How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado (2026 Guide)

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado: Step by Step

The PTCE exam and PTCB eligibility rules are the same nationwide. Colorado's only state-specific layer is its own registration requirement.

1. 1
   Meet PTCB eligibility

   Have a high school diploma or GED, disclose any criminal or state board history, and qualify through one of two national pathways: completion of a PTCB-recognized education/training program, or at least 500 hours of verified pharmacy technician work experience within the preceding four years.
2. 2
   Pass the national PTCE exam

   Register with PTCB and pay the $129 exam fee (this never varies by state). The exam is 90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored, 10 unscored pretest) over 110 minutes at a Pearson VUE test center. A scaled score of 1400 (out of 1000-1600) is required to pass.
3. 3
   Complete Colorado's Certified Pharmacy Technician / Provisional Pharmacy Technician Certification

   Colorado has a 2-tier system: a Provisional certification lets you work up to 18 months while completing training, but the full Certified Pharmacy Technician credential requires passing PTCE or ExCPT, and renewal requires staying current with the national certifying body's CE requirements — Colorado's state renewal is contingent on maintaining national certification. The fee is $57. Renewal: Ongoing — renewal requires proof of active national certification in good standing.
4. 4
   Apply for your first pharmacy technician position

   With PTCB certification and your state registration in hand, you can apply to retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and specialty/mail-order pharmacies. Average pay in Colorado is $23.11/hr.

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