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How to become a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts. National certification not required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $136+. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. 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
Licensed
Credential Type
No
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$136+
Total Initial Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Licensed
Official Title
Licensed Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in 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
Optional; 500 hours practical experience is an alternative pathway
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Required Training Hours
500 hours practical experience (alternative to Board-approved program) hours
Program Accreditation
Board-approved program or 500 hours practical experience
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee to Massachusetts Board | $136 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; $115 for ExCPT paid to NHA (optional) | $129 |
Total Initial Fees Application $136 plus optional exam fees | $136+ |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified0
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
No State CE Requirement
Renewal Fee
$51
Biennial 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.
Massachusetts offers a Pharmacy Technician Trainee (PTT) role starting at age 16; 500 hours practical experience can substitute for national certification; 6:1 technician-to-pharmacist ratio; no state CE required for renewal.
Pharmacy Technician Trainee (PTT) designation available at age 16 while enrolled in high school
500 hours practical experience is an alternative pathway to national certification
6:1 technician-to-pharmacist ratio
No state-mandated continuing education for renewal
National certification is optional, not required
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#19 of 51
Cost
#30 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$37,500
25th percentile
Median
$44,640
+3% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$52,110
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,980 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+205% salary growth potential
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
$44,640
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$44,640
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$136,030
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: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Massachusetts does not require national certification to become a Licensed Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.