How to become a pharmacy technician in Washington

Washington deems training programs approved by PTCB to be Commission-approved, and a PTCB-Recognized program fits that. You also pass the PTCE and do 8 hours of guided study of state and federal pharmacy law with a Washington pharmacist.

The 4 steps in Washington

Take the Foothills course. Online, self-paced, about 4 months.
Do 8 hours of law study. Guided study of Washington and federal pharmacy law, overseen by a Washington-licensed pharmacist.
Pass the PTCE within 1 year. Within 1 year of finishing training.
Apply for certification. With the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission. Age 18 or older with a diploma or GED. Check with the Commission for the fee.

Costs beyond Foothills in Washington

Certification fee (check with the Commission)

Checked against the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (Dept. of Health)'s own rules in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current details with the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (Dept. of Health). Sources: 1, 2.

See requirements in every state

Get PTCB certified from anywhere in Washington

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

Washington questions

Yes. A state Pharmacy Technician certification.

Yes. WAC 246-945-215(1)(c) deems PTCB-approved programs approved. You can email the Commission to confirm.

Yes, or the ExCPT.

Foothills is about $541 total: $180 enrollment, about $232 for two digital textbooks, and about $129 for the PTCE. Add the Commission fee.

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.

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