How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Minnesota

Who can apply

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
• Submit proof of high school graduation or a GED (diploma, transcript with graduation date, GED certificate, or college transcript or diploma).
• Provide a copy of a current government-issued ID.
• Be registered before doing any pharmacy technician tasks.

Step by step

1. Apply online through the Board's Online Services or mail the paper application (Rev. 4/2026) with the $60 fee.
2. Upload or send proof of high school graduation or GED and a government ID; the registration will not become active until the Board has it.
3. Wait for your registration number before doing any technician tasks.
4. Complete Board-approved technician training within 12 months of receiving your registration number.
5. Renew every year before December 1 and complete 20 hours of technician CE per two-year reporting period.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Complete a Board-approved training program within 12 months of getting your registration number. Options: a program at a Board-approved accredited vocational/technical institution or college, a program accredited by a Board-approved national accreditor, an Armed Forces or Public Health Service program, or an employer-based program with at least 240 hours of theory and practical instruction in a one-year period (Minn. R. 6800.3850). Since 8/1/2023 the Board also accepts PTCB or NHA ExCPT certification as meeting the training requirement. Prior work experience does not count.

Exam: No exam is required. The Board does not require technicians to be certified, though employers may. PTCB or NHA ExCPT certification is accepted in place of a training program.

What it costs in Minnesota

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

What other sites get wrong about Minnesota

Once you're registered

Renewal: Registration expires every December 31 and must be renewed by December 1 with the $60 fee; late applications pay an extra 50% late fee. You need 20 hours of approved continuing pharmacy technician education per two-year reporting period, which ends July 31 of odd-numbered years (Minn. R. 6800.1500). A registration that lapses can be reinstated with Board approval by paying fees and late fees in arrears, up to $250; if it lapses more than one year you must meet the registration rules in effect then.

Good to know in Minnesota

Registration follows you: Your registration number stays with you as long as it stays current, even if you move to a different pharmacy.

Training clock: The 12-month training deadline starts on the date you receive your registration number, not your hire date.

Report changes: Report any change of name, home address or employer to the Board within 10 days (Minn. R. 6800.3850).

No fee refunds: All applications and fees are non-refundable, and initial registration is not prorated, so a registration issued late in the year still expires December 31.

Transferring from another state: You cannot transfer a technician registration from another state; the Board says you must register as a new technician in Minnesota. On duty you must wear a name badge identifying you as a "Pharmacy Technician" and post your current registration in the pharmacy (Minn. R. 6800.3850, subps. 1e-1f).

Sources

• Minnesota Board of Pharmacy - Technician Registration (New)
• Minnesota Board of Pharmacy - Application for Registration as a Pharmacy Technician (Rev. 4/2026)
• Minn. R. 6800.3850 - Pharmacy Technicians
• Minn. R. 6800.1500 - Continuing Education
• Minn. Stat. 151.065 - Fee amounts
• PTCB - Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and PTCE fee