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How to become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota. National certification not required. Formal training program required. Total initial fees: $60+. 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.
69% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 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
Yes
Formal Program Required
$60+
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
1 year
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Minnesota 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; training must be completed within 12 months
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved training program; must be completed within 12 months of registration
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee to Minnesota Board of Pharmacy | $60 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB (optional); $125 for ExCPT paid to NHA | $129 |
Total Initial Fees Application $60 plus optional exam fees | $60+ |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Can Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified20
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
1 year
Renewal Period
Continuing Education Required
Renewal Fee
$60
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.
Minnesota has an annual renewal cycle and a strict 2:1 technician-to-pharmacist ratio (3:1 only with exceptions); training must be completed within 12 months of registration; national certification is not required.
Annual renewal cycle, not biennial
Strict 2:1 technician-to-pharmacist ratio (3:1 with exceptions)
National certification is not required
Board-approved training must be completed within 12 months of registration
20 CE hours required per 2-year cycle despite annual renewal
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#5 of 51
Cost
#14 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$40,180
25th percentile
Median
$48,560
+12% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$51,540
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
7,110 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+218% salary growth potential
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
$48,560
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$48,560
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$154,610
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: Minnesota Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Minnesota Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Minnesota does not require national certification to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.