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Pharmacy Technician
Total cost: $231
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
Yes
National Cert Required
No
Formal Program Required
$231
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
Get the Texas Pharmacy Technician Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20You must be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or ged (or currently enrolled in high school for trainee).
Texas allows on-the-job training as an alternative to a formal program. You may train under a licensed pharmacist at an approved pharmacy.
Pass a national pharmacy technician certification exam. Texas accepts: PTCE (from PTCB) or ExCPT (from NHA). Trainee registration is valid for two years and is NOT renewable or extendable for ANY reason. Exam fee: $129.
Complete criminal background check and fingerprinting. Background check fee: $38.25.
Submit your application to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Application fee: $64. Total initial fees: $231.
Renew your registration every 2 years (biennial). 20 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $69.
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
Not sure if you need a pharmacy technician license? Check whether your state requires one.
National Certification Required
Accepted Certification Exams
PTCE (from PTCB)
ExCPT (from NHA)
Certification Deadline
Trainee registration is valid for two years and is NOT renewable or extendable for ANY reason
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
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PTCE (from PTCB)
Format
Computer-based, multiple choice
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the PTCE (from PTCB).
Study Materials & Exam Prep — ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam
Prepare for your ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
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| 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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 (biennial)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Texas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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
Pharmacy Technician requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Texas
See how Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Texas
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 Texas verified against Texas State Board of Pharmacy, March 2026.
Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pharmacy Technician license to Texas →
Transfer your Pharmacy Technician license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →
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.