Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in North Dakota
This guide outlines the process to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in North Dakota, detailing every step from initial prerequisites to securing your first job. The journey involves 600 hours of training, passing a competency exam, and registering with the state board. Expect the process to take anywhere from 4 months to over 6 months, with costs ranging from $800 to $2,500.
Photo by Jeff Trierweiler on Unsplash
In North Dakota, the career of a Pharmacy Technician is marked by a stable demand and promising growth prospects. With a median salary of $47,540 per year, pharmacy technicians in this state enjoy a competitive income compared to national averages. The job outlook is also positive, with the national workforce of 490,400 expected to grow by 6.4% by 2034. This growth indicates a steady influx of opportunities for those entering the field, making it a practical choice for individuals seeking a reliable career in healthcare.
North Dakota offers a distinctive setting for Pharmacy Technicians due to its specific state regulations and healthcare needs. The state's regulations require Pharmacy Technicians to obtain licensure, ensuring that all technicians meet certain standards of professionalism and knowledge. North Dakota's healthcare system is robust, with major hospitals and pharmacies providing ample employment opportunities. Additionally, the rural nature of much of the state increases the necessity for accessible healthcare services, further enhancing job security and the importance of pharmacy services in these communities.
This guide provides a clear pathway for becoming a certified Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota. Readers will find detailed information on the licensing process, including the steps necessary to achieve certification and maintain it. The guide also offers insights into salary expectations, tailored to North Dakota's economic environment, and an analysis of the job market to help prospective technicians understand where opportunities are most prevalent. By presenting this factual and direct information, the guide aims to equip readers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about pursuing a career as a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota.
Licensing Authority
North Dakota Board of Pharmacy
In North Dakota, becoming a licensed Pharmacy Technician requires meeting specific educational, training, and examination criteria set by the state's pharmacy board.
Official Resources
North Dakota Requirements
Training Requirements
- Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Total Training Hours
- 600 hours
- Classroom Hours
- 400 hours
- Clinical Hours
- 200 hours
- Minimum Age
- 18 years old
Additional Requirements
- Background check (State and federal) with fingerprinting
- Proof of identity and legal authorization to work in the U.S.
Certification Exam
- Exam
- ExCPT or PTCB
- Components
- Written, Skills demonstration
- Fee
- Varies by exam provider
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota
tuition $500-$2,000, exam fee $129, background check $45, application fee $60, textbooks/supplies $100, scrubs $65
Fastest Path
4 months
Typical Timeline
6 months
Estimated Cost
$800–$2,500
Verify You Meet North Dakota's Prerequisites
Confirm you meet the basic requirements to become a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota. You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be free from felony convictions. Start by obtaining your high school transcript or GED certificate. Visit the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy website to understand specific state requirements and download any necessary forms.
Tip
Order your high school transcript online through Parchment.com ($15) to avoid a 2-week mail delay from your school's registrar office.
Complete Background Check and Health Screenings
Schedule and complete a background check and health screenings. North Dakota requires both an FBI fingerprint check and a state police background check. Visit Identogo by MorphoTrust USA to schedule your fingerprinting appointment. You will also need a recent TB test and proof of immunizations. Results typically take 2-3 weeks. Disqualifying criminal offenses and the waiver application process can be found on the state's Board of Pharmacy website.
Tip
Ensure your fingerprinting appointment is scheduled at least 3 weeks before your application deadline to accommodate processing times.
Research and Choose an Approved Training Program
Identify and enroll in a state-approved Pharmacy Technician training program. The program must include 400 classroom hours and 200 clinical hours. Check the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy's website for a list of approved programs. Attending a non-approved program means you cannot sit for the required exam, wasting both time and money. Contact the programs directly for details on enrollment, costs, and start dates.
Tip
Contact multiple programs to compare costs and schedules that fit your needs.
Enroll in and Complete Training
Once you have chosen an approved program, complete the enrollment process and start your training. The program will consist of 400 classroom hours and 200 clinical hours. Attendance and active participation are crucial to successfully pass the program. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion which is necessary for sitting the exam.
