Pharmacy technicians help to keep patients safe by double-checking medications, filling prescriptions, and keeping the pharmacy stocked and organized. They work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare providers.
Pharmacy technicians earn a decent living and have great job security while making a difference in the lives of others.
But how do you become a pharmacy technician in California? What are the education and license requirements?
Pharmacy technicians in California must complete an approved training program and pass a certification exam with either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Then, they have to apply for a license with the California State Board of Pharmacy.
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in California, you should check out our 4-Month Online Pharmacy Tech Program here at Stepful. Our NHA exam pass rate is 12 percentage points higher than the national average, and we offer one-on-one support from enrollment to employment.
This guide breaks down the steps required to become a pharmacy technician in California, including how to find a training program, certification options, licensing requirements, and more.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in California
If you want to become a pharmacy technician in California, you will have to complete some training, earn certification, and fulfill specific competencies only required in the State of California.
It typically takes between 6 months (if you choose a certificate program) to 2 years (if you choose a degree program) to complete all requirements.
1) Obtain Your High School Diploma or GED
Before you can apply for a pharmacy technician training program, you will need to obtain your high school diploma or GED.
Students hoping to earn their GED are usually able to study and take their exams with just a few months of preparation.
2) Research, Enroll In, & Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program
There are many different things to consider when choosing a pharmacy technician training program.
Options for training programs include earning a certification online or through a community college, attending a military pharmacy technician training program, or completing an associate degree through a college or university.
Online pharmacy tech programs are typically the least expensive and can be completed in just a few months.
Associate degree programs are much more expensive and take around 18 months to two years to complete.
Whatever program you choose, you need to make sure that it has been approved and will prepare you to take the PTCB’s CPhT exam or the NHA’s ExCPT exam. Other important factors to consider are passing rate, cost, and job placement assistance.
For example, the NHA exam pass rate for students that complete our pharmacy tech program is 12 percentage points higher than the national average.
3) Take Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
The California State Board of Pharmacy accepts pharmacy technician certifications from the PTCB (CPhT exam) and the NHA (ExCPT exam).
Both examinations cover basic pharmacy technician knowledge such as medication safety, patient rights, ethics, and pharmacy law. The tests are also similar in length and difficulty.
While both certifications are similar and have similar requirements, there may be one test that works better for you than the other.
Our full guides cover the PTCB exam and the NHA exam in depth to help you decide which might be a better option for you. You can also directly compare them in our ExCPT vs PTCB guide.
It is important to note that ExCPT certifications earned before the year 2017 are not accepted.
4) Apply for Your Pharmacy Technician License Through the California State Board of Pharmacy
After you complete your training program and pass your certification, you will be eligible to apply for your pharmacy technician license through the California State Board of Pharmacy.
Requirements include:
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- Pharmacy technician certification from the NHA or PTCB
- Fingerprints and background check
- Completion of the application questions
It can take up to 45 days for a pharmacy technician license to be approved after an application is submitted.
5) Build Your Resume & Prepare for an Interview
You can build a strong pharmacy tech resume even if you have very little work experience. Adding education, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and special awards are all ways to showcase your best qualities and skills on a resume.
Often, school counselors or career coaches within a pharmacy technician training program will help their students create and edit their resumes.
When preparing for interviews, practice answering interview questions out loud as often as you can. Recruit a family member, friend, or mentor to practice with until you feel comfortable in an interview-like setting.
6) Apply for Jobs
Pharmacy technicians can find work in hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient pharmacies, or retail pharmacies. Many jobs are listed on websites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Other companies, such as Walgreens and CVS, list their jobs directly on their own websites.
7) Maintain Your Certification & Satisfy California’s Cultural Competency Requirement
Once you start working as a pharmacy technician in California, you must maintain your certification by completing all continuing education requirements and paying the required fees.
To renew your PTCB CPhT certification, you must pay a $49 renewal fee and complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Two of these hours must cover pharmacy law, and one must cover patient safety.
To renew your NHA CPhT certification, you must pay a $55 renewal fee and complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. One of these hours must cover pharmacy law, and one must cover patient safety.
In addition to the renewal requirements set by the PTCB and the NHA, the California Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to renew their licenses every two years. As a part of this, you have to complete at least one hour of continuing education in the subject of cultural competency.
California Pharmacy Technician Requirements: Licensing & More
California Pharmacy technicians must meet strict licensing requirements before they will be allowed to work in any type of pharmacy. These requirements include:
- Earn a high school diploma or the equivalent. All pharmacy technician applicants in California must have a high school diploma, GED, or foreign high school graduate certificate or pass the HiSET or TASC examinations.
- Complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. Applicants must submit an affidavit stating that they have either earned an associate degree as a pharmacy technician or completed a pharmacy tech program accredited by the ASHP or ACPE. Training courses must include at least 240 hours of training.
- Pass a certification exam. Pharmacy technicians in California must pass either the PTCB’s PTCE exam or the NHA’s ExCPT exam. Neither test is considered superior to the other, and both are equally accepted by the California State Board of Pharmacy.
- Complete a background check. Applicants must pass a background check and submit official fingerprint documents with their application. They must disclose any and all past criminal charges.
- Fill out the pharmacy technician application. When filling out the pharmacy technician application, make sure that there are no spelling mistakes and that your name appears exactly as it does on your official, government-issued identification card.
- Submit proof of identity. When applying for a pharmacy technician license, you will need to submit a photo of yourself along with your social security number and self-query report.
How Stepful Can Help You Become a Pharmacy Technician in California
Stepful’s Pharmacy Tech Program is an online program that can be completed in just 4 months. Our program here at Stepful prepares students for the NHA’s ExCPT exam and teaches the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful pharmacy technician.
Our curriculum covers topics such as medication safety, patient rights, ethics, and pharmacy law. In addition to the online learning portion, students at Stepful have the opportunity to complete a pharmacy technician externship, and all students receive one-on-one support from enrollment to employment, including resume services, interview prep, and job placement support.
Our ExCPT exam pass rate is 12 percentage points higher than the national average, reflecting the quality of education you receive here at Stepful.
FAQs About Becoming a Pharmacy Tech in California
How long does it take to become a pharmacy tech in California?
It takes between 6 months and 2 years to become a pharmacy tech in California.
What are the education requirements for becoming a pharmacy tech in California?Pharmacy techs in California must have a high school diploma or its equivalent in addition to completing an accredited pharmacy technician training program.
How can I pay for pharmacy tech training in California?
Online pharmacy technician training programs are relatively affordable, and many schools allow their students to enroll in payment plans. Many students use grants, scholarships, and student loans to pay for pharmacy tech training. In addition, some employers will pay for a pharmacy technician program in exchange for a commitment to work for the organization for a period of time.
Is it possible to get a pharmacy tech job in California without going to school?
If you have prior experience working as a pharmacy technician, you may be able to take your CPhT or ExCPT exam without going to school. As long as you meet the certification requirements set by the PTCB or NHA, you can earn certification and get a job as a pharmacy tech in California.
What certifications does California accept for pharmacy technicians?
California accepts the NHA’s ExCPT certification and the PTCB’s CPhT certification.
Do I have to be licensed to become a pharmacy technician in California?
Yes, all pharmacy techs in California have to be licensed.
How much do pharmacy technicians make in California?
The average salary for a pharmacy technician in California is $49,880 per year or $23.98 per hour.
What is the job outlook for pharmacy techs in California?
The job outlook for pharmacy techs is good, with a projected increase of 7% in job opportunities expected between 2023 and 2033.
