LicenseCompass

Pharmacy Technician License in California

Quick Answer

To become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in California, you need to complete an approved education pathway (240+ hours of training, ASHP-accredited program, or PTCB certification), submit fingerprints, and pay a $195 application fee. No exam is required. Renewal is $195 biennially. Processing takes approximately 90 days.

Education Required
240 hours
Total Cost
$244 (est.)
Timeline
90 days once application is complete
Renewal
Every Biennial (every 2 years)

Requirements

Pharmacy Technician license in California

gold
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$195
Renewal Fee
$195
Total Estimated Cost
$244

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Pharmacy

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Pharmacy Technician license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$195
Total Estimated Cost$195

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Pharmacy Technician Salary in California

Entry Level

$38,850

Median

$49,640

Experienced

$79,630

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Pharmacy Technician in California.

  1. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$195.

  2. 2

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 90 days once application is complete.

Pharmacy Technician Licensing in California: What to Know

California licenses pharmacy technicians through the Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Pharmacy. The application fee is $195, and biennial renewal is also $195. If located outside California, an additional $49 fingerprint processing fee applies. No state exam is required. Qualifying methods include: (A) an Associate degree in pharmacy technology, (B) completion of an ASHP-accredited training course, (C) any course providing at least 240 hours of instruction per Title 16 CCR 1793.6(c), (D) graduation from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school, (E) military training (submit DD214), or (F) PTCB certification. Fingerprints are mandatory. Average processing time is 90 days once the application is complete. California is known for relatively long processing times. Authority: Business and Professions Code Section 4000 et seq.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacy Technician license cost in California?
The estimated total cost is $244, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Pharmacy Technician license in California?
The process typically takes 90 days once application is complete, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.