Pennsylvania — Philadelphia skyline from the river

Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician License

Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$52
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / PA State Police
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Proof of High School Graduation — A copy of your high school diploma, GED, or official transcript.
  • Training Program Certificate — Certificate of completion from a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program.
  • Child Abuse Training Certificate — Completion certificate for the 3-hour mandated reporter training.
  • NPDB Self-Query Report — The official report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. NPDB Website
  • Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) Receipt — Proof of registration or receipt from IdentoGO for the FBI background check.

How to Apply

  1. Create a PALS Account ▾
    Register for a user ID and password on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) portal to begin your application.
    Register on PALS
  2. Complete Child Abuse Training ▾
    Complete 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting. Ensure the provider reports your completion to the Board.
  3. Obtain NPDB Self-Query Report ▾
    Request a self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). You will need to upload this report to your application.
    Request Self-Query
  4. Register for Fingerprinting ▾
    Pre-register with IdentoGO for a fingerprint-based FBI background check. Use the specific service code provided within the PALS application flow.
    IdentoGO Registration
  5. Verify Training or Experience ▾
    Ensure you have proof of completing a Board-approved training program or documentation of at least 1 year of practice between 2019 and 2021 for grandfathering.
  6. Submit Application and Pay Fee ▾
    Complete the online application in PALS and pay the $30 registration fee ($15 for trainees).
    Submit Application
Total Fee
$52
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. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    If applying via Act 41 (portability), ensure your out-of-state license is active and in good standing.
  2. Submit Standard Registration ▾
    Pennsylvania does not have a separate endorsement form; out-of-state technicians apply through the standard PALS registration process.
    Apply via PALS
  3. Provide Verification of Licensure ▾
    Request your current state board to send official verification of your license directly to the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

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

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$30
Endorsement application$30
Fingerprint check$22.60
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incorrect IdentoGO Service Code ▾
Using the wrong service code for fingerprinting will result in the Board not receiving your results. Always use the code provided in the PALS application.
Unapproved Child Abuse Training ▾
Training must be from a provider specifically approved by the PA Department of Human Services for the Board of Pharmacy.
Missing NPDB Report ▾
Failure to upload the National Practitioner Data Bank self-query report is a frequent cause for application deferral.
Name Discrepancies ▾
Ensure the name on your ID, training certificates, and background checks matches your PALS account exactly.

Questions

Is registration mandatory for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania? ▾
Yes. Under Act 140, all pharmacy technicians must be registered with the State Board of Pharmacy by June 28, 2026.
Do I need to be PTCB certified to register in Pennsylvania? ▾
No, national certification is not required by the state, but completing a PTCB-recognized program is one way to meet the state's training requirement.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal? ▾
The Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy does not currently require CE for the biennial renewal of pharmacy technician registrations.
How much does the registration cost? ▾
The initial application fee is $30 for a Pharmacy Technician and $15 for a Pharmacy Technician Trainee. The biennial renewal fee is $70.
Can I work while my application is pending? ▾
New technicians must obtain a Trainee Registration ($15) to work while completing their training program if they are not yet fully registered.

Board Info

Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy
Phone(833) 367-2762
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25