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How to become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota. 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
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
45% of data points are verified against official sources. 16 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
1 year
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the South Dakota 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
Must pass national certification exam within specified timeframe after initial registration
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Registration Fee Registration fee paid to South Dakota 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
Mostly 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
Mostly 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.
South Dakota has among the lowest pharmacy technician fees in the country at $25 for both initial registration and annual renewal. National certification is required but OJT is allowed during the initial period. Annual renewal cycle keeps technicians current.
South Dakota requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) for pharmacy technician registration
OJT is allowed during the initial registration period before passing national exam
South Dakota has one of the lowest registration fees in the country at $25
Pharmacy technicians may administer immunizations with appropriate training
Criminal background check conducted through South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#23 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
$37,440
25th percentile
Median
$43,760
+1% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$47,730
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,270 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+220% salary growth potential
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
$43,760
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$43,760
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$140,190
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: South Dakota Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Dakota Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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South Dakota requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.