Following are the important facts you need to know about the pharmacy technician Alabama license requirements. These rules change from time to time, and it’s not a bad idea to take a look at this page occasionally to make sure you’re up to date.
Fact-checked against the state board, September 2026
Does Alabama regulate pharmacy technicians?
Yes.
Is certification required to practice in Alabama?
National certification is not required to work in Alabama, but registration with the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy is. Technicians first registered on or after January 1, 2020 must also complete a Board-approved training program within six months of registering. Passing the PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT) certification exam counts as completing that training.
What certification exam(s) is/are approved by the state?
The Board accepts passing the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam or the NHA ExCPT exam in place of a Board-approved training program. If you are not certified, you must finish a Board-approved training program within six months of your initial registration and upload proof to your ALBOP Gateway profile within 30 days of completing it. The Board’s technician page lists approved programs.
When is registration required?
Before practicing as a pharmacy technician.
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 17 years old.
- Create an account on the ALBOP Gateway (gateway.albop.com) and submit a New Pharmacy Technician Application.
- Upload a copy of your driver’s license and a recent photo.
- Pay the non-refundable fees within 7 days: a $60 application fee plus a $40 criminal background check fee, $100 in total.
- Within six months of registering, complete a Board-approved training program or pass the PTCB or NHA certification exam.
Is training required?
Yes. Technicians first registered on or after January 1, 2020 must complete a Board-approved training program within six months of registration. Passing the PTCB or NHA certification exam satisfies this requirement. Once registered, you work under the supervision of an Alabama-licensed pharmacist and must complete continuing education.
Are there Continuing Education (CE) requirements?
Yes. Registered technicians must complete 6 hours of continuing education by December 31 of each odd-numbered year, and at least 2 of those hours must be live. Technicians registered for the first time in 2026 need 3 hours, including at least 1 live hour, for their first renewal.
How often is renewal required?
Every two years. Registrations expire December 31 of odd-numbered years and can be renewed online between October 1 and December 31. Renewal costs $60. Late renewals are charged $5 per month, and reinstatement also requires a $40 background check.
What should I do if I change jobs or change my home address?
Alabama rules require you to notify the Board within 10 days of changing employers, giving your name, registration number, and the names of your former and current pharmacies. Keep your contact information current through your ALBOP Gateway profile.
Other good info to know about pharmacy technician Alabama requirements
- Technicians must wear a name tag identifying them as a pharmacy technician while on duty.
- Technicians may not perform any task that requires a pharmacist’s professional judgment. That includes counseling patients, taking new prescriptions by phone and documenting receipt of controlled substances.
- Each pharmacist may supervise up to 2 technicians, 3 if one is certified, or 4 if two are certified by a Board-approved credentialing organization.
Essential Contact Info for Pharmacy Technician Alabama
Alabama State Board of Pharmacy 111 Village Street, Birmingham, AL 35242 Phone: (205) 981-2280 Website: https://albop.com/ (the contact form is at albop.com/contact-us)
Professional association: Alabama Pharmacy Association (APA), https://www.aparx.org/
