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Pharmacy Technician
Total cost: $154
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
$154
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
1 year
Renewal Period
Get the Virginia 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 equivalent.
Virginia 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. Virginia accepts: PTCE or ExCPT. Required for full registration; Trainee status available while completing certification. Exam fee: $129.
Complete criminal background check.
Submit your application to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Registration fee: $25. Total initial fees: $154.
Renew your registration every 1 year. 20 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $25.
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Registered
Official Title
Registered Pharmacy Technician
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Virginia 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 · $129
ExCPT
from NHA
Certification Deadline
Required for full registration; Trainee status available while completing certification
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved training program or national certification accepted
Topics Covered
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PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam)
Questions
90 questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Format
Computer-based, multiple choice
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam).
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.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Registration Fee Registration fee per 18VAC110-21-20 | $25 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB; ExCPT exam fee is $115 (paid to NHA) | $129 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total including $25 registration and $129 PTCE exam fee | $154 |
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
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Virginia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Virginia has one of the most permissive technician-to-pharmacist ratios in the nation at 6:1. Combined with very low fees ($25 for both registration and annual renewal), Virginia is one of the most accessible states for pharmacy technicians. National certification is required but a Trainee pathway allows working while completing certification. Annual renewal keeps credentials current.
Virginia has one of the most permissive technician-to-pharmacist ratios at 6:1
National certification (PTCE or ExCPT) is required for full registration
Trainee status is available while completing certification requirements
Virginia has among the lowest fees at $25 for both registration and annual renewal
CE requirements include 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour of patient safety
Immunization administration requires training plus CPR certification
Fee schedule per 18VAC110-21-20
Pharmacy Technician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (you) | $154 | 32–62 wks | |
| District of Columbia | $100 | 32–62 wks | → |
| Kentucky | $25+ | 32–62 wks | → |
| Maryland | $45+ | 32–62 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $60 | 32–62 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Virginia
See how Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Virginia
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 Virginia verified against Virginia Board of Pharmacy, March 2026.
Moving to Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pharmacy Technician license to Virginia →
Transfer your Pharmacy Technician license from Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | North Carolina → | Tennessee → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →
Virginia requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. All licensing is managed through the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.