South Carolina Pharmacy Technician License
South Carolina 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
- Pharmacy Technician Registration Application — Initial application for registration to work in SC.
- Verification of Lawful Presence — Affidavit of Eligibility confirming legal presence in the United States.
- Copy of Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- Copy of Social Security Card — Required for identity verification.
- Affidavit of Experience — Notarized form verifying 1,000 hours of supervised practice for state certification.
- High School Diploma or GED — Required for the State-Certified upgrade.
How to Apply
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Obtain Initial Registration ▾Apply for a Pharmacy Technician Registration through the SC Board of Pharmacy. You must be registered before you can begin working in a pharmacy.
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Complete Training Program ▾Enroll in and complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program. This must be either ASHP-accredited or recognized by the PTCB.
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Earn National Certification ▾Pass a national certification exam. South Carolina recognizes the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) ExCPT exam.
Register for PTCB Exam -
Accumulate Work Experience ▾Complete 1,000 hours of supervised pharmacy practice under a licensed pharmacist after becoming registered.
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Submit Upgrade Documentation ▾Once you have met the education, certification, and experience requirements, mail your high school diploma, training certificate, national certification, and notarized affidavit of experience to the Board to upgrade to 'State-Certified' status.
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
-
Apply for Registration ▾South Carolina does not have a direct reciprocity process for technicians. Out-of-state technicians must apply for a new SC Pharmacy Technician Registration.
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Verify Out-of-State License ▾If you hold a license in another state, the Board may require verification of that license in good standing.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Carolina Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
South Carolina Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Carolina 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 PIC Signatures
▾
The application requires the signature of the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC). Missing this signature will cause the application to be returned.
Lawful Presence Affidavit Errors
▾
Failure to have the Lawful Presence affidavit notarized or providing an expired ID will delay processing.
Background Check Processing
▾
Criminal history reviews can take several weeks; ensure all disclosures are accurate to avoid further investigation delays.
Missing Upgrade Documents
▾
Mailing the experience affidavit without the training certificate or high school diploma will prevent the upgrade to State-Certified status.
Questions
Do I need to pass an exam to get my initial registration?
▾
No, an exam is not required for the basic Pharmacy Technician Registration. However, you must pass a national exam (PTCB or ExCPT) to become a State-Certified Pharmacy Technician.
What is the difference between a Registered and State-Certified Technician?
▾
State-Certified technicians can perform expanded duties, such as receiving verbal orders and transferring prescriptions, and they allow for a higher pharmacist-to-technician ratio (1:4).
When does my South Carolina registration expire?
▾
All pharmacy technician registrations expire annually on June 30th.
How many continuing education (CE) hours do I need?
▾
Technicians must complete 10 hours of ACPE or CME Category 1 CE each license year. You are exempt during your first renewal period after initial registration.
Can I work while my application is pending?
▾
No. You must have an active registration issued by the Board and displayed at your workplace before you can perform any technician duties.