Alabama Pharmacy Technician CE Requirements: The Plain-Language Guide
Alabama pharmacy technicians must complete 6 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle, and at least 2 of those hours must be live. Your registration expires December 31 of odd-numbered years, so the current cycle ends December 31, 2027. This page explains what counts, what does not, and how to avoid the year-end scramble.
Last reviewed August 31, 2026 by Tyler Dalton, PharmD, against the Alabama Board of Pharmacy technician page and Rule 680-X-2-.37.
At a glance
| Total CE hours per cycle | 6 hours |
| Live hours required | At least 2 (in person or live virtual, not pre-recorded) |
| Accreditation | ACPE-accredited or pre-approved by the Alabama Board of Pharmacy |
| CE deadline | December 31, 2027 |
| Renewal window | October 1 through December 31, 2027 |
| Renewal fee | $60 |
| Reinstatement fees | $60 renewal + $40 background + $5 per month lapsed (capped at 24 months / $120) |
| Reinstatement CE | 3 hours per expired year (1 live per year), max 15 hours / 5 live |
| Recordkeeping | Keep proof of CE for at least 2 years |
What counts as live CE
Live means real time attendance. You must be present, either in person or in a live virtual session where the instructor is teaching at that moment. A recorded webinar does not count toward the 2 live hours, even if it was originally broadcast live. When you sign up for a session, look for the words "live" and a specific date and time on the certificate.
What if I was just registered
- Registered in 2026: You owe 3 hours of CE with at least 1 live hour for the 2027 renewal.
- Registered during 2027: You owe no CE for the first renewal. Your full 6-hour requirement starts the next cycle.
What happens if you miss the deadline
Your registration lapses. You cannot legally work as a pharmacy technician in Alabama until it is reinstated. To reinstate you pay the $60 renewal fee, a $40 background check fee, and a $5 late fee for each month the registration was lapsed, capped at 24 months ($120). You also need 3 hours of CE for each expired year, with 1 live hour per year, up to 15 hours and 5 live hours. Employers cannot schedule a tech whose registration is not active, so a missed deadline usually means missed paychecks too.
Where to find approved CE
- Look for ACPE accredited providers. ACPE accreditation is accepted statewide.
- Keep your certificates for at least 2 years in case the Board audits your file.
- Both pharmacy technicians and pharmacists must document their hours. Save PDFs to a folder you can find quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Alabama pharmacy technicians need?
Alabama pharmacy technicians must complete 6 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle, and at least 2 of those hours must be live. Every registered Alabama tech owes this, including CPhTs. PTCB CPhT recertification (20 hours every 2 years) is a separate national requirement and does not replace ALBOP CE.
What counts as live CE in Alabama?
Live means real time attendance, either in person or in a live virtual session. A recorded webinar does not count toward the 2 live hours.
When does the current renewal cycle end?
Your registration expires December 31 of odd-numbered years, so the current cycle ends December 31, 2027. The renewal window opens October 1, 2027.
What if I was just registered with ALBOP?
If you registered in 2026, you need 3 hours with at least 1 live hour for the 2027 renewal. If you registered during 2027, you do not owe CE for the first renewal.
What happens if I miss the CE deadline?
Your registration lapses and you cannot work as a pharmacy technician until it is reinstated. Reinstatement costs the $60 renewal fee, a $40 background check fee, and a $5 late fee for each month the registration was lapsed, capped at 24 months ($120). You also need 3 hours of CE for each expired year (1 live hour per year), up to 15 hours and 5 live hours.
Where do I find approved CE?
Look for ACPE accredited providers or CE pre-approved by the Alabama Board of Pharmacy. Keep your certificates for at least 2 years. Both pharmacy technicians and pharmacists must document their hours.
We are building live CE for Alabama techs
The 2 live hours are the hardest part of the requirement to source. Alabama Pharm Tech is developing live, Alabama-specific CE sessions for the 2027 renewal cycle, taught by Tyler Dalton, PharmD. Leave your email and we will tell you when the schedule opens.
New tech who still needs the required training?
CE is for renewals. If you registered with ALBOP within the last six months, your first requirement is an approved training program. Ours is $199, online, and most students finish in 2 to 4 weeks.
Enroll Now - $199Renewing in 2027? See the full renewal checklist.