Check pharmacy technician requirements in your state/province
Meet minimum eligibility requirements (often age, education, and background checks)
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
Choose a pathway: employer training, vocational/technical program, or community college program
Complete a pharmacy technician training program (if required or preferred)
Gain hands-on experience through internships/externships (if available)
Apply for and complete a pharmacy technician certification exam (commonly PTCB or ExCPT, where applicable)
Maintain certification by completing required continuing education and paying renewal fees
Apply for pharmacy technician positions (retail, hospital, mail-order, long-term care, etc.)
Prepare required documents (transcripts, ID, background check results, proof of training/certification)
Pass any required employer assessments or onboarding training
Stay current with pharmacy laws, medication safety, and pharmacy workflow procedures
Consider advanced roles or specializations (compounding, hospital, informatics, sterile compounding) if offered and permitted