5 answers
Sarah
Student
Webster, Texas
3
Questions
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How to become Pharm Tech trainee to Certified Pharm Tech?
Hello,
after doing my research and asking questions on career village, I decided to work as a Pharmacy Tech Trainee once I turn 16. After I get my TRAINEE license, what would I have to do or what would the process be for me to get my actual certification. Also, do I necessarily have to go to a pharmacy program/school for this?
Thanks :)
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Sarah!
You’re making a great choice by starting as a Pharmacy Tech Trainee at 16—it’s a smart way to gain experience early. Since you’re in Texas, here’s how things work:
Once you get your Pharmacy Technician Trainee license from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP), you can start working under supervision. But to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), you’ll need to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Now, here’s where things get a little tricky—do you have to go to pharmacy school? Nope! You can either:
1. Complete a pharmacy technician training program (usually at a community college or trade school) or
2. Gain at least 500 hours of hands-on experience as a trainee and apply for certification.
Michelle mentioned that formal training is one way to go, and Alicia said you need to go to college—but in reality, Texas doesn’t require a degree. If you’re already working as a trainee, many big pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) offer free or low-cost training programs for employees. Dianna also brought up that some employers will even cover certification costs and require you to get certified within 6-12 months.
A few things to keep in mind is that:
You have to be 18 or older to apply for certification, so while you can start working at 16, you won’t be able to take the PTCE until later.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and complete a background check (fingerprinting included).
To keep your certification active, you’ll have to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years—it’s not a one-and-done deal.
You’re already ahead of the game by planning this out, and if you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You got this and all the best! 🤗
Start studying for the PTCE early! You can get the PTCB study guide or use free online resources.
If your pharmacy offers a training program, take advantage of it—certification can be expensive if you do it alone.
Check out pharmacy tech forums or Reddit threads where people share their experiences and study tips.
You’re making a great choice by starting as a Pharmacy Tech Trainee at 16—it’s a smart way to gain experience early. Since you’re in Texas, here’s how things work:
Once you get your Pharmacy Technician Trainee license from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP), you can start working under supervision. But to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), you’ll need to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Now, here’s where things get a little tricky—do you have to go to pharmacy school? Nope! You can either:
1. Complete a pharmacy technician training program (usually at a community college or trade school) or
2. Gain at least 500 hours of hands-on experience as a trainee and apply for certification.
Michelle mentioned that formal training is one way to go, and Alicia said you need to go to college—but in reality, Texas doesn’t require a degree. If you’re already working as a trainee, many big pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) offer free or low-cost training programs for employees. Dianna also brought up that some employers will even cover certification costs and require you to get certified within 6-12 months.
A few things to keep in mind is that:
You have to be 18 or older to apply for certification, so while you can start working at 16, you won’t be able to take the PTCE until later.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and complete a background check (fingerprinting included).
To keep your certification active, you’ll have to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years—it’s not a one-and-done deal.
You’re already ahead of the game by planning this out, and if you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You got this and all the best! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sarah !
I am happy to see that you've decided to become a Pharmaceutical Technician ! You made a good choice !
In order to become a Pharmaceutical Technician in your State of Texas, you will first need to complete a Training Program. If you already have experience, you would substitute that for having worked 500 hours or more as a Pharmaceutical Technician. Most likely, your circumstance is to enroll in the program.
After finishing the Program, you would take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and pass that. Once you pass your Certification exam and get certified, you then must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. The registration includes a background check and fingerprinting. Your registration application will then get reviewed. That takes up to six weeks. When your application is approved, you will be issued a registration number with an active status.
It is required to go for ongoing training. You'll need 20 hours of continued education every two years to maintain your certification. Once you have your certification, you can then go for your License as a Pharmaceutical Technician.
You must be 18 years or older to be certified. You can do the high school training but you would still have to be 18 to apply for the certification. Verify this information with the teachers who will be teaching the Pharmacy Technician In Training Program as you will have to follow their specific program. It's best to go directly to the source.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I am happy to see that you've decided to become a Pharmaceutical Technician ! You made a good choice !
