Arkansas — autumn in the Ozarks

Arkansas Pharmacy Technician License

Arkansas Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Proof of Education — A copy of a high school diploma, GED certificate, or official transcript showing the graduation date.
  • Identification — A copy of a valid driver's license or state-issued photo ID.
  • Social Security Card — A copy of your official Social Security card; no substitutions are accepted.
  • CBC Identity Verification Form — The Criminal Background Check Identity Verification form, which must be taken to the fingerprinting site.

How to Apply

  1. Create Online Portal Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy online licensing portal using a valid email address and setting up multi-factor authentication.
    Register/Login
  2. Select Application Type ▾
    Choose between the 'Expedited' application (for in-state applicants using electronic fingerprinting) or the 'Standard' application (for out-of-state or paper-based applicants).
  3. Submit Application and Fee ▾
    Complete the application form and pay the $70 registration fee. Note that fees are non-refundable.
    Apply Online
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Obtain a Transaction Control Number from the Board after submitting your application. Visit an authorized 'Harvester' site to have fingerprints taken electronically.
  5. Upload Required Documents ▾
    Upload copies of your ID, Social Security card, and proof of high school graduation or GED to the portal.
    Upload Documents
  6. Wait for Board Approval ▾
    The Board typically processes expedited applications within 1-3 days once background check results are received. Standard applications may take longer.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Pharmacy Technicians licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you hold an active pharmacy technician registration in good standing in another state or a national certification (PTCB/NHA).
  2. Submit Reciprocity Application ▾
    Complete the standard registration application and indicate reciprocity/out-of-state status.
    Start Application
  3. Submit License Verification ▾
    Provide official verification of your current license from the state board where you are currently registered.
  4. Complete Federal Background Check ▾
    Out-of-state applicants must typically submit paper fingerprint cards (FD-258) as Arkansas is not currently set up for out-of-state electronic submissions.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arkansas Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Arkansas Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incomplete Application ▾
Missing signatures or unanswered personal history questions will stop the processing of the application immediately.
Incorrect Fee Payment ▾
Submitting the wrong fee amount or using an unapproved payment method (like cash) will result in the application being returned.
Background Check Processing ▾
Federal background checks can take up to 3 weeks. Using the 'Standard' instead of 'Expedited' process often adds significant time.
Missing Educational Proof ▾
Failure to provide a document that explicitly states the graduation date (especially on transcripts) is a frequent cause for delay.

Questions

Is national certification (PTCB/NHA) required in Arkansas? ▾
No, national certification is not required for state registration, but it is highly recommended by the Board and often required by employers for delegated duties like vaccine administration.
How much does the initial registration cost? ▾
The total cost is approximately $105, which includes a $70 application fee paid to the Board and a ~$35 background check fee paid to the fingerprinting vendor.
When does my pharmacy technician registration expire? ▾
All technician registrations expire on December 31st of even-numbered years (e.g., 2026, 2028).
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for technicians? ▾
Arkansas does not require CE for state registration renewal. However, if you are nationally certified (CPhT), you must meet the CE requirements of the certifying body (PTCB or NHA) to maintain that credential.

Board Info

Arkansas Board of Pharmacy
Phone(501) 682-0190
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25