The rules and guidelines that regulate the profession of pharmacy technician are continuously getting stricter as the function and duties of pharmacy technicians continue to expand. A nationwide standard can be provided for technicians by organizations such as the Pharmacy Technicians Certification Board (PTCB), but in the end, it is up to each state to decide its own minimal standards for working as a pharmacy tech.
You can use the following reference guide to learn how to become licensed as a pharmacy technician in each state if you are a current tech or an aspiring tech who is unaware of the regulations that apply to you in your state.
Simply select a state from the list to read up on the prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician there. Alabama The Alabama Board of Pharmacy requires that you register with them. Alaska To get registered with the Alaska Board of Pharmacy, you will need to finish an on-the-job training program that is overseen by a pharmacist-in-charge.
- Arizona Either:
Either become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and then register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, or register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and then pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Arkansas Applicants must register with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy and one of the following:
Either obtain a passing score on a test developed by the board of pharmacy or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
California To register with the California State Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Earn an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology, or; Complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that provides a minimum of 240 hours of training, or; Graduate from a school of pharmacy that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, or; Complete a pharmacy technician training program provided by a branch of the armed forces, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training
Colorado In the state of Colorado, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician;
Connecticut In order to register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either complete on-the-job training under the supervision of a pharmacy manager or get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying institution that is recognized.
Delaware In the state of Delaware, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician.
United States: District of Columbia In the District of Columbia, pharmacy technicians are not needed to have a license at this time; however, there is a possibility that registration could become mandatory in the coming years.
Florida Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians that has been deemed acceptable by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, and then register with the state board. Georgia Please submit an application supplement and register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.
Hawaii In Hawaii at this time, there are no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. Idaho Either:
Either become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician, or register with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician in training and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or another approved certification exam.
Illinois Participate in a pharmacy technician training program, become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Indiana To register with the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either graduate from a pharmacy technician training program that has been recognized by the state board or get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying entity that has been approved.
State of Iowa Either:
Either become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and register with the State Board as a certified pharmacy technician, or register with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or another approved certification exam within a year of registering;
Register with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy and demonstrate competency by taking and passing a test developed by the state board.
- Register with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
- Louisiana Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency;
First, you must register with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician candidate. After that, you must complete 600 hours of on-the-job training and a board-approved training program. Maine Complete a training program that involves learning on the job, and then register with the Board of Pharmacy in Maine.
- In order to qualify for the “advanced” classification, technicians are required to get national certification with the PTCB;
- Maryland To register with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either complete a pharmacy technician training program that has been recognized by the board and which includes a minimum of 160 hours of on-the-job training, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying body.
Massachusetts Before you may register with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, you must first become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying organization that has been accepted, and you must also complete one of the following requirements:
Complete a pharmacy technician training course that has been approved by the ASHP, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that has at least 120 hours of practical instruction and 120 hours of theoretical instruction, or; Complete at least 500 hours of training on the job in a licensed pharmacy.
Michigan To register with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either complete a board-authorized training program for pharmacy technicians that is offered by an employer and culminates in a test, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization.
Minnesota To register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Complete a pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the Board of Certification and is either: Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP); Employer-based and board-approved, providing a minimum of 240 combined hours of practical and theoretical instruction;
Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians offered either by a branch of the armed forces or by an educational establishment or college that is accredited and board-approved.
Mississippi Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying organization that is accepted, and register with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.
Register with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy in the state of Missouri. Montana Obtain your national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or from another certifying organization that is recognized, and then register with the Montana Board of Pharmacy.
Nebraska If you live in Nebraska, you are required to register with the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. Nevada Register with the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy by fulfilling one of the following requirements:
Perform 1500 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and perform 500 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and perform 350 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or complete a
Technicians who have been registered in one jurisdiction but wish to work in Nevada may transfer their registration to the Silver State provided the conditions for licensure in their home state are comparable to those of Nevada.
