Pharmacy Technician Licensing and Certifications
How do I become a pharmacy technician in the state of Texas?
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Obtain a national pharmacy technician certification First, you must become a certified pharmacy technician through one of the two national certification organizations:
A pharmacy technician certification from one of these organizations (you do not need to be certified by both) is required before you can apply for a Texas registration. You will need to take the organizations’ respective exam and pass to receive this certification. |
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Apply for a pharmacy technician registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy Once you are a certified technician under PTCB or NHA, you will be able to apply with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for a pharmacy technician registration. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) is an independent state health regulatory agency established by the Texas Legislature in 1907 to regulate the practice of pharmacy and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Texas. TSBP regulates pharmacists, pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy technician trainees and the legal distribution of prescription drugs through pharmacies in the state of Texas. In order to fulfill its responsibilities, TSBP licenses pharmacists and pharmacies, registers pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees, inspects pharmacies, investigates complaints, and disciplines violators of pharmacy laws. PTCB Certification is required by many employers and fulfills many state registration/licensure requirements. |
What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a technician trainee?
- A pharmacy technician is an individual who is registered with the Board as a pharmacy technician and whose responsibility in a pharmacy is to provide technical services that do not require professional judgment regarding preparing and distributing drugs and who works under the direct supervision of and is responsible to a pharmacist.
- A pharmacy technician trainee is an individual who is registered with the board as a pharmacy technician trainee and is authorized to participate in a pharmacy’s technician training program.
*Trainee licenses are valid for ONLY 2 years, and CANNOT be renewed*
What is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is responsible for administering the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Certification by PTCB alone does not authorize an individual to work in a pharmacy as a pharmacy technician.
**Collin College students test with the PTCB organization. **