{"application_form_url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/forms/tch_app_pkt.pdf","application_portal_url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/applicants/tch.shtml","board_contact_url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/about/contact_us.shtml","board_email":"See board website","board_fax":"N/A (contact by phone)","board_mailing_address":"See board website","board_name":"California Board of Pharmacy","board_parent_org":"Title Protection Only (Business and Professions Code Section 2585)","board_phone":"(916) 518-3100","board_physical_address":"See board website","board_source_url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov","board_url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov","canonical_url":"https://statelicensingreference.com/california-pharm","ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"The NPDB Self-Query report must be submitted in its original, sealed envelope. If opened, it will be rejected.","title":"Opened NPDB Report"},{"description":"The name on the application must exactly match the name on your government ID and fingerprint records.","title":"Name Discrepancies"},{"description":"Applications must have original signatures and be dated within 60 days of filing.","title":"Missing Signatures"},{"description":"Failure to ensure the Live Scan operator selects both DOJ and FBI levels of service.","title":"Incomplete Fingerprinting"}],"compact_member":false,"compact_name":"N/A","compact_privilege_fee":"N/A","created_at":"2026-04-09T17:05:28.570598+00:00","credential_type":"Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)","description":"Apply for a California Pharmacy Technician credential. Learn about the requirements, PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT exam, and state fees.","endorsement_application_url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/forms/tch_app_pkt.pdf","endorsement_fees":{"app_fee":"$100","background_check_fee":"$0 (included in application)","jurisprudence_exam_fee":"$0","total_estimated_cost":"$100"},"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Ensure your current license in another state is in good standing.","title":"Verify Out-of-State License","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"California requires national certification (PTCB or NHA) or completion of a board-approved program for all applicants, including those from out-of-state.","title":"Obtain National Certification","url":"https://www.ptcb.org","url_label":"PTCB Certification"},{"description":"If outside California, contact the Board to request manual fingerprint cards (FD-258).","title":"Request Fingerprint Cards","url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/applicants/tch.shtml","url_label":"Request Cards"},{"description":"Follow the same application process as in-state applicants using the standard 17A-7 packet.","title":"Submit Standard Application","url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/forms/tch_app_pkt.pdf","url_label":"Download Packet"}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"The Board typically takes 30 to 45 days to process a complete application. You should wait at least 45 days before inquiring about status.","question":"How long does it take to get a California Pharmacy Technician license?"},{"answer":"As of January 1, 2025, the non-refundable application fee is $120.","question":"What is the application fee for a Pharmacy Technician in California?"},{"answer":"Yes. Technicians must complete at least 1 hour of cultural competency CE every two-year renewal period.","question":"Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for technicians?"},{"answer":"No. Initial Pharmacy Technician applications must be submitted by mail. Renewals can be done online via the BreEZe portal.","question":"Can I apply for my initial license online?"},{"answer":"Yes, the Board accepts both the PTCB (PTCE) and the NHA (ExCPT) certifications for licensure.","question":"Does California accept both PTCB and NHA certifications?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":"2-4","fingerprint_fee":"$49.00","fingerprint_method_in_state":"LiveScan (IdentoGO)","fingerprint_method_out_of_state":"IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan (adds ~$39.95 fee) OR FD-258 hard card via mail (tip: moisturize hands for days prior to reduce smudge rejects)","fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":"California DOJ LiveScan","fingerprint_vendor_url":"https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations","initial_fee_amount":120.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":"$100 application/license fee","last_updated":"2026-02-25","last_verified":"2026-02-25","license_duration":"2 Years","licensing_pathway":"endorsement","payload_url":"https://statelicensingreference.com/api/california-pharm.json","processing_time":"4 to 6 Weeks","profession":"Pharmacy Technician","provisional_info":"Many states offer a limited permit or provisional license for new graduates waiting to take the PTCB. Check specific board rules for supervisory requirements.","reciprocity_info":"Pharmacy Technicians licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.","renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":50.0,"renewal_portal_url":null,"required_documents":[{"description":"The primary application form, signed and dated within 60 days of submission.","name":"Pharmacy Technician Application (Form 17A-7)","url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/forms/tch_app_pkt.pdf","url_label":"Download Form"},{"description":"A 2x2 inch color passport-style photo taken within the last 60 days.","name":"Passport-Style Photo","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Official, sealed transcript or a notarized copy of your high school diploma/GED.","name":"High School Transcript or GED","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Original, sealed envelope containing your report from the National Practitioner Data Bank.","name":"NPDB Self-Query Report","url":"https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/","url_label":"NPDB Website"},{"description":"Certified copy of PTCB/NHA certificate or the Affidavit of Completed Coursework (page 4 of application).","name":"Proof of Qualification","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"The second copy of the 'Request for Live Scan Service' form confirming prints were taken.","name":"Live Scan Receipt","url":null,"url_label":null}],"slug":"california-pharm","state_name":"California","state_slug":"california","statutes_url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/laws_regs/lawbook.shtml","steps":[{"description":"Ensure you are at least 18 years of age and have graduated from a high school or possess a GED.","title":"Verify Eligibility","url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/applicants/tch.shtml","url_label":"View Eligibility Requirements"},{"description":"Complete a board-approved training program or obtain national certification through PTCB or NHA (ExCPT).","title":"Obtain Qualifying Certification or Training","url":"https://www.ptcb.org","url_label":"Register for PTCB Exam"},{"description":"Order a Self-Query Report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. Do not open the envelope when it arrives; it must remain sealed.","title":"Request NPDB Self-Query Report","url":"https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/ext/selfquery/SQHome.jsp","url_label":"Request NPDB Report"},{"description":"California residents must use Live Scan. Out-of-state applicants must request fingerprint cards from the Board.","title":"Complete Fingerprinting","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Complete Form 17A-7 and mail it to the Board with the $120 application fee (check or money order) and all required documents.","title":"Submit Application and Fee","url":"https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/forms/tch_app_pkt.pdf","url_label":"Download Application Packet"},{"description":"Allow 30-45 days for processing. You will receive an email acknowledgement once your payment is processed.","title":"Track Application Status","url":null,"url_label":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":"See board","temp_license_fee":"See board","temp_license_processing_time":"See board","updated_at":"2026-04-12T09:02:58.302348+00:00","verify_license_url":null}