Register with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy in the state of New Hampshire. The state of New Jersey Obtain a registration number from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. NM (New Mexico) Register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy as a non-certified technician, finish an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist-in-charge, become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and apply for certified technician designation with the State Board.
The Big Apple In the state of New York, there are presently no prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. North Carolina (US state) To register with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Complete an employer-based on-the-job training program within the first 180 days of beginning employment in a pharmacy, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program conducted by an accredited institution or college, or; Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency.
State of North Dakota Before you may register with the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy, you need to get a national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and complete one of the following requirements:
Complete either an on-the-job training program overseen by a pharmacist-in-charge or a pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Ohio In the state of New York, there are presently no prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician.
- On the other hand, as a result of the adoption of Emily’s Law, anybody who wants to work in the field of technology in the state of Ohio must either:
Either successfully complete an employer-based on-the-job training program that culminates in a board-approved test or get your national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization.
Oklahoma Completing an on-the-job training program that is employer-based and is administered by a licensed pharmacist, as well as registering with the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy, are also requirements;
Oregon Either:
Register with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, successfully complete an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist-in-charge, and pass the PTCE; Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and then register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician.
Pennsylvania In the state of Pennsylvania, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician.
However, if a measure that is now in the legislative process is passed and signed into law, pharmacy technicians in the state of Pennsylvania will be required to finish a training program that has been authorized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and to register with the state board.
Rhode Island To register with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Complete a pharmacy technician training program that is accredited by the ASHP, complete a pharmacy technician training program that is provided by a military branch, or complete a pharmacy technician training program that is provided by an accredited, Board-approved institution or college, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency.
South Carolina The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy requires that you register with them.
- State of South Dakota Either:
Register with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician-in-training, successfully complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program, and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE); Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and then register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician.
Register with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy in the state of Tennessee;
Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee, finish a board-approved on-the-job training program, become nationally certified through the PTCB, and then apply for registered pharmacy technician designation with the state board.
- These are the requirements to become a registered pharmacy technician in Texas;
- Utah Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, complete an approved pharmacy technician training program that includes at least 180 hours of on-the-job training, complete an approved pharmacy technician training program, and apply for pharmacy technician designation with the Department of Commerce;
Register with the Vermont Board of Pharmacy in the state of Vermont. Virginia To register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either graduate from a training school for pharmacy technicians that has been recognized by the board, or get nationally certified through the PTCB.
Washington Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians that is recognized, get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization, then register with the Department of Health in Washington state.
- West Virginia Either:
You must either register with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and complete an on-the-job training program that culminates in a test approved by the state board, or you must either: Get nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), complete 20 hours of on-the-job training, and register with the state board to work in the field.
Wisconsin In the state of Wisconsin, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician;
Wyoming Obtain your national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and then register with the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy.
How do I get my pharmacy tech license in Ohio?
Pharmacy technicians provide assistance to licensed pharmacists in the processes of receiving, preparing, and distributing patient prescriptions for medications. In addition, they are responsible for performing administrative tasks within the pharmacy, such as updating patient records, answering the phone, addressing questions from customers, removing expired medications from circulation, maintaining stock levels, and removing discontinued medications from circulation.
An authorized training program that satisfies the requirements for registration is something that technicians in Ohio are required to complete before they can become registered. Students enrolled in Pharmacy Technician training programs that are nationally recognized receive the skills and knowledge necessary to qualify for entry-level positions in pharmacies and also prepare for national certification as Certified Pharmacy Technicians.
Pharmacy Technician training programs are nationally recognized (CPhT). The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association are the two regulating bodies that present candidates with the opportunity to get national certification.
