Application Fee
$195Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Pharmacy Technician Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacy technician in California, including $195 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacy Technician in California
Estimated timeline: 2 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Must supply fingerprints
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
Fees: Application: $195.
- 4
Live Scan Fingerprint Services if applicant is located in CA: Fees paid directly to the Live Scan Service OR.
- 5
Fingerprint processing fee for fingerprint cards if applicant is located outside of CA: $49.
- 6
Renewal: $195.
- 7
Examination Frequency: N/A.
- 8
Exam Locations: N/A.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- N/A Locations: N/A QUALIFYING METHOD SUBSTANTIATION: A. If you are qualifying by one of the following methods, the Affidavit of Completion of Coursework or Graduation portion of the application must be completed by the university, college, school or course provider. * An Associate degree in pharmacy technology. * Completion of a training course accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). * Any other course that provides a minimum of 240 hours of instruction as specified in section 1793.6 (c) of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. * Graduation from a school of pharmacy accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). B. If you are qualifying by training provided by a branch of the federal armed services, you must submit the original or a certified true copy of your DD214 with your application. (A certified true copy is a copy that has been certified or notarized as a true copy). C. If you are certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), you must submit a certified true copy of your PTCB certificate with your application. (A certified true copy is a copy that has been certified or notarized as a true copy) Average Time to Process Application: 90 days once application is complete.
Continuing education and program notes
- certified true copy of your DD214 with your application
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $195 |
| rprint processing fee for fingerprint cards if applicant is located outside of CA | $49 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Pharmacy
- Current Filing Fee
$195
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,640 median (14% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Pharmacy Technician licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: N/A Locations: N/A QUALIFYING METHOD SUBSTANTIATION: A. If you are qualifying by one of the following methods, the Affidavit of Completion of Coursework or Graduation....
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $195.; Live Scan Fingerprint Services if applicant is located in CA: Fees paid directly to the Live Scan Service OR.).
- 5. Budget filing costs (Application: $195; rprint processing fee for fingerprint cards if applicant is located outside of CA: $49).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Pharmacy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $49,640, Pharmacy Technicians in California earn 14% above the national median of $43,460. California ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$49,640Hourly estimate
$23.8714% above national median
Difference: +$6,180
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacy Technician Salary Ranking
#4 of 50 statesfor Pharmacy Technician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $56,140 |
| #2 | Oregon | $51,210 |
| #3 | Alaska | $50,440 |
| #4 | California | $49,640 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $48,560 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacy Technician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $49,640 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2 months |
| Oregon | $51,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $46,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Arizona | $47,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Pharmacy
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N219, Sacramento, CA, 95834
Phone: 9165747900
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Technician in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Pharmacy Technician salary in California?
The median annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in California is $49,640. Salaries range from $38,850 (10th percentile) to $79,630 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacy Technician salary in California compare to the national average?
Pharmacy Technicians in California earn 14% above the national median of $43,460, with a state median of $49,640.
How many Pharmacy Technicians work in California?
California employs approximately 45,210 Pharmacy Technicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacy Technician license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacy Technicians in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacy Technician license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.