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

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

The PTCE exam and PTCB eligibility rules are the same nationwide. Virginia'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 Virginia's Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration -> Pharmacy Technician Registration

   Effective 7/1/2022, Virginia requires completion of a pharmacy technician training program plus national certification (PTCB or NHA) to become fully registered. Trainee registration expires after 2 years. Reported fee figures vary slightly by source ($30 trainee/$40 full vs $20 trainee/$35 full) — verify exact current figures with the Board. The fee is $35. Renewal: Annual, renews by December 31, $35 renewal fee; 5 contact hours (0.5 CEU) CE per cycle.
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 Virginia is $20.43/hr.

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