- Prerequisites for Obtaining a License to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Ohio In the state of Ohio, those who want to carry out the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician are required to apply for active registration with the Board of Pharmacy;
Legally speaking, the phrase “registration” is synonymous with the word “licensure.” There are three different kinds of registrations (Certified Technician, Registered Technician, and Technician Trainee). According to the candidate’s level of education and experience, he or she is responsible for determining which method of registration will yield the greatest results. There are several different types of authorized training, including the following:
Successful completion of a training program offered by a business in Ohio Completion of a training program that was not provided by the applicant’s company and that satisfies one of the following requirements:
A program that has been granted accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Training from ASHP/ACPE approved programs that are currently in candidate status will be accepted by the Board. A program for pharmaceutical technicians that is run by a branch of the United States Armed Forces, the Indian Health Service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States Department of Veteran Affairs in the United States.
The successful completion of a technical training program is a requirement that must be met prior to applying for registration. A training program for pharmacy technicians that has been approved by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and is offered as part of a vocational and technical education curriculum at an Ohio public high school A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program if the applicant’s expected date of graduation is less than five years from the date on which they want to apply for registration.
Following receipt of the application, the Board will, within the subsequent 15 business days, issue a Certificate of Issuance.
Age Requirement To be eligible for registration as a pharmacy technician in the state of Ohio, applicants must be at least 18 years old. Education Requirement All candidates are required to demonstrate to the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy that they have either a high school diploma or the equivalent of a GED.
All individuals who wish to become registered as pharmacy technicians are required to graduate from either an employer-based pharmacy technician school or an authorized pharmacy technician program. Additional Prerequisites As part of the process of becoming registered as a pharmacy technician, a potential employee’s criminal history must be investigated.
How to get your Pharmacy Technician Trainee License! No School Required!
Candidates who have been convicted in the past could not be eligible for registration. However, the Board investigates each individual case and reaches its conclusion after considering a variety of criteria, including the length of time that has passed since the offense, the gravity of the conviction, evidence that the offender has undergone rehabilitation, and whether or not they have complied with the terms of their parole.
- There are some offenses that might lead to an outright refusal of registration;
- These include operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possessing illicit drugs or prescription pharmaceuticals without a valid prescription, possessing or selling illegal substances, committing larceny, and having numerous arrest warrants;
The Material Covered in the Pharmacy Technician Program It is not necessary to devote a significant amount of both time and money to get started in a career as a pharmacy technician, unlike in other allied health professions. This is one of the most significant advantages of pharmacy technician schools.
There are no requirements to meet in order to participate in the majority of programs other than a graduation from an accredited high school. The training will often consist of engaging activities to be completed in the classroom under the direction of knowledgeable professors who themselves may have years or even decades of expertise in the subject.
In order to adequately prepare for the pharmaceutical internship, students will gain experience working in sophisticated labs that provide opportunities for hands-on learning, engagement, and simulations of actual difficulties. Students may expect to get a great deal of individualized instruction from faculty members as they are guided through the process of receiving and dispensing orders as well as performing other day-to-day responsibilities in the pharmacy.
Students participate in an experience called an externship in pharmacy, during which they are placed in the field to work with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other students in order to obtain real-world experience.
The externship gives a fantastic chance to improve resumes, make connections with other professionals, and network with prospective employers. Classes for pharmacy technicians cover a wide range of topics, including pharmacy calculations, pharmacy terminology, inventory management, pharmacy billing systems, IV preparations, and medical terminology.
Other topics include maintaining patient records, receiving and dispensing medications, providing customer service, managing inventory, and updating patient records. The majority of pharmacy technician programs provide in-depth study for the certification test as part of their curriculum.
To be qualified to take the PTCB test, candidates must first finish a training program that has been granted accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Time and money invested The length of time it takes to complete a pharmacy technician program can range anywhere from four months to an entire year, depending on the certification that is being pursued.
Certificate programs provide all the fundamental subjects necessary for effective practice; nevertheless, they are structured to allow students to enter the job more quickly. They usually need a commitment of between four and six months of full-time study, although it might be longer than a year for students who attend part-time.
