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How to become a pharmacy technician in District of Columbia. National certification not required. Formal training program required. 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
Yes
Formal Program Required
$100
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
Biennial (February 28 odd years)
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registration
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the DC Board of Pharmacy (DC Health)
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; multiple registration pathways available
On-the-Job Training Alternative
Formal program or certification required
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved program required (following ASHP guidelines); no pure OJT pathway
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee paid to DC Health | $50 |
Registration Fee Included in application fee | $50 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB (optional; not required by DC); ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Background Check Fee Criminal background name search fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees $50 application + $50 background check (excludes optional national exam fees) | $100 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Cannot Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified20
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
Biennial (February 28 odd years)
Renewal Period
Continuing Education Required
Renewal Fee
$100
Biennial renewal total: $50 renewal fee + $50 background check (required at every renewal); 20 CE hours required (2 law, 2 medication safety, 2 LGBTQ cultural competency)
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.
DC is notable for requiring 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency CE per renewal, mandating a background check at every biennial renewal (not just initial), using a 'safe supervision' standard instead of a fixed ratio, and not authorizing technician immunization administration.
LGBTQ cultural competency CE (2 hours) required per renewal cycle -- unique among jurisdictions
Background check ($50 name search) required at EVERY renewal, not just initial application
No fixed technician-to-pharmacist ratio; uses 'safe supervision' standard
National certification not required; multiple registration pathways available
Immunization administration NOT specifically authorized for pharmacy technicians
Board-approved program required (ASHP guidelines); pure OJT not accepted
20 CE hours per biennium: 2 law, 2 medication safety, 2 LGBTQ cultural competency
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#14 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
$44,720
25th percentile
Median
$45,670
+5% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$56,680
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
950 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+210% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$45,670
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$45,670
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$141,560
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: DC Board of Pharmacy (DC Health) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: DC Board of Pharmacy (DC Health) — 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.
District of Columbia does not require national certification to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the DC Board of Pharmacy (DC Health).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.