Texas Pharmacy Technician Requirement
Texas requires pharmacy technicians to register with the state. All technicians must eventually become nationally certified to maintain full registration.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a Pharmacy Technician Trainee application to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP)
- Complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check
- Pass a national certification exam (PTCE or ExCPT) within 2 years of trainee registration
- Upgrade to Registered Pharmacy Technician status once certified
- Renew registration every two years
Pharmacy Technician Salary
Pharmacy technicians in Texas typically earn $19–$22 per hour. Certified technicians may qualify for higher pay and more opportunities, particularly in hospital settings.
State Registration Requirements
- Trainee registration is valid for 2 years and cannot be renewed
- Certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is required to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician
- Technicians must work under direct pharmacist supervision
- Registration must be renewed biennially after certification
Continuing Education Requirements
- Texas requires 20 CE hours every 2 years for registration renewal
- Must include 1 hour in Texas-specific pharmacy law
- PTCB Certification also requires 20 CE hours every 2 years, including 1 hour in Pharmacy Law and 1 hour in Patient Safety
Summary
Texas pharmacy technicians must first register as trainees and complete national certification within two years. After certification, they may register as full pharmacy technicians. CE is required for both state and national renewal.