The associate’s degree in pharmacy technology requires students to complete both general education requirements and core pharmacy technician coursework. Although it is not required for ordinary practice in the majority of pharmacy environments, it is highly recommended for people who have plans to continue their education in the healthcare field.
Community colleges, vocational schools, adult education centers, and other types of private institutes of learning all provide students with opportunities to participate in training programs. There are no ASHP-accredited employer-based training programs in the state of Ohio.
However, it is feasible to appear for the PTCB test after completing at least 500 hours of experience in the field. Employer-based training has many advantages, one of which is that it allows employees to gain practical, real-world experience from the very first day of training.
Students might even be able to earn a modest stipend throughout the duration of the training, and depending on their skills, they might be eligible for employment right away. The typical cost of completing a certificate program in Ohio is $2,700.
This cost covers the entirety of the program and includes clinical externships, textbooks, uniforms, and support from outside sources. The cost of degree programs offered by public schools might often be higher. As might be anticipated, receiving training at a private institution can be quite expensive; however, this cost might include all other related expenses as well as extended internships at prominent pharmacies.
Students who qualify for financial aid will see a significant reduction in the amount of money they have to pay out of their own pockets. The National Examinations The Ohio State Board of Pharmacy does not include certification as a prerequisite for granting licenses in its requirements for applicants.
Having a national certification from the PTCB or ExCPT, on the other hand, will boost your chances of getting a job. Nowadays, potential workers are expected to have it, and employers may even foot the bill for certification courses for their existing staff members.
The Board will accept PTCB certification as in proof of your competence to serve as a competent pharmacy technician. Candidates who are successful in passing their examinations are awarded the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
Eligibility requirements include:
Completion of a pharmacy technician training program that is recognized by the PTCB or equivalent work experience is required (500 hours minimum) Complete disclosure of any and all disciplinary actions taken by the State Board of Pharmacy or other relevant agencies Attain all of the PTCB certification requirements that are applicable.
Participate in and succeed in the Certification Exam for Pharmacy Technicians. Make sure you pay the cost of $129.
The preliminary results that were offered to you once the test was finished give an idea of how well you performed on the test, but these scores are not official.
Approximately two to three weeks after the conclusion of the exam, the official results will be made public. Following this point in time, the PTCB will update your certification status, which may be checked on the website. If you are successful in passing the test, the certificate will be made accessible for download on the PTCB dashboard.
In order to keep one’s certificate current, the certification has to be updated every two years. The completion of 20 hours of continuing education is required for recertification. The ICPT is responsible for the creation and development of the ExCPT exam.
To be qualified to take the ExCPT, you must:
You must be at least 18 years old. Hold a diploma from an accredited high school or a General Equivalency Diploma. Either have successfully completed a training program or have a minimum of 12 months of experience working in a pharmacy-related field, both of which must have been done within the preceding 36 months of the application date.
Participate in and succeed in the ExCPT test. Make sure you have $105 for the exam cost.
Preparation for both the PTCB and the ExCPT tests is typically a component of pharmacy technician training programs.
How to Obtain an Application for Your State License Before carrying out the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician, anyone—trainees included—must first get registration from the Board of Pharmacy. This includes individuals who are already in the training process.
- Before the technician may begin practicing, the registration has to be marked as active;
- Pharmacy Technician Trainee, Registered Pharmacy Technician, and Certified Pharmacy Technician are the three levels of registration that Ohio State University recognizes for pharmacy technicians;
The level of registration that you select will be determined by the level of education and experience that you currently possess. The time it takes to process applications for registrations might take up to 15 business days after the application was initially submitted.
- The candidate is required to wait until the Board of Pharmacy issues an Active status and a notification that the Certificate of Issuance has been issued;
- Application to Become a Pharmacy Technician Trainee:
Visit the website www.eLicense.ohio.gov to establish an account and sign in to it;
Choose “New License Applications” from the drop-down menu. Choose the Board of Pharmacy from the pull-down menu, then make your selection from the “Pharmacy Technician Trainee” option. Choose General Application from the third available option on the drop-down menu.
