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How to become a pharmacy technician in Colorado. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. Formal training program required. Total initial fees: $57. 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.
76% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Certification
Credential Type
Yes
National Cert Required
Yes
Formal Program Required
$57
Total Initial Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
Biennial
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Certification
Official Title
Certified Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Colorado Board of Pharmacy (DORA)
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
Certification Deadline
PTCB certification required since March 30, 2020; must be certified before practice (provisional cert available up to 18 months)
On-the-Job Training Alternative
Formal program or certification required
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
PTCB course/program required
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee State certification fee paid to DORA | $57 |
Registration Fee Included in application/certification fee | $57 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB (required for Colorado certification) | $129 |
Total Initial Fees $57 state certification fee (excludes PTCB exam fee of $129) | $57 |
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
$57
Biennial renewal; relies on PTCB maintenance (20 CE hours) rather than separate state CE requirement
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.
Colorado requires PTCB certification (not ExCPT) before practice, offers a provisional cert up to 18 months, has one of the highest technician-to-pharmacist ratios nationwide (6:1 standard, 8:1 central fill), and has no separate state CE -- relying entirely on PTCB maintenance.
PTCB certification required before practice since March 30, 2020
Provisional certification available for up to 18 months while completing PTCB requirements
6:1 technician-to-pharmacist ratio (8:1 for central fill) -- among the highest in the nation
No separate state CE requirement; relies on PTCB recertification maintenance (20 CE hours biennially)
Immunization administration allowed with 4-hour accredited training and physician authorization
ExCPT is NOT accepted; only PTCE/PTCB certification recognized
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#6 of 51
Cost
#13 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$44,680
25th percentile
Median
$48,070
+11% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$54,870
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,120 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+216% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$48,070
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$48,070
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$151,680
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: Colorado Board of Pharmacy (DORA) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Colorado Board of Pharmacy (DORA) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Colorado requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Colorado Board of Pharmacy (DORA).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.