New Mexico Pharmacy Technician License
New Mexico 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
- National Certification Proof — A copy of your current, valid PTCB or ExCPT certificate (required for Certified Technician applicants).
- Technician Training Record — A completed and signed record of training and education, required for those starting as non-certified technicians.
- Government-Issued ID — A copy of a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport for identity verification.
- Criminal History Disclosures — If applicable, provide court documents and a written explanation for any criminal charges or disciplinary actions.
How to Apply
-
Create a Portal Account ▾Register as a new user on the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NM-PLUS) portal to begin the application process.
Register for Portal -
Select Application Type ▾Choose between 'Non-Certified Pharmacy Technician' (if you are a trainee) or 'Certified Pharmacy Technician' (if you already hold PTCB or ExCPT certification).
Start Application -
Complete Training (Non-Certified Only) ▾If applying as non-certified, you must complete board-approved training under a pharmacist's supervision and maintain a written training record.
-
Submit Application and Fee ▾Complete the online application fields and pay the $25 initial registration fee through the portal.
Pay and Submit -
Obtain National Certification ▾Non-certified technicians must pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam within one year of their initial state registration to remain eligible for work.
PTCB Certification -
Upgrade to Certified Status ▾Once national certification is obtained, log back into the portal to upload your certificate and upgrade your state registration to 'Certified' status.
Portal Login
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
-
Verify Eligibility ▾New Mexico does not offer direct reciprocity for pharmacy technicians. All out-of-state applicants must apply as new registrants.
-
Submit New Application ▾Apply through the NM-PLUS portal as a 'Certified Pharmacy Technician' if you hold a current national certification.
Apply Online -
Provide Certification Proof ▾Upload your current PTCB or ExCPT certificate to satisfy New Mexico's certification requirement.
-
Pay Registration Fee ▾Pay the $25 non-refundable registration fee via the online portal.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Mexico Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
New Mexico Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Training Records
▾
Failing to have the supervising pharmacist sign all sections of the Technician Training Record can lead to application rejection.
Expired National Certification
▾
If your PTCB or ExCPT certification has lapsed, the Board cannot process your 'Certified' registration until it is renewed.
Criminal History Disclosure Issues
▾
Failure to provide complete court documentation for past arrests or charges will delay the background review process.
One-Year Certification Deadline
▾
Non-certified technicians who do not pass their national exam within 12 months will have their registration expire and cannot work until certified.
Questions
Can I work in a pharmacy before my registration is approved?
▾
You may perform clerical duties, but you cannot perform any pharmacy technician duties (such as processing prescriptions) until your registration is issued by the Board.
How long is my pharmacy technician registration valid?
▾
Certified registrations are valid for two years and expire on the last day of your birth month. Non-certified registrations are valid for exactly one year and cannot be renewed.
Does New Mexico require continuing education (CE) for technicians?
▾
The Board does not require separate CE for state renewal, but you must maintain your national certification (PTCB/ExCPT), which requires 20 hours of CE every two years.
What is the fee for renewing my registration?
▾
The biennial renewal fee for a Certified Pharmacy Technician is $30.
How do I update my place of employment?
▾
Technicians must report changes in employment to the Board within 10 days. This can be done by emailing pharmacy.board@rld.nm.gov.