California Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

Requirements: [CA Board Reg. Code1793.5]

1. Applicant must submit an application ($50) to the board of pharmacy.

2. Applicant must attain a high school diploma or equivalent.

3. Applicant must produce documents confirming his or her identity.

4. Applicant must produce a description of his or her qualifications and supporting documentation for those qualifications.

5. Applicant must undergo and pass a criminal background check.

Applicant must submit a renewal application ($50) to the pharmacy board annually.

Must meet one of the following requirements: [CA Bus and Prof 4202a]

1. Complete any pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

2. Obtain an associates degree in pharmacy technology.

3. Complete any other course that provides a training period of at least 240 hours of instruction covering the topics outlined in regulations. [CA Board Reg. Code 1793.6]. Pharmacy technicians may use The National Pharmacy Technician Training Program together with appropriate supervision of 240 hours of practical experience.

4. Graduate from an accredited pharmacy program.

5. Receive certification by a board-approved program.

The technician-to-pharmacist ratio is 2:1; except that this ratio shall not apply to personnel performing clerical functions.

[CA Board Reg. Code 1793.7]

Only required to maintain certification.

California law does not require pharmacy technicians to be certified. As long as the technician has completed the required training outlined above, any pharmacy technician may voluntarily obtain national certification by taking the ExCPT. ExCPT is applying for approval.

Click here for a list of duties and responsibilities.

[CA Board Reg. Code 4115]