Looking for Alaska pharmacy technician license information? Following are the important facts you need to know about the requirements for pharmacy technicians in Alaska.
Fact-checked against the state board, September 2026
Does Alaska regulate pharmacy technicians?
Yes.
Is certification required to practice in Alaska?
No. You need an Alaska Pharmacy Technician License, not national certification. When you renew, you must show either 10 hours of continuing education or that you earned initial PTCB or NHA certification during the licensing period.
What certification exam(s) is/are approved by the state?
Certification is optional in Alaska. The Board recognizes national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA ExCPT). Nationally certified technicians can take on more duties, including giving vaccines after completing an ACPE-accredited course, CPR/AED training and one hour of immunization CE.
When is registration required?
You must hold an Alaska pharmacy technician license before you start working. Licenses run on a two-year cycle and all expire June 30 of even-numbered years, whatever the date of issue. A license issued within 90 days of that date runs to the following cycle.
Is licensure required?
Yes. You must obtain your registration certificate BEFORE working in a pharmacy.
What do I have to do to become licensed?
- Be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and enrolled in a supervised high school, college or apprenticeship pharmacy technician training program.
- Be fluent in reading, writing and speaking English.
- Have a high school diploma or GED, or submit apprenticeship program documentation.
- Answer the professional fitness questions. Certain convictions listed in 12 AAC 52.925 can disqualify you.
- Complete the Pharmacy Technician License Application (form 08-4353), sign it in front of a notary, and include your U.S. Social Security Number.
- Pay the $25 license fee, payable to the State of Alaska.
Is training required?
Yes. You must complete the training required by the pharmacist-in-charge. Your subsequent duties must be consistent with the training you have received.
Are there Continuing Education (CE) requirements?
Yes. To renew, you must have completed 10 contact hours of Board-accepted continuing education during the two-year licensing period. Earning initial PTCB or NHA certification during the period also counts. For your first renewal only, you may instead certify that you have read Alaska’s pharmacy statutes and regulations and completed your pharmacist-in-charge’s training, with a signed PIC affidavit. Renewals are randomly audited, so keep your CE records for at least four years.
How often is renewal required?
Every two years. Pharmacy technician licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years, and the current cycle runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. The renewal fee is $25, or $12.50 for licenses first issued on or after July 1, 2025. There is no grace period, and it is illegal to work on a lapsed license.
What should I do if I change jobs or change my home address?
Alaska regulations (12 AAC 02.900) require you to notify the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing in writing when your name or address changes. Name and address change forms are on the Board of Pharmacy’s Applications & Forms page, and you can manage your license through the MY LICENSE online portal.
Other good info to know about Alaska pharmacy tech requirements
- Before you perform technician duties, your pharmacist-in-charge must train you, and your duties must match that training.
- Nationally certified technicians can take on more duties, such as giving vaccines once they complete the required training.
- You must report any disciplinary action or conviction in another jurisdiction to the Board in writing within 30 days.
Essential Contact Info for Alaska Pharmacy Techs
Alaska Board of Pharmacy Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811 Phone: (907) 465-2550 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofPharmacy.aspx
Professional association: Alaska Pharmacy Association (AKPhA), https://alaskapharmacy.org/
