Loading...
Loading...
How to become a pharmacy technician in Iowa. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $149. Verified 2026-03-01. Data verified 2026-03-01. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pharmacy Technician
Most information on this page has been verified.
86% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Registered
Credential Type
Yes
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$149
Total Initial Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
Biennial for CPhT; Trainee registration is 1 year, non-renewable
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Pharmacy Technician Trainee (initial) and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy (DIAL)
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
Must obtain PTCE or ExCPT within 1 year of Trainee registration; must maintain active certification
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
No formal program required; on-the-job training during Trainee period
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Trainee registration fee paid to Iowa Board of Pharmacy | $20 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Total Initial Fees $20 Trainee registration + $129 PTCE exam fee | $149 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified0
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
Biennial for CPhT; Trainee registration is 1 year, non-renewable
Renewal Period
No State CE Requirement
Renewal Fee
$40
CPhT biennial renewal fee; 1 hour immunization CE if administering vaccines
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.
Iowa does not require a high school diploma or GED for pharmacy technician registration. Technicians must register BEFORE beginning employment. The two-tier system (Trainee 1-year non-renewable / CPhT) requires national certification within 1 year. No state CE is required. TCT is available in community pharmacy settings.
Iowa does not require a high school diploma or GED
Technicians must register with the Board BEFORE beginning employment
Two-tier system: Pharmacy Technician Trainee (1 year, non-renewable) and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
No state-mandated continuing education (1 hour immunization CE required only if administering vaccines)
Technician Checking Technician (TCT) role available in community pharmacy settings
No fixed general technician-to-pharmacist ratio; 3:1 limit for checking technicians
Must maintain active national certification after obtaining CPhT status
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Iowa.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#29 of 51
Cost
#32 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$37,240
25th percentile
Median
$41,380
-5% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$47,230
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,480 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+222% salary growth potential
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
$41,380
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$41,380
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$133,220
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: Iowa Board of Pharmacy (DIAL) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Iowa Board of Pharmacy (DIAL) — 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.
Iowa requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Pharmacy Technician Trainee (initial) and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). All licensing is managed through the Iowa Board of Pharmacy (DIAL).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.