Yes. If you want to become a licensed pharmacy technician in California, you must complete formal education from an approved training program.
While some states offer more flexible entry points into the field, California has clearly defined standards for becoming a pharmacy technician, including education, certification, and licensing. These requirements are set and enforced by the California State Board of Pharmacy, with oversight from the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
If you’re ready to pursue a meaningful healthcare career, here’s what you need to know—and how American Career College’s pharmacy technician training program can help you meet all of California’s requirements with confidence.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?1
Pharmacy technicians work closely with licensed pharmacists to:
- Prepare, label, and dispense prescription medications
- Manage inventory and verify prescription information
- Assist patients with insurance and billing questions
- Prepare sterile compounds and IV medications in clinical settings
Whether working in a retail pharmacy, hospital, or specialty clinic, pharmacy technicians play a vital role in patient safety and medication accuracy.
California’s Requirements: What You Need to Know
To become a licensed pharmacy technician in California, you’ll need to meet all licensing criteria outlined by the California State Board of Pharmacy, the regulatory authority that governs pharmacy practice in the state.
1. High School Diploma or Equivalent
A diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC is required.
2. Approved Education or Training
You must complete one of the following:
- An accredited pharmacy technician training program
- A program that includes at least 240 hours of instruction and meets state educational standards like ACC’s Pharmacy Tech program
- An associate degree in pharmacy technology recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC)
- A training course approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
3. National Certification
You are required to pass a certification exam from one of two recognized organizations:
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which offers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which offers the ExCPT exam
4. Application for Licensure
To apply for your license through the California State Board of Pharmacy, you must:
- Submit proof of completed training
- Pass a background check and submit fingerprints
- Provide a passport-style photo taken within the last 60 days
- Pay the $195 application fee
- Complete documentation as required by the California Department of Consumer Affairs
The Board typically processes applications within 45 days. Once licensed, technicians are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education for each renewal period to maintain good standing.
Why School Is Required in California
While some states allow pharmacy technicians to train on the job, California law mandates formal education. Informal training or self-study does not meet state requirements.
By enrolling in an approved pharmacy technician training program, you ensure that you meet the educational criteria established by both the California State Board of Pharmacy and oversight bodies like the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Explore ACC’s Pharmacy Technician Program
At American Career College, our Pharmacy Technician diploma program is designed to meet California’s education and training standards—while preparing you for the national certification exams required for licensure.
Program highlights include:
- Completion in as few as 9 months
- Blended learning format with only two days a week on campus
- Weekend classes available at Orange County and Los Angeles campuses
- Hands-on experience through a 300+ hour externship
- Campus locations in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim
Whether you’re new to the field or looking to transition into healthcare, ACC’s pharmacy technician training program can help you get started faster and more confidently.
What You’ll Learn
Our program covers both technical and clinical pharmacy skills, including:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Drug classifications and pharmacology
- Dosage calculations and sterile compounding
- IV preparation and medication safety
- Medical and pharmaceutical terminology
This comprehensive curriculum also introduces students to professional standards set by national organizations, including the ASHP, PTCB, and NHA ensuring that you're aligned with current industry expectations.
Why Certification Matters
In California, national certification isn’t just preferred, it's part of the licensure process. Whether you choose the PTCB’s PTCE or the NHA’s ExCPT, certification helps validate your knowledge and opens the door to more employment opportunities.
It’s also worth noting that licensed pharmacy technicians are tracked through the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), a federal resource that monitors healthcare provider credentials. This adds an extra layer of accountability and reinforces the importance of completing a recognized, quality education program.
ACC’s curriculum is aligned with both certification exams, so you can pursue licensure with confidence.
Final Takeaway: Do You Need to Go to School?
In California, yes. School isn’t optional, it's required by law. Completing a formal, approved education program is the foundation of becoming a licensed pharmacy technician.
By choosing a program like ACC’s, you not only meet California’s education and certification standards you also gain the real-world experience and preparation you need to succeed from day one.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out how one ACC graduate turned their training into a rewarding career.
Take the next step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.
Learn more about our pharmacy technician training program, or schedule a campus tour at one of our Southern California locations today.
We're here to help you launch a career that makes a difference.
1https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/7979.aspx