Tip
Maintain good attendance and keep a copy of all your coursework and hours completed for your records.
Prepare for the Competency Exam
Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, covering various aspects of pharmacy work. You have 2 hours to complete the exam. Study resources, including practice exams, are available on the PTCB website. A passing score is required to proceed with certification.
Tip
Utilize official PTCB practice exams and study guides to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
Register for and Schedule the Exam
Register for the PTCE through the PTCB website. After registration, you will receive an authorization to test, allowing you to schedule your exam date through Pearson VUE. Exams are available year-round at various locations. Choose a date and location that best fits your schedule. Ensure you have all required identification on the day of the exam.
Tip
Schedule your exam immediately after receiving your authorization to test to secure your preferred date and location.
Take and Pass the Exam
On the scheduled exam day, arrive at the Pearson VUE test center with your ID and authorization notice. The PTCE is a computer-based test, and you will receive your results immediately after completing the exam. If you pass, you will receive an official score report; if you fail, you can reschedule after 60 days. Review the PTCB retesting policies on their website.
Tip
Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early to complete necessary pre-exam procedures.
Apply for State Certification/Registry
After passing the PTCE, apply for your Pharmacy Technician certification with the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy. Complete the application form available on their website, attach your score report, and submit the required fee. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Once processed, your certification will be issued, and you will be listed on the state registry.
Tip
Double-check your application for errors to avoid delays in processing.
Receive Your Certification and Verify on State Registry
After your application is processed and approved, you will receive your Pharmacy Technician certification. Verify your certification status on the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy's online registry. This verification is crucial as employers will check this registry prior to employment.
Tip
Regularly check the mail and the online registry for updates on your certification status.
Find Your First Job
With your certification in hand, begin your job search. Use online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and specialty pharmacy tech job sites to find openings in North Dakota. Additionally, local pharmacies often post job openings directly on their websites. Prepare your resume, highlighting your certification and any relevant experience or skills.
Tip
Tailor your resume for each job application to highlight the most relevant experience and skills for the position.
Alternative Training Paths
Employer-Sponsored Training at Pharmacies
Some pharmacies in North Dakota offer employer-sponsored training programs for aspiring Pharmacy Technicians. These programs sometimes cover the cost of training and certification in exchange for a commitment to work at the pharmacy for a specified period. This path can be cost-effective and provide direct job placement.
Best for: Individuals looking for direct employment and training opportunities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Attending a training program not on the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy approved list. You will complete the program but be unable to sit for the state competency exam, wasting both your time and tuition money.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by Pearson VUE
Written Test
Questions: 90
Time Limit: 2 hours
Format: Multiple choice
Passing Score: Scaled score of 1,400
- • Medications: 40%
- • Federal Requirements: 12.5%
- • Patient Safety and Quality Assurance: 26.25%
- • Order Entry and Processing: 21.25%
Skills Test
Skills Tested: 0
Time Per Skill: N/A
The PTCE does not include a skills assessment component; it is a written exam only.
What to Bring
- ✓ Two forms of identification, one government-issued with photograph and signature
- ✓ Authorization to Test letter (ATT)
- ✓ Your PTCB Account number
Do Not Bring
- ✗ Personal belongings such as bags or purses
- ✗ Electronic devices including cell phones and smartwatches
- ✗ Food or drink
- ✗ Study materials or notes
Day-of Timeline
Arrive 30 minutes early. Check in takes 15 minutes. Written test is 2 hours. No break as there is no skills test.
Getting Your Results
Results are typically available online within two to three weeks after the exam date. Candidates receive an email notification when scores are available in their PTCB account.
If You Don't Pass
Candidates can retake the exam up to four times. There is a 60-day waiting period between attempts. The cost of each retake is the same as the initial test fee. After four attempts, further eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Exam Strategies
- 1. Focus on the major topic areas with higher percentage weights, as these will contain the bulk of the questions.
- 2. Practice with time-limited multiple-choice questions to improve speed and accuracy under exam conditions.
