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
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $195
- Renewal Fee
- $195
- Total Estimated Cost
- $244
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
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
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$195.
- 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.
Considering another state?
Compare Pharmacy Technician requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.