How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Montana

Who can apply

• Have at least a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate.
• For a full license, hold certification from PTCB, NHA (ExCPT) or another Board-approved certifying body.
• For a provisional license (formerly technician-in-training), be employed by a Montana pharmacy.
• A pharmacist, intern or health care licensee whose license was denied, revoked or is suspended or restricted for discipline cannot be licensed as a technician.

Step by step

1. Create an account in the state's online licensing system (ebiz.mt.gov/pol), choose 'Start a New License Application', then 'New Health Care License', then Board of Pharmacy, 'Certified Pharmacy Technician'.
2. Pay the $35 non-refundable application fee.
3. If you are already PTCB or ExCPT certified, you receive a Certified Pharmacy Technician license.
4. If you are not certified yet and work for a Montana pharmacy, you receive a provisional Certified Pharmacy Technician license.
5. Pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam and notify the Board before the provisional license ends; the same license record is converted, so do not submit a new application.
6. Renew each year between May 2 and June 30 and keep your national certification current.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Your pharmacy must give you an initial training program with on-the-job practical training and didactic education that matches the tasks you will do (ARM 24.174.703, effective 12/6/2025). The Board sets no hour minimum. National certifying bodies set their own training or education requirements to sit for their exams.

Exam: A full license requires certification by PTCB (PTCE), NHA (ExCPT) or another Board-approved certifying body. A provisional licensee must pass and report the exam within the provisional period. No separate state exam.

What it costs in Montana

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 Montana

Once you're registered

Renewal: Renew online each year between May 2 and June 30 for $30. Late online renewal is open for 45 days, until August 14, with a $30 late fee. Montana has no separate state CE for technicians: you must keep your national certification current, and the CE is whatever your certifying agency requires.

Good to know in Montana

Provisional license length (sources differ): The Board's technician page says the provisional license is valid for 12 months. ARM 24.174.701(2), as amended effective 12/6/2025, says the provisional license is valid for two years from the date issued or until the applicant is eligible for certification. Confirm your deadline with the Board.

Age: The Board says Montana law sets no age limit for a provisional license, but the national certifying bodies require you to be 18 to sit for their exams.

Technician ratio: Montana has no fixed pharmacist-to-technician ratio; the pharmacist-in-charge decides how many technicians can be safely supervised.

Character references: Character references are no longer required with the application.

Sources

• Montana Board of Pharmacy - Pharmacy Technician license information
• Montana Board of Pharmacy - FAQ
• MAR Notice 2025-174.1 - proposed amendments to ARM 24.174.401, 24.174.701 and 24.174.703
• MAR Notice 2025-206.2 - notice of adoption, effective December 6, 2025
• PTCB - Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and PTCE fee