- 3. Read each question carefully to avoid mistakes due to misreading, especially with similarly worded answers.
- 4. Use the process of elimination on difficult questions, narrowing down to the most likely answers.
Document Checklist
Every document you need from start to finish
1Before Training
High School Diploma or GED Certificate
From previous educational institutions or GED testing service · Varies · 1-4 weeks
Required to enroll in most Pharmacy Technician programs
Criminal Background Check
North Dakota Attorney General's website or local police department · Approximately $40 · 2-3 weeks
Ensure it's a statewide criminal history record check
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
Local clinics or healthcare providers · Approximately $20-$100 · 2-3 days
Some training programs require this for clinical rotations
Immunization Records
Personal medical records or your healthcare provider · Free to a nominal fee for copies · 1-2 weeks
Check specific vaccine requirements of the training program
CPR Certification
American Heart Association or Red Cross · Approximately $50-$100 · Varies by class availability
Required by some programs and employers
2During Training
Enrollment Confirmation
Pharmacy Technician training program · Immediately upon enrollment
Proof of enrollment may be needed for internships
Student ID
Training institution · Varies, usually included in tuition · 1-2 weeks
Needed for access to campus facilities and services
Liability Insurance
Through the training program or a private insurer · Approximately $30-$50 annually · 1-2 weeks
Required for participation in practical training sessions
Progress Reports/Transcripts
From the training program · May be free or a nominal fee for official copies · At the end of each term or upon request
Useful for transferring credits or future educational opportunities
3For the Exam
PTCB or ExCPT Exam Application
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) website · PTCB: $129, ExCPT: $117
Select the exam based on preferred certification
Exam Eligibility Confirmation
From PTCB or NHA upon application approval · Included in exam fee
Required to schedule the exam date
Government-Issued Photo ID
State Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent · Varies
Needed for identity verification on the day of the exam
4For Certification
Passed Exam Score Report
From PTCB or NHA, available online post-exam · Included in exam fee
Required to apply for state certification
Application for State Registration
North Dakota Board of Pharmacy website · Approximately $35
Must be submitted to legally work as a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota
Proof of Age and Citizenship
Birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued document · Free to a nominal fee for copies
Required for state registration
Recent Passport-sized Photo
Photo centers or via online services · Approximately $10-$15
Needed for the state registration ID card
After You're Certified: What's Next
Verify your certification status on the PTCB website and ensure your certificate arrives by mail. Update your resume to include your new CPhT status.
Finding Your First Job
Where to Look
- • Indeed.com
- • Glassdoor
- • state and local hospital websites
- • pharmacy chains like CVS or Walgreens
Best Employers for New Grads
- • Retail pharmacies offer flexible shifts but might have high customer interaction. Hospitals provide more complex duties with higher stress levels. Long-term care facilities and compounding pharmacies offer specialized roles.
Resume Tip: List your Pharmacy Technician certification, any relevant coursework, and practical skills such as medication dispensing and inventory management. Highlight soft skills like attention to detail and customer service.
Interview Tip: Describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer.How do you manage stress in a fast-paced environment?Explain how you would handle a prescription error.What are the steps you take to maintain patient confidentiality?
Expected First-Year Salary
The average salary for a new Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota ranges from $33,000 to $40,000 annually.
Career Advancement Path
Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)
Additional coursework and passing the CSPT exam
Challenges to Prepare For
- • High-pressure environment, especially in hospital settings. Managing a large volume of prescriptions accurately. Handling difficult or upset customers. Adapting to new technology and pharmacy management systems.
Pharmacy Technician Salary in North Dakota
In North Dakota, Pharmacy Technicians earn a median annual salary of $47,540, which is significantly higher than the national median of $40,300. This reflects the state's demand for skilled pharmacy technicians.
Entry Level
$32,720
0-1 years experience
Median Salary
$47,540
$22.86/hr · Bureau of Labor Statistics
Experienced
$57,130
5+ years experience
Compared to National Median
$40,300 national · ++18.0% in North Dakota
Salary by Metro Area
Largest city in North Dakota; likely higher than state average
State capital; salary data not specified
Salary by Employer Type
North Dakota's cost of living is relatively low, making the higher median salary for Pharmacy Technicians more advantageous.
