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How to become a pharmacy technician in New Mexico. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $154. Verified 2026-03-01. Data verified 2026-03-01. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pharmacy Technician
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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
Registered
Credential Type
Yes
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$154
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy
Minimum Age
Education Level
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Drug Screening
Immunization Requirements
Pharmacist supervision required
YesNational Certification Required
Accepted Certification Exams
PTCE
from PTCB · $129
ExCPT
from NHA
Certification Deadline
Must obtain national certification for registration
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Formal training program or OJT accepted; national certification required regardless
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Registration Fee Registration fee paid to New Mexico Board of Pharmacy | $25 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total including $25 registration and $129 PTCE exam fee | $154 |
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
$25
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.
Most permissive entry requirements nationally with no minimum age and no diploma requirement; national certification is still required; very low fees ($25 registration and $25 renewal); technicians may administer immunizations with training.
New Mexico is one of the most permissive states for entry: no minimum age requirement and no diploma requirement
National certification (PTCE or ExCPT) is still required despite the low barriers to entry
Very low fees at $25 for both initial registration and biennial renewal
Pharmacy technicians may administer immunizations with appropriate training
Formal training program or on-the-job training both accepted
Contact: (505) 222-9830
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Mexico.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#18 of 51
Cost
#33 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$38,890
25th percentile
Median
$44,970
+3% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$47,930
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,740 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+206% salary growth potential
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
$44,970
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$44,970
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$137,600
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: New Mexico Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Mexico Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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New Mexico requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.