How to become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana

Louisiana requires pharmacy technicians to hold a state credential and national certification. The state credential is the Pharmacy Technician Certificate, issued by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

BoardLouisiana Board of Pharmacy official source
State credentialPharmacy Technician Certificate (after a Pharmacy Technician Candidate Registration) official source
Trainee credentialYes: Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration (USD 50), a training credential valid 24 months and not renewable. Routes: age 18+ and enrolled in a nationally accredited, Board-approved training program; age 16+ and enrolled in a Louisiana Department of Education pharmacy technician career path; or age 18+ with a Louisiana pharmacist's written intention to train you in a pharmacy not on probation. official source
National certification (PTCB or ExCPT)Required: proof of passing a Board-approved national exam, PTCB's PTCE or NHA's ExCPT, is needed for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate. official source
Minimum age18 for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate (16 allowed only for the candidate registration via a Louisiana Department of Education program) official source
TrainingEither complete a nationally accredited, Board-approved training program, or earn at least 600 hours of practical experience in a Louisiana pharmacy, verified to the Board on Board forms. official source
State examThe national PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) exam. The Board will not extend the candidate registration while a candidate waits to take or retake the exam. official source
Background checkYes: criminal background check with the Louisiana State Police and the FBI, using information the Board supplies; waived if already completed through the Board; criminal history may be a basis for denial. official source
State feeUSD 100 Pharmacy Technician Certificate application fee (the earlier candidate registration is USD 50). official source
RenewalEvery year: certificates expire 30 June; renewal window 1 May to 30 June; continuing pharmacy education must be on file with NABP CPE Monitor (first renewal of a new certificate is exempt). official source
Pharmacist licensePharmacists need a Louisiana license: pass the NAPLEX and the MPJE for Louisiana (license transfer applicants skip the NAPLEX). official source

Checked against official Louisiana sources on Oct 20, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the board of pharmacy before you apply. This page lists only facts we could confirm on an official page.

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