Pharmacy Technician Licensing in Texas: Requirements, Certifications, & How to Get Started

You’ve done the research. You know pharmacy technicians are in high demand across Texas and that the role aligns with the future you’re working toward. Now, you’re ready to take the next step.

But what does it actually take to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Texas? Whether you're still exploring your options or already preparing to enroll in a pharmacy tech program, this guide breaks down the state-specific requirements for training, certification, and registration, so you can move forward with a clear understanding of what’s expected and how to begin.

In This Article: 

• Texas Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
• Pharmacy Technician Trainee
• Registered Pharmacy Technician
• Understanding PTCB Certification & Other Pharmacy Technician Credentials
• PTCB Certification Requirements in Texas (CPhT Credential)
• NHA’s ExCPT Certification
• How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
• Maintaining and Renewing Your Pharmacy Tech License in Texas
• Get Started with a Pharmacy Technician Program at CHCP

Texas Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

In Texas, the pathway to becoming a pharmacy technician involves both a registration process through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) and obtaining your credentials through a national organization, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

While TSBP does not currently require completion of a formal program to apply for registration, enrolling in one—like the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program at The College of Health Care Professions—can strengthen your foundation in essential skills, help prepare you to take the national certification exams, and help you stand out to potential employers. Many pharmacy settings prefer candidates who have completed structured training, especially those with hands-on experience gained through an externship. CHCP’s program is designed to support both immediate readiness and long-term growth in the field.

If your training includes an externship in a pharmacy setting, you'll need to apply for a Pharmacy Technician Trainee registration before beginning. This trainee status is valid for two years only and cannot be renewed.

Pharmacy Technician Trainee

This temporary designation is for individuals who are still completing their education or gaining experience before sitting for a national certification exam. It allows you to work in a pharmacy as a supervised trainee while preparing for full registration.

Key facts:

• Valid for 2 years (non-renewable)
• Required for pharmacy externships and on-site work experience
• Must be registered with TSBP before beginning work in a pharmacy
• Applicants must be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check

Registered Pharmacy Technician

Once you’ve passed a nationally recognized certification exam and met state requirements, you can apply for full registration with TSBP as a Registered Pharmacy Technician. This status enables you to work in a pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete fingerprinting and pass a criminal background check
• Pass one of the following exams:
  
  
• PTCB’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
• NHA’s Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)

Need a closer look at the process? Visit our Pharmacy Technician Career Guide to explore in-depth details about how to get started and where the role can take you. 

Understanding PTCB Certification & Other Pharmacy Technician Credentials

Once you're ready to pursue credentialing, you'll need to decide which national exam is right for you. In Texas, both the PTCE and the ExCPT are accepted for registration. The choice depends on your education, experience, and long-term goals.

PTCB Certification Requirements in Texas (CPhT Credential)

The CPhT credential from PTCB is one of the most recognized pharmacy technician certifications in the U.S. Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), it’s trusted by employers and widely used in hospital, retail, and specialty pharmacy settings.

To be eligible for the PTCE, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Complete a PTCB-recognized program
• A pharmacy degree can be acceptable in place of a recognized pharmacy technician program
• OR have 500+ hours of equivalent work experience as a pharmacy technician

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• U.S. residency
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Full disclosure of any criminal or licensing actions
• Agreement to abide by PTCB policies

Want to verify that your program qualifies? Explore the PTCB-Recognized Program Directory.

NHA’s ExCPT Certification

The ExCPT is offered through the National Healthcareer Association and is also accepted by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

To qualify, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent AND either:

• Completed a pharmacy technician program within the last 5 years
• OR have 1,200 hours of supervised pharmacy-related work experience in the last 3 years

Both exams assess your understanding of pharmacy operations, medication safety, federal regulations, and patient care. Choosing a certification may come down to employer preference, exam structure, or your prior experience.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?

Most pharmacy technician training programs in Texas, including those at CHCP, can be completed in under a year. With both online and on-campus formats available, you can choose the schedule that best fits your life.

After completing your studies, expect to spend several additional weeks completing your credentialing and receiving your registration from the TSBP.

Maintaining and Renewing Your Pharmacy Tech License in Texas

In Texas, registered pharmacy technicians must renew their licenses every two years. To remain in good standing, you’ll need to:

• Maintain your national certification (e.g., CPhT)
• Complete continuing education (CE) as required by the TSBP
• Submit renewal paperwork and fees on time

Staying on top of these requirements helps ensure uninterrupted eligibility to work in pharmacy settings.

Get Started with a Pharmacy Technician Program at CHCP

Whether you're launching your career or pivoting into the healthcare field, CHCP offers pharmacy technician training designed to help you prepare for pharmacy technician licensure and certification in Texas. With flexible formats, experienced instructors, and built-in career services, our programs are designed to support your success from enrollment to employment.

Want to learn more? Explore the skills you'll need as a pharmacy technician or apply today to speak with an Admissions Advisor.