Apply
Fees:
– Important: All application fees are non-refundable
– $60 application fee
– $40 background check fee
How to Apply:
Step 1: Create a Gateway Account
If you do not already have one, create a Gateway profile on the ALBOP homepage.
🖥️ How to Set Up a New Gateway Profile
✉️ For registration or log-in issues, email tlawrence@albop.com
Step 2: Submit Your Application
1. Log into your Gateway profile
2. Select Applications
3. Choose New Pharmacy Technician Application
4. Once you complete the application, you will be prompted to submit your payment. The application will be cancelled if payment is not made within 7 days of submission.
5. Upload required documents through the checklist. You will need a driver’s license and recent photo.
Step 3: Print Your Registration
Once you receive an approval email, you will print your registration through your gateway profile.
Background Check Notice:
All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial. If an application is denied, fees are retained for processing.
Reinstate an Expired Tech Registration
Has your registration expired or become in active?
Steps to Reinstate:
Step 1: Log into your Gateway
Step 2: Click the Pharmacy Technician Tile
Step 3: Select Reinstatement and complete the application
Step 4: Submit payment within 7 days.
Step 5: Upload required documents within 30 days
Step 6: Once you receive an approval email, print your registration through your gateway profile
Managing your Registration in the Gateway
Once logged in to the Gateway, you will be able to do the following:
- Update name
- Update contact info
- Update employment
- Print your registration
- Request a license verification
- Pay fee/fine
Continuing Education
CE REQUIREMENTS:
Technicians must complete their CE anytime during the two year renewal period. All CE must be obtained by 12/31 of the renewal year.
– 6 hours total
– At least 2 live hours (In-person or live virtual. No pre-recorded courses)
*All CE must be ACPE-accredited or pre-approved by the Board.
RENEWALS AND CE DEADLINE
All technician registrations expire December 31st of odd-numbered years.
– You may submit your renewal any time between October 1st and December 31st.
– You may submit your renewal prior to completing your CE, but all CE must be completed by 12/31 of the renewal year.
RECORDKEEPING AND AUDITS
– You should maintain proof of your CE for at least 2 years
– Technicians will be randomly audited for CE compliance
– Failure to complete the required CE may result in monetary penalties and/or disciplinary action by the Board.
CE CREDIT FOR BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE
Technicians may earn CE by attending Board meetings virtually or in-person.
Requirements:
– Your full name must be displayed on the sign in sheet or the WebEx
– After the meeting, a password will be announced and displayed on the screen.
– Use the link on our website and password to complete the SignUp Genius survey
– You must be in attendance for the entire meeting to receive credit
– Save your confirmation email for auditing purposes
Limits:
– Maximum credit for attendance is 1 live hour per calendar year
Technician Training Rule
⚠️ Do not upload continuing education as proof of technician training.
Who Must Complete Training
Technicians initially registered on or after January 1, 2020 must:
– Complete a Board-approved training program within 6 months of registration
– Submit proof of training within 10 days of completion through your gateway profile
*Note: Certifications exams (PTCB or NHA) will satisfy the training requirement
Board-approved Training Programs
PTCB and NHA are both considered a Board-recognized pharmacy technician certification examination.
Technician Vaccination Training Rule
Overview
Technicians may administer vaccines only after completing:
– ACPE-approved immunization training (minimum 2 hours)
– CPR certification
– Hands-on injection training
– Proof of training documentation through your gateway
*Technicians must always work under direct pharmacist supervision.
How to Submit Vaccination Training
- Log in to Gateway
- Select the Pharmacy Technician Tile
- Click Add Vaccination Training
- Upload proof of training such as a course certificate
- Once approved, print your certificate through your gateway
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a pharmacy technician?
An individual, other than an intern, extern, or an assistant pharmacist, who performs pharmacy functions under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Code of Ala. §34-23-130 - What is the role of the pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy technician shall not perform pharmacy functions or be present in the prescription department of a pharmacy unless he or she is under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. A pharmacy technician shall not perform pharmacy functions or be present in the prescription department of a pharmacy unless he or she is registered by the board.
When supervision is required, a licensed pharmacist shall be jointly responsible and liable for the actions of a pharmacy technician.
Ala. Admin. Rule 680-X-2-.14 - Do technicians need continuing education hours?
Yes. Six hours per renewal cycle, including 2 live hours.
Code of Ala. §34-23-131(d)
CE for newly registered technicians:
If you were initially registered in 2026: 3 hours (at least 1 live) are required for your first renewal in 2027.
If you are initially registered in 2027: No CE is required for your first renewal in 2027. - Do I have to keep my registration active if I stop working as a technician?
No. However, if that person wants to re-enter the pharmacy technician field in the future, they will have to pay back fees plus penalties (maximum of 5 years of penalties and fees) to get their lapsed license current. The person is not able to re-enter the technician profession using a new technician application.
Ala. Admin. Code 680-X-2-.14(10) - When do I have to renew my registration?
– Biennial renewals in odd numbered years
– Renewals will open October 1st
– All technician registrations will expire 12/31 of odd numbered years.
Code of Ala. §34-23-131