160+ hours of training
At least 160 hours of on-the-job training.
Pharmacy Technician Program
The program combines expert classroom instruction, a compounding lab, exam preparation and a supervised externship.
Program facts
- Duration
- 22 weeks
- On-the-job training
- At least 160 hours
- Credential
- Certificate of Completion, a DC Pharmacy Technician Trainee license
- Eligibility
- High school diploma or GED (or a board-approved exam), 12th-grade CASAS reading and math scores
About the program
Training to work as a pharmacy technician
The program combines expert classroom instruction, a compounding lab, exam preparation and a supervised externship. You finish it with at least 160 hours of on-the-job training, a DC Pharmacy Technician Trainee license and eligibility for the national board exam.
Applications are open
The window below is when you can apply. Miss it and the next one is announced here first.
Application opens
September
1
2026
Application closes
October
10
2026
Outcomes
Certifications and career outcomes
Upon successful completion of the 22-week program, you will have:
Certificate of Completion
Issued when you finish the 22-week program.
DC Trainee license
A DC Pharmacy Technician Trainee license — the step toward sitting the national board exam and reaching full licensure.
PTCB exam eligibility
Eligibility for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam and the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
Before you apply
Eligibility and admission
- A high school diploma or GED, or a board-approved exam
- 12th-grade CASAS scores in reading and math
- A background check
- A drug screening
Funding requirements
WIOA Enrollment Requirements
Applicants must meet WIOA eligibility requirements and provide the following documentation:
- Proof of DC residency
- Valid identification
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or work authorization
- Proof of income
- Proof of dependents (if applicable)
- Proof of Selective Service registration (for male applicants)
- Proof of education
Start your application
Applications for Pharmacy Technician Program are handled online. Create an account, choose this program, and the DOES team picks it up from there.
Questions before you apply? DOES does@dc.gov