How to Get a Texas Pharmacy Technician License

Texas uses the term registration for pharmacy technicians, but most employers and search results say license: they refer to the same state credential. In brief:

1. Finish high school (or be actively completing it).
2. Pass a national certification exam: PTCB (PTCE) or NHA ExCPT.
3. Apply to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy online as a Pharmacy Technician (or as a Trainee if you’re not yet certified).
4. Complete fingerprinting (IdentoGO) for the background check.
5. Allow ~6 weeks for processing, then renew every 2 years with required CE.

Table of contents

• What does a pharmacy technician do in Texas?
• License vs certification: what’s the difference?
• Eligibility requirements (Texas)
• Pharmacy technician trainee vs. registered technician
• Which certification should I choose: PTCB or ExCPT?
• Step‑by‑step: Apply for your Texas pharmacy technician license
• Renewal & continuing education (every 2 years)
• High‑school/under‑18 pathway
• Where you can work (settings) & demand
• Salary and job outlook in Texas
• FAQs

What does a pharmacy technician do in Texas?

Technicians support pharmacists by receiving and processing prescriptions, preparing medications (including sterile compounding in hospitals), handling inventory and insurance claims, and communicating with patients, all under pharmacist supervision. Duties vary across retail, hospital/health system, long-term care, specialty, and mail-order settings. See the BLS overview for a national role description.

License vs certification: what’s the difference?

Certification = national credential (PTCB’s CPhT or NHA’s ExCPT) earned by passing an exam.
Texas license/registration = state authorization from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) that allows you to work in Texas.

Relevant rules: Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Chapter 297.

Eligibility requirements (Texas)

To register as a Texas pharmacy technician (not trainee), you must:

• Have a high‑school diploma or GED, or be actively working toward one (time‑limited).
• Hold current national certification (PTCB or ExCPT).
• Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.

See TSBP’s applicant pages for details: Initial Application – Pharmacy Technician.

Pharmacy technician trainee vs. registered technician

Trainee registration is for individuals gaining experience/education before full registration. It is valid up to 2 years and is non-renewable. Trainees must register before starting training in a Texas pharmacy. Once you pass a national certification exam, apply to convert to full technician registration. See TSBP’s overview: Technicians & Trainees.

Which certification should I choose: PTCB or ExCPT?

Both are accepted in Texas. Choose based on your background and timing. PTCB offers the advantage of being better recognized within the pharmacy industry and offering a path towards more advanced credentials.

Want a deeper dive on the terminology? See our explainer: Pharmacy Technician License vs Certification.

Step‑by‑step: Apply for your Texas pharmacy technician license

1. Get certified: pass PTCE or ExCPT.
2. Create a TSBP account and submit the online application.
3. Pay the state fee: currently $84 for initial technician registration (verify the live amount on the application page).
4. Complete fingerprinting via TSBP’s vendor (IdentoGO instructions). The vendor fee is typically under $50.
5. Processing time: TSBP advises allowing approximately 6 weeks for initial technician applications.
6. Receive your registration number and keep your national certification current.

Renewal & continuing education (every 2 years)

• Renewal frequency: Biennial (every 2 years).
• Renewal fee: Currently $81 (verify amount on TSBP at renewal).
• CE requirement: 20 contact hours per renewal period, including at least 1 hour related to Texas pharmacy laws or rules. Keep CE records for 3 years (subject to audit).

See Texas Administrative Code §297 and TSBP renewal guidance.

High‑school/under‑18 pathway

Texas rules allow applicants who are working to complete high school/GED to register—either as a technician trainee or (if already certified) as a technician. This is time-limited to 2 years. You must work under a pharmacist’s supervision and meet all other requirements (e.g., fingerprints).

Where you can work (settings) & demand

Texas pharmacy technicians work in community/retail pharmacies, hospitals and health systems (medication distribution, sterile compounding), long-term care, specialty pharmacies, and mail‑order/central fill operations. Demand is steady statewide and nationally; the BLS projects continued growth.

Salary and job outlook in Texas

Pay varies by city and setting. As a ballpark, the Texas Workforce Commission (Career Check) reports an average of $21/hour statewide, while the national median is about $20–21/hour. Review current local job postings for the most accurate, market-driven numbers.

FAQs

How do I become a pharmacy technician in Texas?

Finish high school (or be actively completing it), pass PTCE or ExCPT, apply with TSBP, complete fingerprinting, then maintain CE and renew every 2 years.

How long does TSBP take to process my application?

Plan for about 6 weeks after you apply and complete fingerprints, depending on volume and whether all documents are complete.

Do I need certification to work as a tech in Texas?

Yes. Texas requires a board-approved national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) for technician registration, unless you have a specific exemption.

What does fingerprinting cost?

Fingerprinting is scheduled through TSBP’s vendor (IdentoGO) and typically costs under $50, paid to the vendor.

What CE hours are required for renewal?

20 hours per 2-year cycle, including at least 1 hour on Texas pharmacy laws or rules. Keep documentation for 3 years.

PTCB vs ExCPT: Does it matter for Texas?

TSBP accepts both. PTCB allows a recognized program or 500 hours of experience; ExCPT requires a program or 1,200 hours. Choose the path that fits your background and timeline.

Helpful links:

• TSBP — Initial Application: Pharmacy Technician
• TSBP — Technicians & Trainees overview
• TSBP — Fingerprinting instructions (IdentoGO)
• Rules — Texas Administrative Code, Title 22, Chapter 297
• Certification — PTCB CPhT (PTCE)
• Career data — BLS Occupational Outlook | Texas Career Check
• Further reading — License vs Certification (deep dive)

Disclaimer: This guide is educational. Texas rules, fees, and processes can change. Always verify the latest requirements on the TSBP website and with PTCB/NHA before applying. This is not legal advice.