Pharmacy technician CE requirements have become more standardized in recent years — largely driven by PTCB’s recertification requirements — but state requirements still vary.
PTCB recertification baseline
PTCB requires 20 hours of CE every two years for CPhT recertification, including 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour of patient safety. This is a minimum — states may require more.
State-specific requirements
California: 20 hours per two-year renewal. At least 1 hour must cover pharmacy law.
Texas: 20 hours per two-year renewal. 1 hour Texas pharmacy law required. CPE Monitor reporting required.
Florida: 20 hours per two-year renewal including mandatory topics for medical errors and HIV/AIDS.
New York: 10 hours per year (20 per two-year cycle). Specific mandatory topics required.
States requiring technician registration vs. licensure
Not all states license pharmacy technicians — some only require registration, which may carry different CE requirements. Know whether your state has licensure or registration before planning CE.
Immunization administration training
Several states now allow trained pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under pharmacist supervision. States with technician immunization authority may have specific training requirements beyond standard CE. Verify with your state board.