How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado

Checked against Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) · Verified 2026-10-14

Exam: Required
Training: Not required
Term: See state office
State fee: The DPO technician page says the fee for a certification or provisional certification is $57; the same page's Q&A also lists a $22 'base fee'. Renewal and reinstatement fees exist (C.R.S. 12-280-112) but amounts are not published on the Board's pages.
Regulated by: Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA)

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Who can apply

Hold, and keep in good standing, pharmacy technician certification from a Board-approved certifying organization (PTCB or NHA) for full certification (C.R.S. 12-280-115.5(2)).
Without national certification yet, you may qualify for a one-time provisional certification valid up to 18 months.
Submit to a criminal history record check, or show you completed one for your employer or certifying organization; on the application you attest to it.
Be able to read and write English (C.R.S. 12-280-114).

Step by step

Decide whether you qualify for full certification (you already hold PTCB or NHA certification) or need provisional certification.
Complete a criminal background check, or confirm you had one through your employer or certifying organization.
Apply online through DPO for pharmacy technician certification or provisional certification and pay the fee.
Wait until your Colorado certification is issued; you cannot work as a technician on a pending application.
If provisional, earn PTCB or NHA certification within 18 months, then apply for full certification.
Keep your national certification active; at each state renewal you attest that it is current.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Colorado law sets no separate state training program for certification. Any training needed is whatever PTCB or NHA requires to earn national certification.

Exam: Full state certification requires current certification from a Board-approved certifying organization: PTCB (PTCE exam) or the National Healthcareer Association (ExCPT). Provisional certificants must earn it within 18 months. There is no separate state exam.

Practice for the PTCE (PTCB) exam free — medications, federal requirements, patient safety and order entry →

What it costs in Colorado

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

State pharmacy technician certification or provisional certification fee (DPO's technician page lists $57 as the fee and, in its Q&A, a $22 base fee; confirm the amount in the online application)$
PTCE exam fee (PTCB); NHA's ExCPT is priced by NHA. Needed for full certification$129
Criminal background check$
Training or exam-prep program to qualify for PTCB/NHA (optional; set by the provider)$

Estimated total in Colorado$129Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

PTCB PTCE exam: $129 as of Oct 2026, paid to PTCB; NHA's ExCPT is priced by NHA
Criminal background check (cost depends on who runs it)
National certification renewal fees and CE, paid to PTCB or NHA

Help while you start out in Colorado

Starting out on an entry-level wage? Check the SNAP income limits in Colorado by household size.

How long it takes

DPO's technician page says the application process typically takes 30 days.

Once you're registered

Renewal: To renew, reinstate or reactivate a full certification you must show (by attestation on the renewal application) that your PTCB or NHA certification is active, which includes meeting that organization's CE requirements. The Board may audit up to 5% of certified technicians each year. If your national certification lapses, your state certification becomes inactive and you may not practice. Provisional certifications cannot be renewed. The length of the renewal period and the renewal fee are not published on the Board's pages.

Good to know in Colorado

Provisional certification: A provisional certification lasts up to 18 months and cannot be renewed. The Board can grant a hardship extension based on access to care, financial hardship or health. If it expires, you may still apply later for full certification.

National certification alone is not enough: DPO says PTCB or NHA certification does not by itself authorize you to work in Colorado; you also need the state certification.

Working without certification: Practicing as a technician without active state certification is a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and a class 6 felony for later offenses, according to DPO.

Inactive status: An inactive certificant still pays renewal fees; to return to work you must apply to activate, pay the renewal fee and meet the CE requirement.

Keep your records: DPO audits compliance after each certification period. Keep your own records proving active PTCB or NHA certification (your name, the organization and certification dates) for at least 4 years; send them only if the Board asks.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) before you apply.