California Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Looking for information about California pharmacy technician requirements? Following are the important facts you need to know about becoming a pharmacy technician in California.

Does California regulate pharmacy technicians?
Yes

Is certification required to practice in California?
No

What certification exam(s) is/are approved by the state?
PTCB (PTCE)

Is licensure required? Yes. You must obtain your license BEFORE working in a pharmacy; it can take approximately 90 days for your application to be processed.

What do I have to do to become licensed?

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete higher education coursework, such as earning an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology, completing a course accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, or earning a degree from any pharmacy school accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.
• Or qualify by being certified by the PTCB (submit a certified true copy of your certificate with the application form.
• Or qualify by submitting proof (form DD214) that you have been trained while in the federal armed services.
• Submit a written pharmacy technician application to the California Board of Pharmacy requesting licensure as a pharmacy technician (download application here).
• Submit your fingerprints by following the instructions on the application.
• Pass a state and federal criminal background check.
• Include a recent (within 6 months) passport-type photo.
• Include the registration fee of $80.

Is training required?

The board may require a 120 hour externship with training supervised by a California licensed pharmacist. Once licensed you must work under the direct supervision of a California licensed pharmacist.

Are there Continuing Education (CE) requirements? No.

How often is renewal required? Biennially.

What should I do if I change jobs or change my home address? Notify the board within 30 days by filling out the change-of-address form electronically here or downloading the form here and sending it to the board.

Other good info to know about California pharmacy technician requirements:

• A California pharmacy tech’s registration certificate must be displayed in the pharmacy at all times.
• A technician must wear a name tag identifying him-or herself as a pharmacy technician at all times while working.
• A technician may only perform pharmacy functions that do not require professional judgment.
• Two technicians may be utilized to assist one pharmacist in most cases.

Essential Contact Info for California Pharmacy Technicians

California Board of Pharmacy
www.pharmacy.ca.gov
Office: 1625 N Market Blvd, N219
Sacramento, CA 95834
Voice: 916-574-7900 Fax: 916-574-8618

California Pharmacists Association

https://cpha.com/

4030 Lennane Drive
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 779-1400
(916) 779-1401 – fax

Be a proud California Pharmacy Technician!

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