How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in California

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California Pharmacy Technician License Requirements: Common Questions

To become a pharmacy tech, you must obtain a pharmacy technician license from the California State Board of Pharmacy. You should start by filling out the pharmacy technician application form and meet all additional requirements.

Below you will find the answers to some common questions about the pharmacy technician application process in California.

What paperwork do I need to fill out for my pharmacy technician license in California?

To obtain your pharmacy tech license, you will need to complete:

A pharmacy technician application
1. Must include a 2x2 passport-style photo
A request for Live Scan form or fingerprint cards
A Self-Query Report

What are the educational requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in California?

To be eligible for a pharmacy technician license, you will need to show that you have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and have met one of the following pharmacy education or training criteria:

An associate degree in pharmacy technology
Any other course that included a training period of at least 240 hours of instruction as specified in Title 16 California Code of Regulation section 1793.6(c)
A training course accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Graduation from a school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

Pharmacy Technician Gallery

How do I show proof that I meet the educational requirements?

If you are a high school graduate, you will need to provide an official, embossed transcript or notarized copy of your high school transcript. If you meet a high school equivalency requirement, you can provide an official transcript of your GED, HiSET, or TASC test results (or equivalent). Another option is providing an official “Certificate of Proficiency” showing you passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE).

For your pharmacy-specific education and training, you must provide one of the following as proof of completion:

An affidavit of Completed Coursework or Graduation for Pharmacy Technician (if you completed a pharmacy program or qualified pharmacy coursework)
A copy of your Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certificate (if you are certified)
A copy of your National Healthcareer Association Pharmacy Technician Certification Program (ExCPT) certificate.
(For military training) A copy of your DD214 form showing proof of your pharmacy technician training provided by a branch of the federal armed services

How much does the pharmacy technician application cost in California?

The application fee is $195 and is non-refundable. You can issue a check or money order made payable to the California State Board of Pharmacy.

Learn more about ACC's Pharmacy Technician program

View full program details

How long does it take to get my pharmacy technician license in California?

Once you submit your application for a pharmacy technician license, it will take about 30 days for the California State Board of Pharmacy to process your application, about 45 days for the Board to inform you of your status via email, and about four to six weeks from the date your license is issued to receive your license in the mail. Once your license has been issued, you can verify your license on the Board’s website.

How can I get my application expedited?

You can have your application review expedited if you are a member of the military (active-duty member, active-duty military spouse or partner, or veteran) or if you are a qualified refugee. Learn more about the criteria for a military or refugee expedite and what documentation you need to prove your eligibility.

What is a Self-Query Report?

As part of the pharmacy technician licensing process, you must submit a sealed, original Self-Query Report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). It must be dated within 60 days of your application submission.

You will need to include your U.S. social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) in your Self-Query Report. It is important that the report is sent unopened and that it includes your name exactly as shown on your application.

There will be a separate fee for the Self-Query Report, which is paid directly to the NPDB.

How do I know if I need a Live Scan or fingerprint cards?

All California residents must submit a Live Scan. Search for a Live Scan location near you.

If you reside in another state and you cannot visit a Live Scan location in California, you are required to send two rolled fingerprint cards. These cards must be supplied by the Board and processed at a pre-authorized location. If you are doing fingerprint cards, you will have to pay a processing fee of $49.

How often do you have to renew your pharmacy technician license?

In California, you must renew your license every two years. Effective January 1, 2024, anyone renewing their pharmacy technician license must complete at least one hour of participation in a cultural competency course for each renewal period. Learn more about how to renew your pharmacy tech license in California.

Is certification required to become a pharmacy technician in California?

If you choose one of the alternate forms of pharmacy education, such as an associate degree in pharmacy technology or graduation from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school, you do not need to earn a certification to obtain your pharmacy tech license in California.

However, earning a certification can demonstrate your depth of knowledge in the field of pharmacy technology and help you stand out for more competitive positions. Some companies may even require certifications for their pharmacy technicians.

Two common pharmacy tech certifications are from the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) program (through the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians, or ExCPT) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Get Started on Your Pharmacy Technician Education

Ready to begin your journey of becoming a pharmacy technician? If so, it’s time to find a pharmacy education program that is right for you.

If you’re in Southern California, you may want to consider the Pharmacy Technician program at American Career College. Here’s what you need to know about the program...

Pharmacy Technician Program at ACC: