Technician Registration (New)

Pharmacy Technician Application

All individuals performing the duties of a pharmacy technician in the state of Minnesota must have an active registration.

Minimum Requirements for Registration

The following are the minimum requirements for a Minnesota Board of Pharmacy technician registration (MN Rule 6800.3850 Subp.1).

• Minimum Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration.
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• Education Requirements: Before your application can be approved, proof of high school graduation must be submitted to the Board.
  Proof of high school graduation must be received either:
  1. After you pay online. You may email or fax in your document to the Board’s email.
  2. With a mailed in paper application and payment.
  
  We accept the following documents as proof of high school graduation:
  If your name has been changed and is not reflected on your high school document, please include the name that you applied under with your submission.
  1. High School Diploma
  2. High School Transcript with Graduation Date
  3. GED Certificate
  4. College Transcript
  5. College Diploma
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• Pharmacy Technician Training Requirement: Training must be completed within 12 months from the date you receive your technician registration number, not from the date you became employed. Prior work experience as a pharmacy technician does not waive or substitute for this requirement. Additional information about technician training can be found on our Technician Training Requirements page.
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• CE Requirements: Pharmacy technicians will need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved technician continuing education (CE) every two years. Click here for more information on continuing education.

How do I apply?

You can apply by any one of the options below:

1. New applicants click here to begin the process. (You will first be required to register for a user account. Select Register, NEW USER. For assistance see TIP SHEET - New) 
2. To mail in an application and payment: click here for a paper application.

Pharmacy Interns

If you are currently registered as a pharmacy intern, it is not necessary to register as a technician. See Intern Information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have applied to be a technician, but I have not heard anything from the Board.
Before contacting the Board, make sure to check the following:

1. Is the registration number already issued?
   Check to see if you have already been provided a registration number by using the pharmacy technician license verification page to search for your registration. Search using your first and last name. If your name is on the listed in search results, you can also login to the online licensing system to review your application status.
2. Have you submitted your proof of completing high school or equivalent? If not, login to your account and upload proof of completion as soon as possible. 

The Board can still accept education and training documents via mail, email, and fax. For the fastest and most efficient application process, uploading in your account is best. 

Do I have to be registered to work as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota?
Yes. Technician registration is a state mandated program for pharmacy technicians working in Minnesota. You have to apply for a registration number with the state and renew your registration each year. The state also has requirements that you have to meet to maintain your registration. You must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every two years and complete a state-approved Technician Training program within 12 months after you are initially registered.

How do I apply for a Pharmacy Technician Intern?
The Board only registers individuals as pharmacy technicians. You will need to apply as a pharmacy technician.

I am a certified pharmacy technician, does this meet the training requirement?
Yes. Effective 8/1/2023, the Board will accept certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (“PTCB”) or from the National Healthcareer Association’s (“NHA”) ExCPT certification as a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program. Furthermore, while some employers do require their technicians to become certified, the Board of Pharmacy does not require pharmacy technicians to be certified. Pharmacy technicians are only required to complete a pharmacy technician training program pursuant to MN Rules 6800.3850. Requirements can be found here.

What if I have previous pharmacy technician training experience, do I still need to complete a training program?
Yes. While previous work experience as a pharmacy technician is helpful, it does not waive or substitute for the completion of a Board-approved training program requirement. Click here for additional information.

Can I transfer my registration from another state?
No, you will need to register as a new technician in the state of Minnesota.

How often do I need to renew my registration?
Pharmacy technicians are required to renew their registration before December 1st of each year. Your registration expires on December 31st of each year.

Does my registration number stay the same with each renewal?
Your registration number stays with you as long as your registration stays current, even if you work at a different pharmacy than when you initially registered.