How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Connecticut

Who can apply

• Have a position in a pharmacy in Connecticut (DCP prerequisite).
• Be qualified to perform routine dispensing functions under a pharmacist's supervision that do not need professional judgment (C.G.S. 20-598a(b)).
• Optional: holders of PTCB (or another DCP-approved) certification can be certified as pharmacy technicians rather than only registered (C.G.S. 20-598a(c)).

Step by step

1. Get a technician position at a Connecticut pharmacy.
2. Start the initial training set by your pharmacist manager.
3. Apply online through the DCP eLicense system (see DCP's online application account instructions) no more than 30 days after training starts.
4. Pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.
5. Finish the pharmacy's initial training before regularly doing the tasks it covers.
6. Renew every year by March 31 for $50.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Each pharmacy's pharmacist manager sets the initial training, including on-the-job and related education matched to the tasks you will do, and it must be finished before you regularly perform those tasks. You must be registered with DCP no more than 30 days after training starts. The pharmacist manager must also provide continuing in-service training and keep written records (Regs. Conn. State Agencies 20-576-37). No hour minimum is set.

Exam: No exam or national certification is required for registration. PTCB (or other DCP-approved) certification lets you be certified as a pharmacy technician, which allows a pharmacist to supervise up to three technicians when at least one is certified.

What it costs in Connecticut

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

Once you're registered

Renewal: All pharmacy technician registrations expire every year on March 31 and renew for $50. DCP and the statute list no continuing education requirement for registered technicians. An expired registration can be reinstated with an application and all fees if filed no later than 3 years after it expired; a reinstated registration expires the next March 31.

Good to know in Connecticut

Students in accredited programs: Since the 2024 law change, someone enrolled in an accredited pharmacy technician education program may do technician duties as part of the program under a pharmacist instructor's direct supervision without registering (C.G.S. 20-598a(a)).

Advanced pharmacy technician: After 3 continuous years of registration and PTCB (or equivalent) certification, plus an accredited course and competency assessment, you can apply for the advanced pharmacy technician designation ($25 extra at application and renewal) (C.G.S. 20-598b, 20-601).

Name or address change: Registered technicians must notify the Commission within five days of a name or home address change.

Name tag: Technicians must wear a name tag identifying them as a pharmacy technician or certified pharmacy technician.

Sources

• CT DCP - Pharmacy Technician Registration
• CT DCP - Pharmacy Technician Reinstatement
• CT DCP - Registration of Pharmacy Technicians in Licensed (Community) Pharmacies: statute and regulations
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 400j (20-598a, 20-598b, 20-601)
• CT DCP - Online initial application instructions
• PTCB - Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and PTCE fee