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Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License

Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Passport-Sized Photo — A recent 2x2 inch color headshot meeting US passport specifications.
  • Proof of Education — Copy of high school diploma, official transcript, or GED certificate.
  • National Certification — Copy of your current PTCB or NHA (ExCPT) certification card if applying via the certification route. PTCB Website
  • Notarized CORI Acknowledgement Form — A signed and notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form is mandatory for all applicants.

How to Apply

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you are at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and are of good moral character with no drug-related felony convictions.
  2. Complete Training or Certification ▾
    Either complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program, work 500 hours as a licensed Pharmacy Technician-in-Training (PTT), or obtain national certification (PTCB or ExCPT).
  3. Pass a Board-Approved Exam ▾
    Pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) national exam, or a Board-approved employer-administered competency exam.
    Register for PTCB Exam
  4. Create a Licensing Portal Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal to begin your application.
  5. Submit Online Application ▾
    Log in to the portal, select 'Apply for a New License', and choose 'Pharmacy Technician'. Complete all fields and pay the $150 non-refundable fee.
  6. Upload Required Documents ▾
    Upload your 2x2 passport photo, proof of education, national certification card, and the notarized CORI acknowledgement form.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Pharmacy Technicians licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.

Steps

  1. Request License Verification ▾
    Contact the Board of Pharmacy in every state where you hold or have held a license to have an official verification sent to the Massachusetts Board.
  2. Submit MA Application ▾
    Apply through the Health Professions Licensing Portal, selecting the Pharmacy Technician license type.
  3. Provide Proof of Equivalency ▾
    Ensure your out-of-state license was obtained under requirements substantially equivalent to Massachusetts (e.g., 500 hours or national exam).
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Non-Notarized CORI Form ▾
The CORI form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. Uploading a form without a notary seal will result in immediate application pendency.
Incorrect Photo Format ▾
Photos that are not 2x2 inches or do not meet passport standards (clear background, no glasses, etc.) are frequently rejected.
Missing Education Proof ▾
Failure to upload a clear copy of a high school diploma or GED is a common reason for delays.
Incomplete Employment Verification ▾
If applying via the 500-hour route, ensure your employer has correctly documented and verified your hours in the system.

Questions

Do I need to be nationally certified to work in Massachusetts? ▾
No, you can work as a Pharmacy Technician-in-Training (PTT) without certification. However, to become a full Pharmacy Technician (PT), you must either pass a Board-approved exam (like PTCB) or complete 500 hours of training.
How often do I need to renew my license? ▾
Pharmacy Technician licenses expire every two years on the licensee's birthday.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for technicians? ▾
The Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy does not currently require CE for state license renewal, though national certifying bodies (PTCB/NHA) require CE to maintain certification.
What is the difference between a PT and a PTT license? ▾
A PTT (Trainee) license is for those gaining the 500 hours of experience required for full licensure. A PT license is for those who have completed training and passed an exam.

Board Info

Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy
Phone(800) 414-0168
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25