How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota

Who can apply

• Complete an ASHP-accredited academic program or an ASHP-accredited on-the-job training program (N.D. Admin. Code 61-02-07.1-03).
• Hold national certification from PTCB or NHA before you register. The Board asks for a copy of the official certificate; test results are not accepted.
• To work while training, you must be enrolled in an ASHP/ACPE-accredited program and registered as a pharmacy technician in training at the request of the pharmacist-in-charge.
• The Board's pages do not state a minimum age.

Step by step

1. Enroll in an ASHP/ACPE-accredited pharmacy technician program.
2. Apply online for a technician-in-training registration with a recent photo; your supervising pharmacist completes an attestation.
3. Pay the $10 technician-in-training fee by card after the Board approves the application.
4. Finish your program; a technician-in-training registration lasts up to two years unless the Board grants an extension, and must be renewed yearly.
5. Pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) exam.
6. Apply online for technician registration with a photo, your program certificate and your national certificate, then pay the $35 fee after approval.
7. Renew every year before March 1 and complete 10 hours of technician CE each year after your first renewal.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must complete an ASHP-accredited academic program or ASHP-accredited on-the-job training program. The Board's rule and letters do not set separate hours. The Board refers applicants without an ASHP program to North Dakota State College of Science.

Exam: National certification from PTCB or NHA is required before registration. No separate state exam. A pharmacy technician who passed the NABP reciprocity exam or another Board-approved exam is entitled to registration (61-02-07.1-07).

What it costs in North Dakota

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 technician registrations expire March 1 each year. Renewal is $35 before March 1 and $45 after; registrations not renewed by May 1 are cancelled. Technicians need at least 10 hours of approved technician CE each year (reporting period March 1 to the end of February), except at their first renewal. Missing CE can mean suspension of at least 30 days. Keep CE records for two years. Technician-in-training registrations are renewed yearly on a paper application signed by the pharmacist ($10) and cannot be renewed online.

Good to know in North Dakota

Moving from another state: A technician who passed the NABP reciprocity exam, or another Board-approved exam, is entitled to North Dakota registration. Otherwise the Board reviews your credentials against the ASHP program and PTCB requirements.

Inactive status: You can keep your registration on inactive status without CE, but you may not practice. To go active again you need 10 hours of approved technician CE, or proof of current national certification.

Report changes in 15 days: Tell the Board, or update the Board website, within 15 days of changing address or employer.

Supervision ratio: A pharmacist may supervise up to four technicians in retail and hospital settings, or five in a closed-door pharmacy.

Technician-in-training is tied to one pharmacy: If you change pharmacies you must file a new technician-in-training application signed by the new supervising pharmacist.

Military members and spouses: A service member or military spouse licensed as a technician in another state who worked under it at least two of the last four years can get a provisional registration, fee-free for up to two years; any missing North Dakota qualifications must be completed before it expires (61-02-07.1-07(13)).

Reinstating a cancelled registration: A registration cancelled for nonpayment can be renewed by paying all back and late fees (up to five years) plus proof of 10 hours of CE from the past year, or current PTCB/NHA certification (61-02-07.1-13).

Sources

• N.D. Admin. Code ch. 61-02-07.1 - Pharmacy Technician
• ND Board of Pharmacy - Applications and Forms
• ND Board of Pharmacy - Registration Application, Technician
• ND Board of Pharmacy - Registration Application, Technician in Training
• ND Board of Pharmacy - Technician Registration Renewal Notice 2026-2027
• ND Board of Pharmacy - Educational Qualifications Required for a Pharmacy Technician
• ND Board of Pharmacy - Tech-in-Training Registration Renewal letter
• PTCB - Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and PTCE fee