How To Become a Pharmacy Technician In Texas 2025

Comprehensive guide on how to become a pharmacy technician in Texas, including education requirements, licensing, certification, and career outlook.

By BestPharmacyTechTraining Editorial Team
Published January 15, 2025
3 min read
Updated January 17, 2025

Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Texas 2025

Step 1: Ensure Eligibility

First, ensure that you are eligible to become a pharmacy technician in Texas:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Visit the Texas State Board of Pharmacy website for the most up-to-date information on eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Choose a program that provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical services, medication processing, and pharmacy ethics. Look for programs that offer both classroom instruction and practical experience.

Step 3: Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) as a pharmacy technician trainee. This registration allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. To register:

  1. Complete the Pharmacy Technician Trainee Application form available on the TSBP website.
  2. Pay the non-refundable application fee of $62.50.
  3. Provide a copy of your social security card and government-issued ID.
  4. Submit your high school diploma or GED certification.

Approval takes approximately two to four weeks. Upon approval, your trainee registration is valid for two years.

Step 4: Gain Experience and On-the-Job Training

Fulfill your required on-the-job training hours under a licensed pharmacist in a retail or hospital pharmacy setting. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the practical skills needed for the pharmacy technician role.

Step 5: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Preparation should include:

  • Reviewing pharmacy procedures and medication management systems.
  • Studying guidelines for pharmacy operations and safety standards.

The PTCE fee is $129, and the ExCPT fee is $125. Schedule your exam after sufficient preparation, and ensure that you allot enough time for study.

Step 6: Upgrade to Certified Pharmacy Technician

After passing one of the certification exams, upgrade your registration from Pharmacy Technician Trainee to Certified Pharmacy Technician with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Steps include:

  1. Completing the Certified Pharmacy Technician application on the TSBP website.
  2. Paying the $75 upgrade fee.
  3. Submitting proof of passing the PTCE or ExCPT.
  4. Providing updated personal identification information.

Certification must be renewed every two years, requiring continuing education credits.

Step 7: Maintain Certification and Registration

Maintain your certification by fulfilling continuing education requirements, which include:

  • Completing 20 hours of pharmacy-related continuing education every two years.
  • Including one hour of Texas Pharmacy Law, as mandated by the TSBP.

Renew your registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy every two years and pay the renewal fee of $71. Regularly check the TSBP renewal page for current guidelines and requirements.