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How to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island. National certification not required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $77. 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.
72% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 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
No
Formal Program Required
$77
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
1 year
Renewal Period
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
YesNational 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
| 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 |
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.
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
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#20 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$37,330
25th percentile
Median
$37,730
-13% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$48,200
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,720 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+239% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$37,730
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$37,730
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$128,010
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: Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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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.