Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician License
Rhode Island 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
- Completed Application Form — The official RIDOH pharmacy technician application packet. Download Form
- Application Fee — $25 non-refundable fee in the form of a check or money order payable to 'RI General Treasurer'.
- Proof of Age — A copy of a valid driver's license or other government-issued ID showing you are at least 18 years old.
- Proof of Education — Copy of high school diploma, GED, or proof of current enrollment in a high school program.
- BCI Background Check — Original criminal background check results from the RI Attorney General's Office.
- National Certification (Tech II only) — Copy of your current PTCB or ExCPT certification card or certificate.
- Pharmacist-in-Charge Affidavit (Tech I only) — Section of the application completed and signed by the Pharmacist-in-Charge at your place of employment.
How to Apply
-
Determine License Level ▾Decide between Pharmacy Technician I (entry-level/training) or Pharmacy Technician II (nationally certified). Technician II requires passing the PTCB or ExCPT exam.
View License Levels -
Obtain NABP e-Profile ID ▾Register with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to obtain a unique e-Profile ID, which is required for the application.
Get NABP ID -
Complete Background Check ▾Obtain a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) background check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. This must be submitted with your application.
-
Complete Application Form ▾Download and fill out the official 'Application for License as a Pharmacy Technician I or Pharmacy Technician II'. Ensure all sections, including the affidavit, are completed.
Download Application -
Submit Application and Fee ▾Mail the completed application, a $25 check or money order (payable to RI General Treasurer), and all required documents to the Rhode Island Department of Health.
-
Verify License Status ▾Once submitted, allow 6-8 weeks for processing. You can check the status of your license through the RIDOH verification portal.
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
-
Submit Standard Application ▾Complete the same pharmacy technician application packet used for initial licensure.
Download Application -
Request License Verification ▾Contact every state where you hold or have held a license and request that they send official verification directly to the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
-
Provide Certification Proof ▾If applying for Technician II, include proof of your national certification (PTCB or ExCPT).
-
Submit RI BCI Check ▾Even if licensed elsewhere, you must provide a fresh background check from the RI Attorney General.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island 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
Missing NABP e-Profile ID
▾
Applications without a valid NABP e-Profile ID cannot be processed and will be returned.
Incomplete BCI Results
▾
The Board requires the official background check from the RI Attorney General; results from third-party vendors are generally not accepted.
Missing Signatures
▾
For Tech I applicants, the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) must sign the affidavit. Missing PIC or applicant signatures will cause the application to be returned.
Out-of-State Verification
▾
For endorsement, delays often occur while waiting for other state boards to mail official license verifications to Rhode Island.
Questions
What is the difference between Pharmacy Technician I and II?
▾
Technician I is an entry-level license for those in training. Technician II requires national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) and allows for expanded duties and higher pay.
How long does it take to get my license?
▾
Processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks once a complete application is received by the Department of Health.
When does my license expire?
▾
Pharmacy technician licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., 2026, 2028).
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Pharmacy Technician II licensees must complete 10 hours of CE each calendar year. Technician I licensees do not have a state CE requirement.
Can I apply online for my initial license?
▾
No. Initial pharmacy technician applications must be submitted via mail using the paper application packet. Only renewals can be done online.