District of Columbia Pharmacy Technician Requirements
Washington, D.C. requires pharmacy technicians to be licensed. Applicants must complete training and obtain national certification, or qualify through alternate education and employment experience.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprints
- Submit a pharmacy technician license application to the D.C. Board of Pharmacy
- Choose one of the following qualification paths:
- Option A: Complete a pharmacy technician training program and hold national certification (PTCB or ExCPT)
- Option B: Complete a pharmacy technician training program and provide employer verification of performance (if not certified)
- Option C: Be enrolled in a pharmacy school accredited by ACPE
- Renew license every two years
Pharmacy Technician Salary
Pharmacy technicians in Washington, D.C. typically earn $20–$25 per hour. Certified technicians and those in hospital settings may earn more.
State Registration Requirements
- Licensure is required before beginning work
- Applicants must meet education and certification or verification requirements
- National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is one common path, but not the only one
- Technicians must work under pharmacist supervision
- Biennial license renewal is required
Continuing Education Requirements
- D.C. requires 20 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal
- Must include 2 hours in pharmacy law and 2 hours in patient safety
- PTCB Certification also requires 20 CE hours every 2 years, including 1 hour in Pharmacy Law and 1 hour in Patient Safety
Summary
Pharmacy technicians in Washington, D.C. must be licensed and meet training or certification requirements. National certification is one pathway, but D.C. also accepts alternate combinations of training and employer validation. CE is required for both state and national renewal.