This guide is informational and reflects rules at publication. Regulations, fees, and processes can change; verify details with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy and your national certifier before acting. No individualized legal or medical advice.
Overview & Fast-Track Eligibility (read first)
Colorado requires pharmacy technicians to be certified or provisionally certified by the State Board of Pharmacy to work. A provisional certification lets you practice while you complete national certification requirements and may be granted for up to 18 months (extensions possible for hardship).
At-a-glance eligibility
- Hold Colorado technician certification (PHAT) or a provisional certification (PHATP).
- Earn and maintain a qualifying national certification: PTCB CPhT or NHA (ExCPT).
- Complete a criminal history record check and attest in your application.
- Apply and manage your status online via the Colorado DPO portal.
- Keep CE current with your national certifier to keep your state certification active (details below).
Recent scope update: Under pharmacist supervision, Colorado technicians may request refill authorizations and obtain clarifying prescription information.
Table of Contents
- Overview & Fast-Track Eligibility
- Provisional vs. Non-Provisional Certification
- National Certification Options: PTCB vs ExCPT (NHA)
- How to Apply for Your Colorado Pharmacy Technician Certification (Step-by-Step)
- Renewing & Maintaining Your Colorado Technician Certification
- Salary & Job Outlook in Colorado
- Common Work Settings in Colorado
- Frequently Asked Questions
Provisional vs. Non-Provisional Certification in Colorado
In one paragraph: Colorado pharmacy technicians must either hold full state certification (supported by an active national certification) or a provisional certification while working toward national certification. Provisional certification is temporary (up to 18 months) and may be extended for hardship; you must obtain national certification to continue practicing beyond that period.
Pathway compaarison
| Item | Provisional Certification (PHATP) | Non-Provisional Certification (PHAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Candidates not yet nationally certified | Candidates who already hold PTCB CPhT or NHA CPhT (ExCPT) |
| Colorado status | Temporary certification to work while completing the national credential | Full state certification |
| Time limit | Up to 18 months (possible hardship extension) | Ongoing, contingent on maintaining national certification |
| Key next step | Earn PTCB or NHA CPhT within the allowed window | Maintain national certification + attest at renewal |
Terminology: The Board labels the programs PHAT (Technician) and PHATP (Provisional) in the online portal.
National Certification Options: PTCB vs ExCPT (NHA)
Bottom line: Either national credential satisfies Colorado’s requirement when paired with the state application. Choose based on eligibility, prep support, and employer preference.
Quick comparison
| Feature | PTCB CPhT | NHA CPhT (ExCPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | PTCB-recognized education/training or 500 hours technician work experience | High school diploma/GED (or within 60 days) and training or qualifying work experience |
| Exam | PTCE (90 items; ~2 hours) | ExCPT (100 scored + 20 pretest; ~2h 10m) |
| Exam fee | $129 | $129 |
| Renewal (every 2 years) | 20 CE hours, incl. 1 hr law + 1 hr patient safety | 20 CE hours (NHA specifies ≥1 hr pharmacy law) |
| Official info | PTCB CPhT · PTCB CE |
Also see our internal explainer: difference between license and certification.
How to Apply for Your Colorado Pharmacy Technician Certification (Step-by-Step)
All online: apply and manage your status through the Colorado DPO portal.
- Choose your path. If you already hold national certification, select PHAT. If not, apply for PHATP (provisional) while you pursue national certification.
- Gather documents. Government ID; your PTCB or NHA certificate (if applying PHAT); name-change documentation if applicable.
- Complete a criminal history record check and retain documentation. You will attest to completion in the online application.
- Create or log in to your DPO account and complete the application (select Pharmacy Technician – PHAT or Pharmacy Technician Provisional – PHATP).
- Pay the state fee. The exact amount is shown at checkout. Many sources list $57; verify in the DPO portal at payment.
- Monitor status. Processing times vary; track progress in your DPO account.
Need portal help? Start at the Board’s Pharmacy homepage for links to applications and updates.
Renewing & Maintaining Your Colorado Technician Certification
Colorado renewal basics: Renew every two years via your DPO account and attest that you maintain an active national certification (audits occur).
- PTCB CPhT: 20 CE hours / 2 years, including 1 hr pharmacy law and 1 hr patient safety. See PTCB CE.
- NHA CPhT: 20 CE hours / 2 years; NHA specifies at least 1 hr pharmacy law.
Colorado does not publish separate, additional technician CE beyond maintaining your national certification. Always confirm on the Board site at renewal time.
Salary & Job Outlook in Colorado
As of May 2024, Colorado pharmacy technicians earned a mean annual wage of $49,670 (~$23.88/hour). Source: BLS OEWS (Colorado).
Common Work Settings in Colorado
- Community/retail: patient interaction, order entry/dispensing, inventory.
- Hospital/health-system: sterile compounding, medication preparation, inventory management, team coordination.
- Mail-order/central fill: fulfillment workflow, packaging, QA.
- Long-term care: cycle fills, MAR coordination, order management with nursing teams.
Colorado has expanded technician tasks (e.g., refill authorization requests, prescription clarifications) under pharmacist supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license (state certification) to be a pharmacy tech in Colorado?
Yes. You must hold Colorado pharmacy technician certification or a provisional certification to work. Provisional status is temporary while you complete national certification. Apply via the DPO portal.
Can I work without national certification?
Yes, with a provisional certification from the Board. It allows you to work for up to 18 months (extensions possible for hardship) while you earn PTCB or NHA certification. After that, you need an active national certification to continue.
How many CE hours do I need?
PTCB: 20 hours / 2 years (≥1 hr law + ≥1 hr patient safety). NHA: 20 hours / 2 years (NHA specifies ≥1 hr law). Keep documentation for renewal attestation/audits.
How much does it cost to become certified?
PTCB exam: $129 (PTCE). NHA ExCPT exam: $129: confirm in NHA checkout. Colorado state application fee:$57: confirm in the DPO portal at payment; fees can change.
How long does the process take?
Timing varies by training and exam scheduling. State processing is online through the DPO portal and can take several weeks end-to-end. You can monitor application status in your portal account.
Is there an age requirement?
The Board does not publish a specific minimum age on public pages. National exam eligibility requires a high school diploma/GED (or within 60 days for NHA), so many employers expect candidates to be 18+. Check employer and program policies.
PTCE vs ExCPT: which should I pick?
Both satisfy Colorado’s requirement. Choose based on your training pathway, employer preference, exam cost/schedule, and the prep resources available in your area.
Official sources: Colorado DPO Applications · Colorado Board of Pharmacy · PTCB · BLS
Helpful internal links: difference between license and certification
