states with zero CE mandate
Live scan fingerprinting only since 2021 (Act 630); paper fingerprint cards no longer accepted
Dual application pathway available: expedited and standard processing
Immunization authority extends to patients age 3 and older, delegated by pharmacist
National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) recommended but not required
OJT is the primary training pathway; no formal program needed
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#50 of 51
Cost
#27 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$34,180
25th percentile
Median
$37,380
-14% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$42,920
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,740 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+259% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$37,380
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$37,380
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$134,230
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: Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Arkansas does not require national certification to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.