The busy state of Washington holds many dreams for aspiring graduates and professionals alike. If you are one of those, read on to find out all about the Washington State Pharmacy Technician License and steps on how to procure it. The below guide simplifies it for you with detailed information and free practice tests that you can take to prepare for your license.
We’ll go through each step of the process from registration to the exam schedules. Feel free to access the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam preparation guides and tests that I give along the way.
STEP 1: CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
An eligibility check is the first step toward procuring a license. Each state requires certain criteria to be fulfilled in order to hold a license. These requirements are based on the guidelines set by the state.
Let’s begin.
The eligibility criteria set by the Washington State Department of Health are:
- You should be at or over 18 years of age.
- You should be a legal resident of the U.S.
- You should have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent certificate from a school registered under the respective State Government.
- You should not have a criminal record and must agree to a criminal background check. Drug-related or other violent offenses can disqualify you.
The Washington State Department of Health accepts the following documents as proof of high school completion:
- A copy of your high school diploma.
- High school transcripts, including the date of graduation.
- A graduation confirmation from your school board or district with a date.
- A GED certificate and GED results, including your passing scores.
Also, remember, any false or incomplete information that you provide may result in your disqualification. If the board requires additional information, they will inform you over email.
STEP 2: APPLY FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN EXAM
Now that you understand the eligibility requirements, it is time to start applying for the Pharmacy Technician exam. To initiate the process, start by creating an account on this website. The screengrab of the homepage has been provided below.
Follow the instructions given here and you should be all set to fill out the application.
Things to Consider:
- All the criteria mentioned in the Eligibility process apply throughout the application process.
- There are certain things you need to make sure of while applying for a Pharmacy Technician License in Washington and I have listed them below.
- Fill out your application.
- Pay your fees (They are non-refundable).
- Your education and training will be verified.
- You need to complete a National Certification Exam and the score of the exam has to be entered into the application.
- You have to receive an HIV/AIDS training certificate.
- Non-native applicants should provide TOEFL certification.
- Residents from outside of Washington state should take 8 hours of training under a licensed Washington Pharmacist.
STEP 3: PAY YOUR FEES
Paying your fees seals the deal. The application will be on its way once the payment is done. Go through the table below to understand the various payment structures given by the Washington State Department of Health.
| Non-Refundable Fee Type | Fee Amount |
| Original credential | $140 |
| Renewal | $140 |
| Duplicate credential | $10 |
| Late renewal penalty | $70 |
| Expired credential re-issuance | $70 |
| Verification of credential status to another state | $25 |
You can pay the fees using any Visa or Mastercard marked Debit/Credit card or using an ACH/E-Check.
THE EXAM:
The Washington State Department of Health mandates that in order to get a license, you need a certification. For this, you need to pass a National Certification Exam. These exams can be PTCB exams or any other exams accredited by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies).
The exams are 90 minutes long, computer-based, and with multiple-choice questions. Here’s a free PTCB Practice Test to help you ace the exam. If you have friends in the Pharmacy field, you can get their guidance on how to prepare for the exam, too. You can also use this PTCB Guide to help you prepare.
WHAT’S NEXT:
Once you pass your exams, you will be able to apply for licensing. The form for the license can be filled out on paper or online. It will require all the data we mentioned earlier.
The scope for a Pharmacy Technician with certification and license is high. You have the whole world of pharmacy open to you. You can choose streams, such as hospital work or even in the insurance sector. A day in the life of a pharmacy technician is never boring.
Growth in this career is a definitive process. You can evolve into roles, such as Head Technician or Pharmacy Affairs Manager. The compensation for such roles is pretty high in industry standards.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Washington State Pharmacy Technician License Exams:
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Washington?
Pharmacy technicians in Washington earn an average of $46,000 which is a handsome amount and coincidentally the second-highest Pharmacy Technician salary in the country.
Is becoming a certified pharmacy tech worth it in Washington?
Washington is a big state and it has a huge scope for Pharmacy Technicians who are literally the wheels of any pharmacy or medical institution. So getting a certification will give you wider opportunities and better compensation.
What is the standard authorized pharmacy board in Washington?
The state of Washington has its pharmacy licensing governed by the Washington State Department of Health.
How do I prepare for the exam? Is there a guide?
The exam for Pharmacy Technician is pretty straightforward. With the right guide, it is just a matter of how you prepare. Start with this free practice test and assess yourself.
Which is better? A certification or license?
Certification is provided by independent agencies whereas a license can be given only by a government agency. It is essential that you procure a license after you get certified.
Is the PTCB an approved exam in the state of Washington?
Yes, the PTCB is an approved Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam in the state of Washington.
Do I need to register myself before I start practicing in Washington?
Yes, the state regulates that all pharmacy technicians should be registered before they start practicing.
