Washington Pharmacy Technician License
Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
Total Fee
$175
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / WSP
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Pharmacy Technician Application Packet — The primary application form (DOH 690-220) including personal data and attestation. Download Packet
- Director's Certification of Training — Verification of successful completion of a commission-approved training program, signed by the program director. Included in Packet
- Affidavit of Law Study — Documentation of 8 hours of pharmacy law study signed by a Washington-licensed pharmacist. Download Affidavit
- National Certification Exam Scores — Official score report or copy of certificate from PTCB or NHA.
- Letter of Recommendation — A letter from a pharmacist or employer recommending the applicant for certification.
How to Apply
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Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you are at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
View Requirements -
Complete Approved Training ▾Graduate from a Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) approved pharmacy technician training program.
Approved Programs -
Complete Law Study ▾Complete 8 hours of guided study on Washington State and federal pharmacy law under the supervision of a Washington-licensed pharmacist.
Law Study Affidavit -
Pass National Certification Exam ▾Pass either the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) national certification exam.
PTCB Website -
Submit Application ▾Apply online via the HELMS portal (requires a Secure Access Washington account) or submit a paper application with the $140 fee.
-
Background Check ▾Wait for notification from the DOH before scheduling fingerprints via IdentoGO. Do not complete this step prematurely.
Fingerprint Info
Total Fee
$175
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 Main Application ▾Complete the standard Pharmacy Technician Application Packet (DOH 690-220).
Download Application -
Out-of-State Training Affidavit ▾Submit the 'Affidavit of an Out of State Formal/Academic Technician Education' or 'On the Job' form included in the packet.
View Affidavits -
Verification of Active Practice ▾Provide verification of current active pharmacy practice if applying from another state.
-
License Verification ▾Request official license verification from every state where you hold or have held a pharmacy credential.
Verification Form
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
Keeping Your License Active
Washington Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $140 |
| Endorsement application | $140 |
| Fingerprint check | $35.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Law Study Affidavit
▾
The 8-hour law study must be supervised by a Washington-licensed pharmacist; using an out-of-state pharmacist will cause rejection.
Incomplete Training Documentation
▾
Failure to include the Director's Certification or the specific course outline for out-of-state programs.
Premature Fingerprinting
▾
Completing fingerprints before receiving the official DOH request email can lead to non-refundable fees and processing delays.
Unsigned Attestations
▾
Missing signatures or dates on the personal data and attestation pages of the application packet.
Questions
Is national certification (PTCB/NHA) required in Washington?
▾
Yes. Washington requires proof of passing a national certification exam accredited by the NCCA, such as the PTCB or ExCPT, in addition to state-specific training.
How often must I renew my Washington Pharmacy Technician certification?
▾
Certification must be renewed every two years on or before your birthday. The renewal fee is $140.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Technicians must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour of pharmacy law, 1 hour of patient safety, and 2 hours of health equity training.
Can I work while I am still in a training program?
▾
Yes, you must first apply for a Pharmacy Assistant license and obtain a 'technician-in-training' endorsement to perform technician duties under supervision.
Does Washington accept out-of-state pharmacy technician licenses?
▾
Washington does not have direct reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must prove their training was equivalent to Washington standards and meet all other state requirements.
Board Info
Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
Phone(360) 236-4946