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How to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania. National certification not required. Formal training program required. Total initial fees: $30. 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
$30
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy (via PALS)
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
National certification not required under the new registration system
On-the-Job Training Alternative
Formal program or certification required
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved training program required
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Registration Fee Pharmacy technician registration fee ($30); trainee registration fee is $15 | $30 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; national certification not required; ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Total Initial Fees Technician registration $30 (trainee $15); national certification is not required | $30 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties (Pharmacist Only)
Cannot Administer Immunizations
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified20
State CE Hours
20
PTCB Recert Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
Continuing Education Required
Renewal Fee
$70
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.
Brand new registration system effective June 28, 2025 (Act 140 of 2020). Prior to this date, PA did not register pharmacy technicians. Requires Board-approved training program, 3 hrs child abuse recognition training (unique to PA), state and federal background check. Grandfathering for those who worked ≥1 year between Jan 29, 2019–Jan 29, 2021. Initial fee $30 (technician)/$15 (trainee), biennial renewal $70. Deadline to register: June 28, 2026.
Pennsylvania's pharmacy technician registration system is brand new as of June 28, 2025. Prior to this date, PA did not register pharmacy technicians.
Act 140 of 2020 established registration; effective date June 28, 2025. Deadline to register: June 28, 2026.
Initial registration fee: $30 (technician), $15 (trainee). Biennial renewal: $70.
Requires Board-approved training program, HS diploma/GED (age 17+), state and federal criminal background check, 3 hours child abuse recognition training.
Grandfathering: Individuals who worked as pharmacy technicians for at least 1 year between January 29, 2019 and January 29, 2021 may qualify without completing a Board-approved training program.
National certification is NOT required under the new system
Mandatory child abuse recognition training (3 hours) is a unique Pennsylvania requirement
Pharmacy technicians are NOT authorized to administer immunizations under state law
Contact: (717) 783-7156
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Pennsylvania.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#49 of 51
Cost
#8 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$35,480
25th percentile
Median
$37,560
-14% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$45,950
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
19,630 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+262% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$37,560
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$37,560
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$135,830
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: Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Pennsylvania does not require national certification to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy (via PALS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.