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How to become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $279+. Verified 2026-03-01. Data verified 2026-03-01. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pharmacy Technician
Most information on this page has been verified.
90% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Certified
Credential Type
Yes
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$279+
Total Initial Fees
10 hrs
CE Hours
Annual (expires June 30)
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Certified
Official Title
Pharmacy Technician Candidate and Certified Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Louisiana 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
Must obtain PTCE (accepted since 2000) or ExCPT (accepted since 2018) within 2-year Candidate period
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Required Training Hours
600 hours practical experience (employer-based) OR accredited program OR Jump Start high school program hours
Program Accreditation
Accredited program accepted as alternative to 600 hours practical; Jump Start high school pathway also available
Externship Requirement
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Candidate application fee paid to Louisiana Board of Pharmacy | $50 |
Registration Fee Certificate fee upon becoming Certified Pharmacy Technician | $100 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Background Check Fee Fingerprint-based background check fee paid to vendor | Varies |
Total Initial Fees $50 Candidate application + $100 Certificate fee + $129 PTCE exam + fingerprinting fee | $279+ |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Cannot Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified10
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
Annual (expires June 30)
Renewal Period
Continuing Education Required
Renewal Fee
$50
Annual renewal fee; 1 hour sterile preparation CE required if applicable
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.
Louisiana uses 'Certified' rather than 'Registered' for its credential. The two-step process (Candidate 2-year / Certified) requires 600 hours of practical experience. A Jump Start high school pathway is available for age 16+. Technicians CANNOT administer immunizations. Initial costs are among the highest at $279+.
Louisiana uses 'Certified' rather than 'Registered' for its pharmacy technician credential
Two-step process: Pharmacy Technician Candidate (2-year period) then Certified Pharmacy Technician
600 hours of practical experience required (employer-based), or completion of accredited program, or Jump Start high school pathway
Jump Start pathway available for high school students age 16+
PTCE has been accepted since 2000; ExCPT accepted since 2018
Pharmacy technicians are NOT authorized to administer immunizations in Louisiana
4:1 ratio with maximum 2:1 Candidates
Highest initial cost among these states at $279+
Annual renewal with 10 CE hours per year (1 hour sterile preparation if applicable)
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Louisiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#39 of 51
Cost
#50 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$36,340
25th percentile
Median
$38,700
-11% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$46,420
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,350 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+235% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$38,700
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$38,700
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$129,650
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: Louisiana Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Louisiana Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Louisiana requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Pharmacy Technician Candidate and Certified Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.