In order to become a Pharmaceutical Technician in your State of Texas, you will first need to complete a Training Program. If you already have experience, you would substitute that for having worked 500 hours or more as a Pharmaceutical Technician. Most likely, your circumstance is to enroll in the program.
After finishing the Program, you would take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and pass that. Once you pass your Certification exam and get certified, you then must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. The registration includes a background check and fingerprinting. Your registration application will then get reviewed. That takes up to six weeks. When your application is approved, you will be issued a registration number with an active status.
It is required to go for ongoing training. You'll need 20 hours of continued education every two years to maintain your certification. Once you have your certification, you can then go for your License as a Pharmaceutical Technician.
You must be 18 years or older to be certified. You can do the high school training but you would still have to be 18 to apply for the certification. Verify this information with the teachers who will be teaching the Pharmacy Technician In Training Program as you will have to follow their specific program. It's best to go directly to the source.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Sarah
You're welcome, Sarah !
Michelle M.
Alicia Fertig
Registered Veterinary Technician
10
Answers
Keyser, West Virginia
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
For a pharmacy technician you do need to go to college for this
Holli Butterfield
Pharmacy technician
3
Answers
Lakewood, Washington
Updated
Holli’s Answer
I have been a technician for just over a decade now. I graduated from a vocational (Everest) and it was a 9-month program. 8 months in class, and approx a month in externship.
You definitely can get your license going through Walgreens, CVS etc, however, I find that techs that go this route are at a huge disadvantage as compared to techs that have graduated a program (not a degree per se, but at least a certificate program). The amount of knowledge you get in the class with a teacher is very well rounded as compared to working at Walgreens for example.
I did work at Walgreens, and was helping techs in training to assist them in getting their license as well. It is a TON of sitting at a computer, clicking and literally forgetting everything immediately after. You are NOT given enough time to be able to properly do this during your scheduled work hours, and the program itself must be completed within a certain time frame. Walgreens system and ways of doing things are drastically different in comparison to other retail pharmacies, and even more so when it comes to hospital/inpatient pharmacies.
I think it is awesome you are starting early, and if they offer you the tech-in-training program while working, by all means, you should do it. That being said, if you have aspirations of becoming a skilled, knowledgeable, potentially non-retail technician, I would highly recommend looking into the vocational schools (or more.) there are grants and financial aid available for these programs like traditional colleges offer, which makes it accessible to a variety of persons. Typically classes are partial days (4 hours) and you can continue working while pursuing the certification through the program.
Hope this helps!
You definitely can get your license going through Walgreens, CVS etc, however, I find that techs that go this route are at a huge disadvantage as compared to techs that have graduated a program (not a degree per se, but at least a certificate program). The amount of knowledge you get in the class with a teacher is very well rounded as compared to working at Walgreens for example.
I did work at Walgreens, and was helping techs in training to assist them in getting their license as well. It is a TON of sitting at a computer, clicking and literally forgetting everything immediately after. You are NOT given enough time to be able to properly do this during your scheduled work hours, and the program itself must be completed within a certain time frame. Walgreens system and ways of doing things are drastically different in comparison to other retail pharmacies, and even more so when it comes to hospital/inpatient pharmacies.
I think it is awesome you are starting early, and if they offer you the tech-in-training program while working, by all means, you should do it. That being said, if you have aspirations of becoming a skilled, knowledgeable, potentially non-retail technician, I would highly recommend looking into the vocational schools (or more.) there are grants and financial aid available for these programs like traditional colleges offer, which makes it accessible to a variety of persons. Typically classes are partial days (4 hours) and you can continue working while pursuing the certification through the program.
Hope this helps!
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
51
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
Besides the vocational/ trade school programs, there are companies that offer free courses for their employees to become trained, complete their hours, and provide access to additional resources for completing your license. Some companies require you to complete becoming certified within 6 months to a year after receiving your license. You most likely may have to purchase the PTCB certification book for the current year and following year to study and take notes. It may feel overwhelming but as long as you study and pay attention, you’ll be fine.