At a Glance: South Carolina pharmacy technician requirements
Quick answers :
- You must hold a SC Board of Pharmacy pharmacy technician registration to work in any permitted pharmacy. No exam is required for registration; submit the application, $56 fee, lawful presence form, and ID/SSN copies. You may not work until issued a registration.
- State-certified status (an upgrade) requires: current SC registration, HS diploma/GED, national certification (PTCB or NHA ExCPT), ASHP-accredited or PTCB-recognized training, and 1,000 hours of supervised practice (Affidavit of Experience). No separate state-certified application fee: submit documentation, and the Board upgrades your record.
- Renewal: Registrations expire June 30 annually. After the first renewal, complete 10 hours of ACPE or CME-I CE each license year.
- Why certify? State-certified techs enable higher pharmacist-to-technician ratios and may perform additional duties (e.g., receive non-controlled verbal orders, one-time non-controlled transfers).
Table of Contents
- Registered vs. State-Certified: what’s the difference?
- How do I get my South Carolina pharmacy technician registration?
- How do I become a South Carolina State-Certified Pharmacy Technician?
- Renewal & CE: how many hours, by when, and exemptions?
- What can state-certified techs do that registered techs cannot?
- Pharmacist-to-technician ratio in South Carolina (why certification helps)
- Where pharmacy technicians work in SC
- Salary & outlook for South Carolina pharmacy technicians
- Key forms & authoritative links
- FAQ
Registered vs. State-Certified: what’s the difference?
Registered Pharmacy Technician (baseline to work): Board registration allowing you to perform technician functions under pharmacist supervision. No exam required for registration.
State-Certified Pharmacy Technician (upgrade): Requires extra education/experience and national certification. State-certified techs can do more (see duties) and count toward higher pharmacist-to-tech ratios in certain settings.
Terminology tip: “State-certified” in SC is not the same as national certification (PTCB/NHA). You’ll need national certification plus other items to become SC state-certified.
How do I get my South Carolina pharmacy technician registration?
Eligibility & documents
- Application & fee: Complete the Pharmacy Technician Registration Application and pay the $56 non-refundable fee.
- Lawful presence: Submit the Affidavit of Eligibility (lawful presence verification) included in the packet.
- Identity: Include copies of a government-issued photo ID and Social Security card.
- Good standing (if applicable): If you have past discipline or convictions, attach explanations and a statewide background check from the state of the incident—only required if applicable.
Important timing rules
- You may not work as a technician until the Board issues your registration.
- If you apply before April 1, you must still renew by June 30 that same year.
How do I become a South Carolina State-Certified Pharmacy Technician?
Requirements (submit documentation; no fee):
- Current SC technician registration.
- High school diploma/GED.
- PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT national certification.
- Completion of an ASHP-accredited program or a PTCB-recognized program.
- 1,000 hours of practice in pharmacy under a licensed pharmacist (document via Affidavit of Experience).
- Mail copies per the Board’s State Certification Requirements; the Board upgrades your registration record after verification.
Renewal & CE: how many hours, by when, and exemptions?
Renewal date: Registrations (both registered and state-certified) expire June 30 each year. Renew on time to avoid lapse.
CE requirement: Starting with the second renewal, complete 10 hours of ACPE-accredited or CME Category I CE each license year.
Exemptions: Technicians are exempt from CE (a) for the first renewal after initial registration and (b) while enrolled in a pharmacy technician program, plus the first renewal period following successful program completion. You may carry forward excess hours one year.
National certification renewal (separate)
- PTCB CPhT: 20 CE hours every 2 years, including 1 hour law and 1 hour patient safety (reinstatement typically requires 2 hrs law). PTCB policy.
- NHA ExCPT: generally 20 CE hours every 2 years with 1 hr law and 1 hr patient safety.
What can state-certified techs do that registered techs cannot?
Under Board Policy #140, state-certified technicians, at the pharmacist’s discretion, may:
- Receive and initiate verbal non-controlled prescription orders.
- Conduct a one-time transfer of a non-controlled prescription.
- Check a technician’s refill/repack for meds administered by a licensed professional in institutional settings.
- Perform certain inspections of non-dispensing drug outlets (with restrictions).
Registered techs are prohibited from final checks, counseling, immunization administration, and other pharmacist-only tasks.
Board Policy #140 (Approved Technician Duties)
Pharmacist-to-technician ratio in South Carolina (why certification helps)
Community/retail: One pharmacist may supervise up to four technicians, but no more than two can be non-state-certified (i.e., if supervising 3, at least 1 must be state-certified; if supervising 4, at least 2 must be state-certified). Institutional inpatient dispensing is capped at 1:3.
Where pharmacy technicians work in SC
Pharmacy technicians work in: retail/community, hospital/health-system (e.g., IV rooms, med distribution), long-term care, specialty, mail-order, and managed care settings. Many employers prefer nationally certified and/or state-certified techs for advanced roles. (Employer preferences vary by site; confirm locally.)
Salary & outlook for South Carolina pharmacy technicians
Median pay (U.S., May 2024): $43,460. South Carolina (2024) median is about $38,960, with metro variation.
| Area | 25th %ile | Median | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (overall) | $36,360 | $38,960 | $46,800 |
| Charleston–North Charleston | $37,080 | $44,040 | $48,900 |
| Columbia | $37,140 | $39,000 | $45,910 |
Source: BLS/O*NET 2024 wage data. BLS OOH • O*NET SC wages
What influences pay? Setting (hospital/specialty often higher than retail), state-certified status/duties, experience, and national certification.
Key forms & authoritative links
- SC Board of Pharmacy: Technician page
- SC Board of Pharmacy: FAQ
- Pharmacy Technician Registration (application package + fee details)
- State Certification Requirements (PDF)
- Affidavit of Experience (PDF)
- SC Code §40-43-86 (Staffing & ratios) • SC Code §40-43-130 (CE)
- Board Policy #140 (Approved Technician Duties)
- PTCB recertification policy
Related resources
- Pharmacy technician license vs. certification (explainer)
- PTCB exam study guide
- Free PTCE practice test
FAQ
Do I need national certification to work as a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
No. You need Board registration to work. National certification (PTCB or NHA) is required only if you want to upgrade to state-certified status.
How long does it take to become state-certified?
Timelines vary by training path and how quickly you accumulate 1,000 hours after initial registration and pass a national exam. Many techs meet the experience requirement over ~6–12 months of full-time work. (Estimate; verify with your employer/Board if you’re on a non-traditional path.)
Pharmacy Tech Scholar℠’s online program can be completed in as little as 3 weeks and qualifies individuals to take the PTCE. This offers a quicker path towards state certification.
How many CE hours are required to renew my SC registration?
10 hours of ACPE/CME-I CE each license year after your first renewal. Exemptions apply to the first renewal and while enrolled in a technician program (plus the first renewal after completion).
What happens if my registration lapses?
If expired < 2 years, submit the Lapsed Registration application; ≥ 2 years typically requires Reinstatement and 20 CE hours (past two years). See the Board’s renewal page/forms for details.
Is there a minimum age for registration?
The Board’s application collects date of birth but does not list a universal minimum age; many training programs and employers require 18+. Verify with the SC Board of Pharmacy or your employer before applying.
Are background checks required?
A statewide background check is required only if you report a criminal conviction or similar disclosure; it is not a blanket requirement for every applicant.
Compliance & Disclaimer: Information reflects South Carolina law and Board guidance at the time of update. Regulations, fees, and policies may change; always verify on the SC Board of Pharmacy site and in current statutes before acting. This guide is educational and not legal advice.
