Texas Pharmacy Technician License
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$119
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (FAST Pass via DPS)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- National Certification Proof — Current certification from PTCB or ExCPT (NHA). Verify PTCB Certification
- High School Diploma or GED — Proof of high school graduation or equivalent. If currently enrolled, you must be actively working toward completion within two years.
- Social Security Number — A valid Social Security Number is required for the background check and application processing.
- Fingerprint Receipt — Receipt provided by IdentoGO after your fingerprinting session. IdentoGO Website
How to Apply
-
Obtain National Certification ▾Pass a national certification examination through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
PTCB Website -
Register for an Online Account ▾Create a secure online account on the Texas Health Professions Council (HPC) portal using a personal email address.
Register/Login -
Submit Initial Application ▾Log in and select 'Apply for a New License' then 'Initial Technician'. Provide your national certification number and expiration date.
Application Instructions -
Pay Application Fee ▾Pay the non-refundable application fee (currently $84) using a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express).
-
Complete Fingerprinting ▾After submitting the application, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule a fingerprint session with the approved vendor (IdentoGO).
Fingerprint Info -
Wait for Processing ▾Allow a minimum of six weeks for the Board to review and process the application. Do not perform technician duties until a registration number is issued.
Check Application Status
Total Fee
$119
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 National Certification ▾Texas does not have reciprocity for technicians. You must hold an active PTCB or ExCPT certification to apply.
Technician Requirements -
Submit Initial Texas Application ▾Follow the standard 'Initial Technician' application process as if you were a new applicant in Texas.
Online Portal -
Complete Texas Fingerprinting ▾Even if fingerprinted in another state, you must complete a fingerprint session specifically for the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
Fingerprinting Instructions
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
Texas Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $81 |
| Endorsement application | $81 |
| Fingerprint check | $38.25 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Criminal History Review
▾
Any 'Yes' response to criminal background questions or 'hits' on fingerprint results require review by an enforcement officer, which can take several months.
Incorrect Social Security Number
▾
Entering an incorrect SSN on the application will cause significant delays in matching fingerprint results to your file.
Missing Fingerprints
▾
The Board cannot process an application until the fingerprint session is completed and results are received from the vendor.
Name Mismatch
▾
Ensure the name on your national certification matches your legal name on the TSBP application exactly.
Questions
Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician in Texas?
▾
Yes. You must either be registered as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee (valid for 2 years, non-renewable) or a Registered Pharmacy Technician (requires national certification).
How long does the application process take?
▾
The Board advises allowing at least six weeks for processing. If you have a criminal history, it may take several months.
Can I work while my application is pending?
▾
No. You cannot perform any technician duties until a registration number has been assigned and shows an 'ACTIVE' status on the Board's website.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
Technicians must complete 20 hours of approved CE every two years, including at least 1 hour of Texas Pharmacy Law and 1 HHSC-approved Human Trafficking Prevention course.