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How to become a pharmacy technician in Washington. National certification (PTCE/ExCPT) required. Formal training program required. Total initial fees: $204. 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.
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
Licensed
Credential Type
Yes
National Cert Required
Yes
Formal Program Required
$204
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
1 year
Renewal Period
Regulation Status
VerifiedCredential Type
Licensed
Official Title
Pharmacy Assistant (uncertified) and Pharmacy Technician (certified)
State-Regulated Profession
Regulated by the Washington Department of Health
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
Certification Deadline
PTCE required for Pharmacy Technician credential; Pharmacy Assistant does not require certification
On-the-Job Training Alternative
OJT accepted as alternative to formal program
Formal Training Program
Program Accreditation
Board-approved training program required for Pharmacy Technician; OJT allowed for Pharmacy Assistant
Topics Covered
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Registration Fee Pharmacy Technician license fee paid to Washington Department of Health | $75 |
Exam Fee (PTCE/ExCPT) PTCE exam fee paid to PTCB | $129 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total including $75 license fee and $129 PTCE exam fee (excludes training program costs and background check) | $204 |
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
$75
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.
Washington uses a two-tier credential system: Pharmacy Assistant (no certification required, OJT) and Pharmacy Technician (PTCE required, formal training). Uniquely, Washington requires 1 hour of suicide prevention CE per renewal cycle. The state has eliminated the fixed technician-to-pharmacist ratio. Only the PTCE (not ExCPT) is accepted for the Technician credential.
Washington has a two-tier system: Pharmacy Assistant (uncertified) and Pharmacy Technician (certified)
Only PTCE is accepted for Pharmacy Technician credential (ExCPT not listed)
The technician-to-pharmacist ratio has been eliminated (no fixed ratio)
CE requirements include 2 hours of law, 2 hours of patient safety, and 1 hour of suicide prevention
The suicide prevention CE requirement is unique to Washington
Background check conducted through Washington State Patrol (WSP)
Annual renewal at $75 per year makes Washington one of the higher-cost states for ongoing fees
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#1 of 51
Cost
#46 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052)
Entry Level
$48,420
25th percentile
Median
$56,140
+29% vs. national avg ($43,460)Experienced
$64,790
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
9,260 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+180% salary growth potential
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Pharmacy Technician
$56,140
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
You are here
Pharmacy Technician
Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification
$56,140
PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE
$157,020
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: Washington Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.
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Washington requires national certification (PTCE or ExCPT) to become a Pharmacy Assistant (uncertified) and Pharmacy Technician (certified). All licensing is managed through the Washington Department of Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Pharmacy.