How to become a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts
National certification is a direct path to a Massachusetts tech license. Pass the PTCE, then apply and pay $150. You must be 18 and have a diploma or equivalent.
The 4 steps in Massachusetts
- Take the Foothills course. Online, self-paced, about 4 months.
- Pass the PTCE. The Board names PTCB as an approved certifying body.
- Apply for your license. $150. Send a passport photo, your SSN, and a copy of your certification.
- Renew every 2 years. On your birthday. Check with the Board for the renewal fee.
Costs beyond Foothills in Massachusetts
- $150 state license
- Renewal every 2 years (check with the Board)
Checked against the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy's own rules in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current details with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. Sources: 1, 2.
Get PTCB certified from anywhere in Massachusetts
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.
Foothills · cost to certification
EnrollmentOne-time, instruction + portal$180
Two digital textbooksAccess codes included$232
PTCE exam feePaid to PTCB when you're ready≈ $129
Total, start to certified≈ $541
Enroll for $180
Massachusetts questions
Yes. Massachusetts issues a Pharmacy Technician license.
On the certification path, no program is needed. The PTCE is what counts.
For a Foothills grad, yes. It is the direct path.
Foothills is about $541 total: $180 enrollment, about $232 for two digital textbooks, and about $129 for the PTCE. Massachusetts adds $150.
About $541 all-in: $180 to enroll, about $232 for two digital textbooks, and about $129 for the PTCE. State fees are separate (see above). See the full cost breakdown.