Key Points

• Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and serving customers.
• To become a pharmacy technician in Texas, you must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) and pass either the PTCE or ExCPT certification exam.
• TSBP does not require a formal training program, but completing one helps improve job readiness and certification success.
• Most programs last 6 to 12 months and include classroom and clinical experience.
• Pharmacy technicians in Texas earn $43,890 annually, according to BLS.
• The job outlook is 6% growth (2024–2034), faster than average for many occupations.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician provides technical support to licensed pharmacists in dispensing and preparing prescription medications. They ensure accuracy, maintain inventory, and communicate with patients about prescriptions and insurance.

Under Texas law, pharmacy technicians perform their duties under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and are responsible for ensuring safety, accuracy, and proper labeling.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Receiving and processing prescriptions
• Measuring, labeling, and packaging medications
• Maintaining patient records and insurance details
• Managing medication inventory
• Providing customer assistance and answering inquiries

Where Does a Pharmacy Technician Work?

Pharmacy technicians work in many healthcare environments:

• Retail Pharmacies: Assist customers, manage refills, and stock medications.
• Hospitals: Support clinical teams by preparing sterile medications.
• Long-term Care Facilities: Manage medication schedules for residents.
• Mail-order or Online Pharmacies: Process bulk prescription orders for home delivery.

Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas

To work as a licensed pharmacy technician in Texas, you must meet both eligibility and registration requirements set by the TSBP.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED: Required before applying for registration.
• Formal Training (Optional): The TSBP does not require completion of a formal program. However, many applicants choose to attend a Board-approved training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to build stronger career readiness and exam preparation.

Certification

To qualify for registration, you must pass one of two Board-approved national certification exams:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
• Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Legal Requirements

After certification, you must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Applicants must provide:

• Full legal name and contact details
• Date of birth and Social Security number
• PTCB or ExCPT certificate number and expiration date

You cannot apply as an initial applicant if you have ever been previously registered with TSBP as a pharmacy technician or trainee. Instead, you’ll need to follow their relicensure process.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?

To become a pharmacy technician in Texas, follow three key steps. First, complete an accredited education program covering pharmacology, medical terminology, and pharmacy operations. Next, obtain certification by passing the PTCE or ExCPT. Certified technicians can pursue job opportunities in hospitals, retail pharmacies, or long-term care facilities, earning competitive salaries. This path offers a rewarding career in the healthcare industry for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Texas.

Follow these steps to become a certified and registered pharmacy technician in Texas:

1. Complete a Training Program (Optional but Recommended)

While the TSBP does not require formal training, completing a state-approved program helps you gain hands-on experience and confidence before certification. Programs typically last 6 to 12 months and may include externships in retail or hospital settings.

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2. Pass a National Certification Exam

Take and pass either the PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) exam. Both test your understanding of medication safety, pharmacy law, and prescription processing.

3. Apply for TSBP Registration

Once certified, you must apply for registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
Here’s the process:

1. Submit an online application via the TSBP portal.
2. Pay the application fee (non-refundable; typically around $100).
3. Schedule fingerprinting through the TSBP’s approved vendor (fee usually under $50).
4. Complete the fingerprint session using the official TSBP service code.
5. Wait for application review and background clearance — this may take up to six weeks.

Applicants with any prior criminal or disciplinary records may require additional review time by TSBP Enforcement staff.

4. Check Your Application Status

After submission and fingerprinting, monitor your registration status through the TSBP License Verification Search. Once approved, you can print your registration certificate directly from the website.