Quick Answer: How to get a New York pharmacy technician license
To be licensed and registered as a registered pharmacy technician in New York, you must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, obtain national certification (PTCB CPhT or NHA CPhT), and submit NYSED Form 1 online with the $175 licensure + first registration fee. Registration is generally valid for 3 years.
Always verify details on the NYSED Office of the Professions site before applying. NYSED license requirements
Table of contents
- Quick answer
- Eligibility & definitions (NYSED)
- Where you can work in New York
- Costs, renewal, and timing
- Step‑by‑step application
- PTCB vs. NHA
- Salary & job outlook
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Resources
- Compliance & Disclaimer
Eligibility & definitions (NYSED)
Who qualifies
- Good moral character
- 18 years of age or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- National certification: PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT (CPhT)
- Apply and pay fees to NYSED Office of the Professions
License vs. Registration in New York
In NY terminology, the license is granted once you meet eligibility; the registration is the time‑limited authorization to use the title and practice (typically 3 years per period, with the first renewal prorated to your birth month).
Where can a registered pharmacy technician work in New York?
Key point: NY law limits the registered pharmacy technician title to Article 28 facilities (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic & treatment centers) or pharmacies owned and operated by such facilities, under direct personal supervision of a licensed pharmacist. If you’re pursuing retail roles, confirm the title and setting—many are not Article 28 facilities.
NYSED FAQ: settings & supervision
- Direct personal supervision: supervising pharmacist can directly observe your work; sterile compounding requires line of sight.
- Supervision ratios: one pharmacist may supervise up to four individuals total; of these, no more than two may be registered pharmacy technicians at once.
NYSED FAQs (scope, ratios, settings)
Costs, renewal, and timing
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial licensure | $75 | NYSED Fees |
| Initial registration | $100 | NYSED Fees |
| Total to start | $175 | NYSED Requirements |
| Registration renewal (triennial) | $100 | NYSED Fees |
Renewal cycle
Registration is 3 years (first renewal prorated to your birth month). Renew through NYSED; see renewal details in the NYSED FAQs.
Continuing education (CE)
New York does not mandate state CE for registered pharmacy technicians to renew registration. However, to keep your CPhT active, PTCB and NHA each require 20 hours of CE every 2 years (NHA includes 1 hour law + 1 hour patient safety).
Step‑by‑step: Apply for your New York registration
- Earn national certification (PTCB or NHA)PTCB CPhT (PTCE): complete a PTCB‑Recognized Education/Training Program or document ≥500 hours equivalent work experience; pass the PTCE (90 MCQs; ~2 hours). Fee: $129.NHA CPhT (ExCPT): HS diploma/GED and a training/education program (within 5 years) or 1,200 hours supervised pharmacy work (within a 1‑year period in the past 3 years); exam: 100 scored + 20 pretest (~2h10m). Check NHA for the current exam fee. Study help: PTCE study guide and accredited pharmacy technician programs .
- Gather documents
- Proof of high school diploma or equivalent
- Proof of national certification (PTCB or NHA)
- Submit NYSED application (Form 1) & pay feesUse Online Form 1 – Application for Licensure and pay $175 (licensure + first registration) via NYSED: NYSED license application forms.
- Monitor status & respond to NYSEDNYSED may request more information. Watch for emails or account messages and provide any documents promptly.
- Maintain registrationRenew every 3 years (first renewal prorated). NY does not require state CE for techs; keep national CPhT active if your employer prefers it.
PTCB vs. NHA: which certification should you choose?
| Feature | PTCB (PTCE) | NHA (ExCPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | PTCB‑Recognized program or ≥500 hrs experience | Program in last 5 years or 1,200 hrs supervised experience |
| Exam format/time | 90 MCQs; ~2 hours | 100 scored + 20 pretest; ~2h10m |
| Recertification | Every 2 years; 20 CE hours | Every 2 years; 20 CE hours (incl. 1 hr law + 1 hr patient safety) |
| Exam fee | $129 (CPhT application/exam) | See NHA for current fee |
Bottom line: NYSED accepts either certification. If you already have ≥500 hours of experience but no formal program, PTCB may fit better. If you’ve completed a school or employer program, either route can work. Check employer preferences for your target health system. Note that the PTCB has additional certfication and certficate programs that may help you advance your career over time.
Salary & job outlook in New York
New York mean pay: $21.64/hour (May 2024, BLS OEWS).
National median pay: $43,460/year (May 2024, BLS OOH); projected growth +6% (2024–2034).
Explore metro‑level wages via BLS: NY OEWS data and OOH profile. For deeper analysis, see our pharmacy technician salary guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming retail settings qualify for the registered title. The registered pharmacy technician role is limited to Article 28 facilities or pharmacies they own/operate. Confirm the setting with the employer.
- Confusing state renewal with national recertification. NY doesn’t require CE for state renewal; PTCB/NHA require CE to keep your CPhT active.
- Applying without accepted national certification. NYSED currently accepts PTCB and NHA only.
- Missing the fee breakdown. It’s $175 to start; renewals $100. Always confirm current fees on NYSED before paying.
Resources
- NYSED – License requirements
- NYSED – Form 1 & application forms
- NYSED – Fees
- NYSED – FAQs (scope, supervision, renewal)
- PTCB – CPhT eligibility & exam info
- PTCB – Fees
- BLS – OEWS (NY wages)
- BLS – OOH (national outlook)
- State‑by‑state pharmacy technician requirements
Compliance & Disclaimer
Requirements and fees can change. This page summarizes public sources and is not legal advice. Always verify details with the NYSED Office of the Professions and the national certification bodies before applying or accepting a role.
