How to become a pharmacy technician in Maryland
Maryland requires pharmacy technicians to register with the state. The credential is the Pharmacy technician registration, issued by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy.
| Board | Maryland Board of Pharmacy (Maryland Department of Health) official source |
|---|---|
| State credential | Pharmacy technician registration (COMAR 10.34.34) official source |
| Trainee credential | Yes: pharmacy technician trainees may work in a pharmacy while in a Board-approved training program; the Board FAQ says this can last up to 6 months. official source |
| National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) | Optional: nationally certified applicants register with proof of current certification; others complete a Board-approved training program and pass a Board-approved exam (COMAR 10.34.34.05). official source |
| Minimum age | 17 (for applicants without national certification) official source |
| Education | High school graduate or equivalency diploma, or enrolled and in good standing at a high school (route without national certification). official source |
| Training | Route without national certification: a Board-approved training program of no more than 6 months that includes 160 hours of work experience. A separate route exists for people who have worked in the same pharmacy continuously since 1 January 2006. official source |
| State exam | Applicants without national certification must pass a Board-approved exam (COMAR 10.34.34.05). official source |
| Background check | Yes: a Maryland criminal history records check through CJIS (fingerprints), completed within 6 months before applying; a conviction does not automatically disqualify. official source |
| State fee | USD 45 pharmacy technician registration fee (COMAR 10.34.09.02). official source |
| Renewal | First registration expires on the last day of the birth month after 1 year; later renewals are for up to 2 years (COMAR 10.34.34.09). Renewal fee USD 45 (COMAR 10.34.09.02). The Board FAQ asks for 20 hours of continuing education per 2 years, 10 hours at the first renewal. official source |
| Pharmacist license | Pharmacists need a Maryland license: pass the NAPLEX and the MPJE. official source |
Checked against official Maryland 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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