Everything You Need to Know about the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License

Everything You Need to Know about the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License

In this article...

Is becoming a healthcare professional your dream? Planning to become a pharmacy technician in the state of Tennessee? Are you wondering how to apply for the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License? Worry not!

In this article, you will learn more about the application process for the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License and Exam. You will also get reliable information about the registration process and the eligibility criteria set by the state.

The Steps Involved In the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License

STEP 1: CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Before you begin with the registration process, you must check the eligibility criteria set by the state for the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License. The eligibility criteria set by the state of Tennessee to apply for a pharmacy technician license are as follows:

  • Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED.
  • The candidate must be at least 18 years or older.
  • Applicants are expected to undergo a criminal background check, which also includes having the candidate’s fingerprints taken.
  • Candidates should not have any history of drug-related crimes.
  • Applicants must undertake pharmacy technician training under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.

There are 2 ways to select for eligibility to apply for the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License, which are as follows:

  • OPTION 1 – Enroll in or must have completed a PTCB-recognized education or training program.
  • OPTION 2 – Must have completed 500 hours of pharmacy technician work hours and supplemental preparation activities.

STEP 2: APPLY FOR THE TENNESSEE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN EXAM

Once you have verified your eligibility to apply for the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License, the next step is to register and schedule the pharmacy technician exam. The PTCB certification exams are administered at the Pearson VUE exam centers. The Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Board allows candidates to schedule the pharmacy technician exam with Pearson VUE.

Candidates can schedule an exam appointment within their PTCB account by visiting the official website of PTCB, or by calling Pearson VUE directly at (866) 902-0593 between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm CT, Monday through Friday.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email after scheduling the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Exam. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the date, location, and time you selected are the same on the confirmation email. When you apply for the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Exam, make sure to submit a passport photo along with your application. The application must also be notarized.

STEP 3: PAY YOUR FEES

After scheduling the pharmacy technician exam, the next step is to pay the necessary fees to further process your application. Some of the fee details for the exam are as follows:

  • Application fee – $50.
  • Total PTCB exam fee – $129 (Application + Exam fee).

NOTE: The application fee is non-refundable.

ON THE DAY OF EXAM:

Once you have scheduled your exam and have paid the required fees, the next step is to take the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Exam. On the day of the exam, there are some documents you must bring with you to the examination center.

Make sure you provide proof of identity that is valid, issued by the state government, unexpired, and that has both your signature and photograph. The proof of identity must be an original document and the name on the ID proof must accurately match your name in the PTCB account.

Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License - Primary ID
Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License – Primary ID

Some of the primary ID documents you may bring with you are as follows:

  • A military ID.
  • A driver’s license issued by the government.
  • A driving learner’s permit issued by the government.
  • A passport or passport card.
  • A permanent Resident Card (Green card).
  • An employment Authorization Card issued by the US Department of Homeland Security.

Some of the secondary ID documents you can bring with you are as follows:

  • A School or Employee ID.
  • A Credit Card.
  • A Debit Card or ATM.
  • A Social Security Card.

NOTE: If you fail to bring an acceptable ID to the examination center, you will not be allowed to take the exam. You will have to forfeit all the fees you have paid.

THE EXAM:

Now let’s discuss some of the details regarding the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Exam. Some of the exam details are as follows:

  • The PTCB exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
  • Out of the 90 questions, only 80 questions will be scored and the other 10 will remain unscored questions.
  • The PTCB exam lasts for about 1 hour and 50 minutes.

RESCHEDULING AND CANCELLATION

Applicants may cancel or reschedule the PTCB exam appointments within the authorized time period. Rescheduling an exam appointment does not include any extra charges. However, you must reschedule your PTCB exam appointment at least 1 business day prior to the scheduled examination day.

If the candidates fail to appear for their scheduled exam appointment, they will have to forfeit all the fees they have paid so far. But, candidates have the option to submit a withdrawal request in case of an emergency situation on the day of the exam. 

WHAT’S NEXT:

Once you have taken and passed the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Exam, the final step is to apply for your pharmacy technician licensure in the state of Tennessee. Candidates must be aware that a pharmacy technician license must be renewed every 2 years.

You can apply for an initial license by visiting the official website, the Tennessee Department of Health. Create an account if you are a new user, or log in to the account if you are an existing user.

You can verify your license online by visiting the License Verification page on the official website. You will have to fill out the necessary details on the page to perform your license search or license verification. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tennessee Pharmacy Technician License Exams:

How much do Pharmacy Technicians make in Tennessee?

Pharmacy technicians in the state of Tennessee make about $16.81 per hour and $43,086 per year.

Is becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician worth it in Tennessee?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS), the pharmacy technician profession is projected to grow by 4% between the years 2020 to 2030. On average, the number of jobs is projected to be 419,300 in 2020. 

How do I prepare for the exam? Is there a guide?

Yes. You can refer to our Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) guide on our website to help you gain more knowledge about the PTCB exam. 

Related Reads:

10 Best States for Pharmacy Technicians in the U.S.: A Comprehensive Guide

Everything You Need to Know About the New York State Pharmacy Technician License

Everything You Need To Know About The Arizona Pharmacy Technician License

Arizona License Renewal and Continuation of Education

Top 8 PTCB Exam Facts You Should Know