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How to become a pharmacy technician in Virginia. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. On-the-job training may be accepted. Total initial fees: $154. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pharmacy Technician
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59% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 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 Virginia 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
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
| 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 |
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.
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
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 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
$37,250
25th percentile
Median
$42,490
-2% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$47,950
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,260 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+224% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$42,490
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$42,490
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$137,470
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.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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.