How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey

Last updated: Dec 20, 2022

Pharmacy Technician Training in New Jersey

Even though the NJ Board of Pharmacy doesn’t require pharmacy technicians to get formal training, it’s a requirement of most employers (in addition to a High School diploma or its equivalent). To gain the necessary knowledge and practical skills, we strongly suggest completing a pharmacy technician training program with an externship.

New Jersey has a great selection of training options ranging from online programs to community college courses with classroom instruction.

Regardless of the option you choose, after you complete the theoretical part of your training, you will be offered an externship at one of the local hospitals or pharmacies.

Learn more: Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in New Jersey

Pharmacy Technician Certification in New Jersey (Optional)

New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy doesn’t require pharmacy technicians to get nationally certified by a third-party organization like PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or NHA (National Healthcareer Association). 

However, we recommend becoming PTCB-certified as it will greatly improve your chances of employment.

Learn more: Pharmacy Technician Certification

Pharmacy Technician Licensure and Registration in New Jersey

Since pharmacy technicians are a regulated occupation in the state of New Jersey, registration is needed by the State Board of Pharmacy to work as a pharm tech. It’s possible to start working even without state registration, however, the NJ Board of Pharmacy requires new pharmacy technicians to get it within the first 180 days of employment.

Pharmacy technicians don’t need to become licensed in New Jersey.

Even though some employers will hire technicians without state registration, we still recommend obtaining the registration before starting the job search, as it’s very easy to get. The process is briefly outlined below.

Application

An online application requesting registration as a Pharmacy Technician at the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy must be submitted along with the following: 

• payment of $70 (fees paid are non-refundable)
• recent passport-type photo
• authorization to undergo a criminal history background check

Renewal

In New Jersey, the registration of pharmacy technicians has to be renewed biennially (once every two years). The fee is $70 and should be submitted as a cheque or money order at the time of renewal.

The Board of Pharmacy will send a reminder to renew the registration 60 days prior to its expiry date, so it’s important to keep your address up-to-date and notify the Board about any changes in advance via the online ‘Change of Address’ form.

If the registration was not renewed prior to the expiration date, the candidate will need to reinstate the registration, which would incur additional fees.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

There are no requirements for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey to receive CE credits. However, if you are certified nationally, you will need to follow the regulations of a certifying body For example, PTCB requires 20 hours of continuing education, related to the occupation of pharmacy technician, in a 2-year period.

Resources

New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy 

This government body oversees and regulates pharmacy technicians in the state of New Jersey.

Link: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/phar

Address: P.O. Box 45013, Newark, New Jersey 07101

Phone:    973-504-6450

Email: NJBOPOffice@dca.njoag.gov

New Jersey Pharmacists Association (NJPhA)

Link: https://njpharmacists.org/

Address: 760 Alexander Road, PO Box 1, Princeton, NJ 08543-0001

Phone: 609-275-4246

Fax: 609-275-4066

Email: njpha@njpharma.org