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How to become a pharmacy technician in Texas. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $231. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pharmacy Technician
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
62% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 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
$231
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
2 years
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Technician Trainee
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Texas State 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 obtain national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) within 2 years of Trainee registration
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved training program or on-the-job training accepted
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Registration fee paid to Texas State Board of Pharmacy | $64 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; ExCPT exam fee is $125 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Background Check Fee Fingerprint-based background check fee (DPS/FBI) | $38.25 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total including $64 registration + $38.25 fingerprinting + $129 PTCE exam fee | $231 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly 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
$69
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
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.
Texas uniquely allows Pharmacy Technician Trainees as young as 16 (if currently enrolled in high school), with a strict 2-year deadline to obtain national certification. The state uses fingerprint-based background checks through DPS/FBI. The 3:1 technician-to-pharmacist ratio varies by pharmacy class. Texas has one of the largest pharmacy technician workforces in the nation.
Texas allows Pharmacy Technician Trainees as young as 16 who are currently enrolled in high school
Trainees must obtain national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) within 2 years of registration
Fingerprint-based background check through DPS/FBI is required at approximately $38.25
The technician-to-pharmacist ratio is 3:1 and varies by pharmacy class
Texas has one of the largest pharmacy technician workforces in the country
CE requirements include 1 hour of law and 1 hour of patient safety per renewal cycle
Immunization administration requires training plus CPR certification
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Cost
#48 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$36,990
25th percentile
Median
$43,920
+1% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$47,270
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
41,610 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+212% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$43,920
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$43,920
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$136,950
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: Texas State Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas State Board of Pharmacy — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Texas requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Technician Trainee. All licensing is managed through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.