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How to become a pharmacy technician in Kentucky. National certification not required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $25+. Verified 2026-03-01. Data verified 2026-03-01. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pharmacy Technician
Most information on this page has been verified.
83% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Registered
Credential Type
No
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$25+
Total Initial Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
Annual (expires March 31; renewal opens February 1)
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Kentucky 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
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 allowed
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Registration fee paid to Kentucky Board of Pharmacy | $25 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB (if pursuing voluntary certification); ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Background Check Fee Fingerprint-based background check with FBI check; fee paid to vendor | Varies |
Total Initial Fees $25 registration fee plus fingerprinting/background check vendor fees; national certification exam fee additional if pursued | $25+ |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified0
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
Annual (expires March 31; renewal opens February 1)
Renewal Period
No State CE Requirement
Renewal Fee
$25
Annual renewal fee
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.
Kentucky has among the most minimal requirements nationally: no national certification required, no diploma/GED mandate, no state CE, no mandated ratio, and minimum age of just 16. Despite the minimal requirements, an NABP e-Profile is mandatory, technicians must display their certificate at the workplace, and must carry a pocket card. Renewal is annual.
Kentucky has among the most minimal requirements nationally: no national certification, no diploma/GED, no CE, no ratio, and minimum age 16
NABP e-Profile is required for registration
Must display certification at workplace and carry pocket card
Annual renewal (not biennial) with no continuing education requirement
Fingerprint-based background check includes FBI check
Immunization authorization requires ACPE training (2 hours/year), practical injection training, and CPR
Reciprocity available through Licensure Gateway
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$35,100
25th percentile
Median
$37,630
-13% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$44,770
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
10,040 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+253% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$37,630
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$37,630
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$132,750
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.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Kentucky does not require national certification to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.