How to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island

Rhode Island licenses pharmacy technicians. The credential is the Pharmacy Technician license, in two levels, issued by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

BoardRhode Island Board of Pharmacy (within the Rhode Island Department of Health) official source
State credentialPharmacy Technician license, in two levels: Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II official source
Trainee credentialNo separate trainee credential. A Pharmacy Technician I applicant may be currently enrolled in a Board-approved training program; high school students in school or community career exploration programs do not need a license official source
National certification (PTCB or ExCPT)Not required for Pharmacy Technician I. Required for Pharmacy Technician II: pass a national certification exam the Board accepts, such as the PTCE or NHA ExCPT, and keep the certification to renew official source
Minimum age18 (except high school students in career exploration programs) official source
EducationHigh school graduate or equivalent; a Pharmacy Technician I applicant may instead be currently enrolled in a high school or vocational program that awards that diploma or certificate official source
TrainingPharmacy Technician I: be enrolled in or have completed a Board-approved training program, such as an employer-based program certified by the pharmacist-in-charge (216-RICR-40-15-1.13.1) official source
State examNo state exam; a national certification exam is needed only for Pharmacy Technician II official source
Background checkNo felony conviction for controlled substance violations (the Board can grant a waiver); you must satisfy the Board on professional integrity and ethical standards and get an NABP e-Profile number official source
State feeUSD 25 license fee (Pharmacy Technician I or II), non-refundable official source
RenewalEvery 2 years; licenses expire December 31; USD 25 renewal fee. Pharmacy Technician II must keep national certification and complete 10 hours of continuing education each calendar year official source
Pharmacist licensePharmacists need a Rhode Island license: pass the NAPLEX and the MPJE. official source

Checked against official Rhode Island 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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