Pharmacy Technician in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.
Jobs (VA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a pharmacy technician in Virginia
To become a registered Pharmacy Technician in Virginia, individuals must complete a Virginia Board of Pharmacy-approved training program and pass a national certification exam such as the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT). The application for registration is submitted online to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy with a fee of $35. There is no specified minimum age or high school diploma requirement by the state board, but a criminal background check is mandatory. Virginia offers reciprocity for those previously licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction who have passed a national certification exam. Registration must be renewed annually, requiring 5 hours of continuing education per cycle.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Virginia requirements
| Licensing body | Virginia Board of Pharmacy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a Virginia Board of Pharmacy-approved training program (which includes PTCB-recognized or NHA-recognized programs, ASHP/ACPE accredited, DOE CTE, or federal/military programs) AND national certification. |
| Exam | PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129) |
| Application fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 5.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | No minimum age or high school diploma/GED is explicitly required by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, though some national certifications or training programs may have these requirements. A criminal background check is required. If you were previously licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction and passed a national certification exam (PTCE or ExCPT), you may be eligible for registration based on reciprocity. |
Source: Virginia Board of Pharmacy
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk