How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in New York

Checked against New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board of Pharmacy) · Verified 2026-10-14

Exam: Required
Training: Not required
Term: 3 years
State fee: $175 for licensure and first registration ($75 initial license + $100 first three-year registration, 8 NYCRR 63.15). Each later three-year registration costs $100.
Regulated by: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board of Pharmacy)

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Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old when you apply.
Be of good moral character.
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; you submit a copy with your application.
Hold certification from PTCB or NHA, the only two programs NYSED accepts.

Step by step

Earn national certification: PTCB's CPhT (PTCE exam) or NHA's ExCPT.
Submit the online Form 1 - Application for Licensure and pay the $175 licensure and first registration fee by credit card.
Upload a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent and any other documents requested.
If you hold or held a professional license in another jurisdiction, have that authority send Form 3 directly to the Office of the Professions.
Once licensed, work only under the direct personal supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Renew your registration every three years ($100).

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: New York sets no training hours or school requirement for licensure. The pharmacy where you work must make sure you are trained and competent before you assist with compounding, preparing, labeling or dispensing (Education Law 6841).

Exam: No state exam. You must hold certification from PTCB or NHA, which means passing the PTCE or the ExCPT.

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

What it costs in New York

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

Licensure and first registration ($75 license + $100 three-year registration)$175
PTCE exam fee (PTCB); NHA's ExCPT is priced by NHA$129

Estimated total in New York$304

Cost details from the state

PTCB or NHA national certification exam fee (paid to the certifying body)

Pay in New York

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in New York after taxes.

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

What other sites get wrong about New York

Myth: New York's registered pharmacy technician title is limited to Article 28 facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.

Fact: Education Law 6841, as in effect since November 21, 2025, no longer limits registered pharmacy technicians to Article 28 facilities. They practice under the direct personal supervision of a licensed pharmacist employed in the pharmacy. source

Once you're registered

Renewal: Registration is renewed every three years for $100 (8 NYCRR 63.15), online through the Office of the Professions. The NYSED registered pharmacy technician pages and Part 63 do not state a continuing education requirement. You must report address or name changes within 30 days.

Good to know in New York

Licensed vs. unlicensed staff: Only a licensed registered pharmacy technician may use that title or assist in compounding and preparing drugs. Unlicensed staff may still do tasks such as counting, labeling and stocking under direct personal supervision, but may not compound.

Supervision limits: A pharmacist may use no more than two registered pharmacy technicians for licensed tasks, or four unlicensed persons for other tasks, and no more than four people in total at one time.

Withdrawing an application: If you withdraw your application you may get a partial refund, but you must reapply and pay again later.

Scam warning: NYSED warns of phone scams impersonating its staff. Contact the Office of the Professions directly if you get a suspicious call.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board of Pharmacy) before you apply.