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Pharmacy Technician
Total cost: $77
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Registered
Credential Type
No
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$77
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
1 year
Renewal Period
Get the Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or ged.
Rhode Island allows on-the-job training as an alternative to a formal program. You may train under a licensed pharmacist at an approved pharmacy.
Complete criminal background check. Background check fee: $52.
Submit your application to the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. Registration fee: $25. Total initial fees: $77.
Renew your registration every 1 year. 20 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $25.
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Pharmacy Technician (PT-I and PT-II tiers)
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy
Minimum Age
Education Level
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Drug Screening
Immunization Requirements
Pharmacist supervision required
YesNot sure if you need a pharmacy technician license? Check whether your state requires one.
National Certification Required
Accepted Certification Exams
PTCE
from PTCB · $129
Certification Deadline
PTCB certification not required for PT-I; PTCB required for PT-II (certified tier)
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
No formal program required for PT-I; OJT accepted
Topics Covered
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Study Materials & Exam Prep — ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Registration Fee Base registration fee paid to Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy | $25 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; only required for PT-II certification | $129 |
Background Check Fee BCI background check fee | $52 |
Total Initial Fees Total for PT-I: $25 registration + $52 BCI background check; add $129 PTCE for PT-II pathway | $77 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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
$25
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Rhode Island with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
PT-II (certified) technicians can work WITHOUT a pharmacist physically present, which is unique nationally; two-tier system (PT-I basic, PT-II certified with PTCB); very low base fees ($25 registration + $52 background = $77 total initial cost).
Rhode Island uses a two-tier system: PT-I (basic) and PT-II (PTCB certified)
PT-II technicians can work WITHOUT a pharmacist physically present (unique nationally)
National certification (PTCB) is required only for PT-II tier; not required for PT-I
Very low base registration fee at $25; additional $52 for BCI background check
Annual renewal cycle at $25 per year
Only PTCB (PTCE) accepted for PT-II; ExCPT not mentioned for advancement
Contact: (401) 222-2837
Pharmacy Technician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (you) | $77 | 32–62 wks | |
| Connecticut | $50 | 32–62 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $136+ | 32–62 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Rhode Island
See how Rhode Island compares: Pharmacy Technician License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare pharmacy technician requirements across all states →
Pharmacy Technician licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure pharmacy technician is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for pharmacy technician? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your pharmacy technician license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Rhode Island
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Official Sources
Pharmacy Technician requirements in Rhode Island verified against Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy, March 2026.
Moving to Rhode Island? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pharmacy Technician license to Rhode Island →
Transfer your Pharmacy Technician license from Rhode Island to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts →
Rhode Island does not require national certification to become a Pharmacy Technician (PT-I and PT-II tiers). All licensing is managed through the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.