- Please complete the questions regarding eligibility;
- Please submit all of the necessary documentation, including proof that a background check was conducted;
- The Board must receive all documents sent directly to it;
You must first submit your application along with a $25 non-refundable fee.
Renewal Dates for renewal are established according to the type of the registration. In even-numbered years, pharmacy technicians who are registered are required to renew their registration by the 31st of March.
There is a fee of $50 to register. Registered pharmacy technicians have until September 30 of even-numbered years to submit a renewal application for their certification. The fee to renew an existing registration is $50.
In order to keep their registration current, pharmacy technicians that are registered need to complete continuing education units. Within the 24-month registration cycle and prior to the date on which their registration is set to expire, they are required to complete 10 contact hours (1.
0 CEU) of continuing education for pharmacy technicians. Two of the ten required contact hours must be spent on pharmacy law, and the other four must be spent on either patient or pharmaceutical safety. Participating in volunteer work with a state-approved organization that offers free health care services counts as continuing education and can satisfy one-third of the criteria.
The certifying organization that is recognized by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy will serve as the conduit through which certified pharmacy technicians will complete their continuing education requirements. It entails a total of 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years for the PTCB or ExCPT.
Do you need a pharmacy tech license in Ohio?
Are Pharmacy Technicians subject to any sort of regulation in the state of Ohio? In Ohio, yes, pharmacy technicians are subject to regulation. In the state of Ohio, does working as a Pharmacy Technician need certification? The State Board of Pharmacy in Ohio does not mandate that pharmacy technicians obtain certification in order to work there.
In the state of Ohio, which tests are recognized by the State Board of Pharmacy? Both the PTCB (PTCE) and the ICPT are recognized as valid certifications (ExCPT). When is it necessary for pharmacy technicians to obtain registration? There is no need to register for this event.
Is obtaining a license mandatory for Pharmacy Technicians in the state of Ohio? No, getting a license is not necessary in order to operate as a Pharmacy Technician in the state of Ohio. What steps do I need to take to get my license as a pharmacy technician in the state of Ohio?
The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 years old.
- Requires a certificate from an accredited high school or its equivalent;
- Must be willing to cooperate with both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conducting a check of their criminal history;
Required to have passed the Board Approved Technician Exam. You have the ability to work as a pharmacy technician for up to a year if you have not yet passed the board test provided that you are still preparing for the exam and have the intention of taking it after working as a pharmacy technician.
Is there a needed amount of training to become a Pharmacy Technician in Ohio? Yes, the State Board of Pharmacy in Ohio mandates that Pharmacy Technicians go through an approved training program while working under the supervision of a certified pharmacist.
It is required that a record of the training be retained. Is it compulsory for Pharmacy Technicians to participate in Continuing Education, often known as CE? No, however in order to keep their national certification current, pharmacy technicians need to complete 20 units of continuing education (CE) every two years.
This is a requirement for those who already hold national certification. How frequently does one need to renew their license to work as a Pharmacy Technician? In Ohio, Pharmacy Technician licenses do not need to be renewed on a yearly basis. What should I do if I change employment or if I move to a different house? Please keep the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy informed of any changes.
- Other necessities to remember for becoming a pharmacy technician in the state of Ohio are as follows:
Pharmacy technicians are only allowed to carry out duties that do not require them to exercise professional judgment;
The responsibilities for any and all actions taken by the pharmacy technician fall squarely on the shoulders of the supervising pharmacist.
Does Ohio require pharmacy technician certification?
In the state of Ohio, pharmacy technicians are subject to regulation. At this time, certification for pharmacy technicians, such as completion of the PTCB exam, is voluntary rather than mandatory. On the other hand, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy has granted approval for technicians to take the PTCB and ExCPT tests if either the technicians themselves or their employers desire to do so.