How to become a pharmacy technician in Colorado
Colorado requires national certification, and the PTCE gives you that. Then you apply for state certification. You also need a background check and must keep your PTCB certification active.
The 5 steps in Colorado
- Take the Foothills course. Online, self-paced, about 4 months.
- Pass the PTCE. National certification is the gate in Colorado. A one-time 18 month provisional certificate exists if you need to start before you pass.
- Apply for state certification. Apply with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy. The fee was listed at $57.
- Complete a background check. A criminal history check is required.
- Keep PTCB current. Your state certification goes inactive if your national certification lapses.
Costs beyond Foothills in Colorado
- State certification, about $57 (confirm with the Board)
- Background check
- PTCB recertification every 2 years
Checked against the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy (DORA DPO)'s own rules in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current details with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy (DORA DPO). Sources: 1.
Get PTCB certified from anywhere in Colorado
Foothills is a PTCB-recognized online program, built and taught by a licensed pharmacist with 33 years in the field. Finish it and you're eligible to sit for the PTCE.
100% online and self-paced, so it fits around work. Most students are ready in about 4 months. College programs can run $1,500 to $5,000. Foothills is about $541 start to certified.