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How to become a pharmacy technician in Michigan. National certification not required. Formal training program required. Total initial fees: $137.70+. 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.
66% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 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
Yes
Formal Program Required
$137.70+
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Licensed
Official Title
Licensed Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Michigan LARA 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
Employer-based competency exam
On-the-Job Training Alternative
Formal program or certification required
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved program
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee to Michigan LARA | $137.70 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; $125 for ExCPT paid to NHA; employer-based exam may vary | $129 |
Total Initial Fees Application $137.70 plus exam fees | $137.70+ |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified20
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
Continuing Education Required
Renewal Fee
$61.20
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.
Michigan uniquely accepts employer-based competency exams as an alternative to national PTCE/ExCPT certification; no fixed pharmacist-to-technician ratio is mandated.
Employer-based competency exam accepted as alternative to PTCE/ExCPT
No fixed pharmacist-to-technician ratio
20 CE hours required per biennial renewal
Pharmacy technicians may administer immunizations with appropriate training
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#32 of 51
Cost
#31 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$36,920
25th percentile
Median
$40,040
-8% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$47,780
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
14,610 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+240% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$40,040
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$40,040
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$136,070
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: Michigan LARA Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Michigan LARA Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Michigan does not require national certification to become a Licensed Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Michigan LARA Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.