Michigan Pharmacy Technician License (2025 Guide)
Disclaimer: Licensing rules change. This article is informational and not legal advice. Always verify with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy (LARA) and the Michigan Administrative Code before applying.
Table of Contents
- At-a-Glance: Michigan pharmacy technician license requirements (2025)
- Fees & timelines
- Is certification required in Michigan?
- Certification options: PTCB vs. ExCPT (and employer exam)
- How to apply on MiPLUS (step-by-step)
- Temporary (non-renewable) technician license
- Renewal & CE requirements
- Licensure by endorsement & relicensure
- Salary & job outlook in Michigan
- Where you’ll work in Michigan (quick view)
- FAQ
- References
At-a-Glance: Michigan pharmacy technician license requirements (2025)
Summary: In Michigan, you apply in MiPLUS, meet education and exam requirements, complete background checks and required trainings, and pay the state fee.
You must:
- Submit an online application in MiPLUS, pay the fee, and complete a criminal background check.
- Hold a high school diploma/GED.
- Pass one: PTCE (PTCB), ExCPT (NHA), or a Board-approved employer-based exam.
- Complete Human Trafficking training (one-time).
- Complete Implicit Bias training (2 hours for initial licensure; 1 hour per year of each renewal cycle).
- Provide (or create) your NABP e-Profile ID.
- Meet English language proficiency pathways per Michigan rules.
Quick definitions
License = Michigan authorization to practice as a pharmacy technician.
Certification = an optional national credential (PTCB/NHA) that many employers prefer, and one of the exam routes accepted by Michigan.
Fees & timelines
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary technician license | $15.30 | Valid 1 year; non-renewable. |
| Full license (by exam or endorsement) | $137.70 | Paid in MiPLUS at application. |
| Renewal | $61.20 | Every 2 years. |
Processing time: varies by application completeness and background check; monitor your status in MiPLUS.
Is certification required in Michigan?
No. Michigan accepts three exam pathways: PTCE, ExCPT, or a Board-approved employer-based training exam. Certification is optional but widely valued and often speeds hiring.
Certification options: PTCB vs. ExCPT (and employer exam)
PTCB (PTCE): Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
- Cost: $129.
- Nationally recognized; accepted by Michigan as an approved exam.
NHA (ExCPT): National Healthcareer Association
- Cost: $129.
- Nationally recognized; accepted by Michigan as an approved exam.
Employer-based training & exam (Michigan Board-approved)
If you complete a Board-approved employer training program and its approved exam, that exam also qualifies for licensure by exam in Michigan.
Tip: Choose the path that fits your timeline. Certification can improve job prospects and portability.
How to apply on MiPLUS (step-by-step)
- Create/Log in to your MiPLUS account and select Pharmacy Technician.
- Complete the application and pay the appropriate fee (temporary or full license).
- Upload/arrange documents: diploma/GED; certification (PTCE/ExCPT) or employer-exam results (sent by the provider); any out-of-state license verifications (boards send directly).
- Complete fingerprints/background check using the instructions sent after submission.
- Complete required trainings: Human Trafficking (one-time) and Implicit Bias.
- Watch your status in MiPLUS and respond promptly to any requests.
Temporary (non-renewable) technician license
Michigan may issue a temporary pharmacy technician license (valid for 1 year, non-renewable) so you can work while completing your exam path. Fee: $15.30.
Note: Individuals ≥16 enrolled in a Board-approved technician training program are exempt from licensure while in training (they’re supervised trainees); this is separate from the temporary license.
Renewal & CE requirements
Cycle & fee: Renew every 2 years; fee $61.20.
CE hours (Rule R 338.3661): complete ≥20 hours in the 2 years before renewal, including:
- 1 hour pharmacy law & ethics
- 1 hour pain & symptom management
- 1 hour patient safety
- ≥5 hours must be live/synchronous; ≤12 hours can be earned in any 24-hour period
Training that also applies at renewal
- Human Trafficking: one-time training (if not previously completed)
- Implicit Bias: 1 hour per year of the renewal cycle (e.g., 2 hours in a 2-year cycle); new applicants need 2 hours within 5 years before issuance
Record-keeping: LARA partners with CE Broker; retain certificates for audits.
Licensure by endorsement (from another state) & relicensure
Endorsement (already licensed elsewhere): Apply in MiPLUS and meet R 338.3653 criteria (good standing, approved exam proof, required trainings).
Relicensure (Michigan license lapsed): Submit the renewal application and 20 CE hours; if expired >3 years, provide proof of passing an approved exam within the last 2 years.
Salary & job outlook in Michigan
Michigan pharmacy technicians earn an annual mean of $42,530 ($20.45/hour), May 2024 OEWS. Markets vary by region and setting. (BLS source)
Where you’ll work in Michigan (quick view)
| Setting | Examples | What you’ll do |
|---|---|---|
| Community/retail | CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid | Fill prescriptions, insurance processing, inventory, customer care |
| Health-system | Michigan Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Corewell Health | Sterile compounding, med distribution, IV admixtures, automated systems |
| Long-term care | Skilled nursing & assisted living partners | Cycle fills, delivery coordination, collaborate with care teams |
| Mail-order/specialty | Express Scripts, Accredo; health-system specialty | High-volume fulfillment, cold-chain handling, prior auth support |
FAQ
Do I need certification to get licensed in Michigan?
No. You may qualify via PTCE, ExCPT, or a Board-approved employer exam; many employers still prefer certification.
How much does it cost?
Temporary license $15.30; full license $137.70; renewal $61.20, all via MiPLUS.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on application completeness and background checks; your real-time status appears in MiPLUS.
What CE do I need to renew?
20 hours every 2 years, including law/ethics, pain & symptom management, and patient safety, with ≥5 live hours.
Do I need Human Trafficking and Implicit Bias training?
Yes: Human Trafficking is one-time; Implicit Bias is 2 hours for initial licensure and 1 hour per year for renewals.
What is a NABP e-Profile ID?
A unique ID from NABP that links your credentials and CE to your record; Michigan references it in the licensing checklist.
How do I transfer my license from another state?
Apply by endorsement and meet Michigan’s requirements (good standing, approved exam, trainings).
References
- Michigan Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide (LARA)
- Michigan Administrative Code R 338.3661 (CE)
- Michigan Administrative Code R 338.3653 (Endorsement)
- Implicit Bias Training FAQs (LARA)
- MiPLUS portal overview (LARA)
- PTCB (CPhT/PTCE): fees
- BLS OEWS — Michigan Pharmacy Technicians (May 2023)
Related reading: PTCB practice test