Benefits & Compensation
Common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and continuing education opportunities.
Salary Growth Outlook
Expected to grow in line with national healthcare demand increases.
Salary Negotiation Tips
- •Highlight any specialized skills or certifications
- •Research typical salaries in your area or facility type
Job Market in North Dakota
In North Dakota, the Pharmacy Technician job market is influenced by rural healthcare needs and an aging population. The national employment for Pharmacy Technicians is set to grow by 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, reaching 521,799. North Dakota, with its sparse population and extensive rural areas, may experience slightly different trends due to these local factors.
Top Hiring Areas
Largest city with major hospitals and pharmacies
State capital with steady healthcare needs
Top Hiring Industries
Best time to apply: Early spring and late fall, aligning with hiring cycles post-budget approvals
Opportunities
- Telepharmacy expansion
- Specialization in areas like chemotherapy or compounding
Challenges
- Recruitment in rural areas
- Retention of qualified staff amid national shortages
Training Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota offers a range of Pharmacy Technician training programs through community colleges, vocational schools, and employer-sponsored options. These programs prepare students for the PTCB exam and employment in various pharmacy settings.
Program Types Comparison
| Type | Duration | Cost | Format | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College | 1-2 years | $2,000 to $10,000 | In-person/Hybrid |
|
| Vocational/Trade School | 6 to 12 months | $3,000 to $10,000 | In-person |
|
| Employer-Sponsored | Varies, typically a few months | Free | On-the-job |
|
Top Programs
Wahpeton, North Dakota
Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Pharmacy Technician
Online & Hybrid Options
Some community colleges offer hybrid formats, blending online theory with in-person practical sessions.
How to Choose a Program
- •Verify the program's accreditation status to ensure quality and recognition in the field.
Financial Aid & Free Training
Get free Pharmacy Technician program info for North Dakota
Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Annually
Renewal Fee
$35
CE Hours
20 hours
Work requirement: None specified
CE Topics: Pharmacy law, Medication safety, Patient care
Out-of-State Reciprocity
North Dakota allows pharmacy technicians with credentials from other states to apply for registration through a process called endorsement. This process evaluates if the out-of-state credentials meet or exceed the standards set by North Dakota.
Requirements for Reciprocity
- Current registration as a pharmacy technician in another state with equivalent or stricter requirements than North Dakota
- Proof of having completed a pharmacy technician training program that is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
State Agreements
North Dakota does not have specific reciprocity agreements with any state. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Exams
No additional exams are required if the applicant holds an active PTCB or NHA certification.
Application Process
Submit an application for registration by endorsement to the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy, including proof of current registration and certification, and completion of a recognized training program. The applicant must also submit to a criminal background check.
Fees
The fee for applying for registration by endorsement is $35.
Processing Time: The processing time for endorsement applications is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and the response time for background checks.
Licensing Tips
Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in processing.
Prepare thoroughly for the certification exam by reviewing the latest study materials and guidelines provided by ExCPT or PTCB.
Recommended Resources
PTCB Exam Study Guide
This guide includes detailed content reviews and multiple practice tests, designed to prepare candidates for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
Mosby's Review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination
Mosby's guide provides comprehensive review material and practice questions that reflect the latest exam blueprint.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review
This guide focuses on key topics and concepts tested on the PTCE with practice questions to reinforce learning.
Pharmacy Technician Flash Cards
Set of flashcards that cover critical pharmacy topics and terms, useful for quick study sessions and reinforcing memory.
Counting Trays and Spatula
Used for accurately counting and handling medications during dispensing, a fundamental skill for pharmacy technicians.
Digital Scale
Essential for measuring small quantities of compounds accurately, crucial in compounding pharmacies.
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Sources
- Bureau of Labor StatisticsAccessed 2026-02-08
- North Dakota Licensing BoardAccessed 2026-02-08
- CareerOneStopAccessed 2026-02-08