Hello Sulafa,
You are required to obtain a license before you start working as a Pharmacy Technician. As of now, it is not required prior to the externship.
As per the CA Board of Pharmacy, you must attach one of these documents to become a license Pharmacy Technician in the state of CA.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DOCUMENTS:
Attach ONE of the following (A, B or C):
A. Affidavit of Completed Coursework or Graduation: The program director, school registrar or pharmacist must complete and sign the affidavit on Page 4. Copies or stamped signatures are not accepted. The school seal must be embossed on the affidavit and/or you must attach a pharmacist’s business card with license number. An affidavit is required for one of the following: Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology; Any other course that provides a minimum of 240 hours of instruction as required; Training course accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP); Graduation from a school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
B. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certified: Submit a copy of your PTCB certificate.
C. Military Training: Submit a copy of your DD214 documenting evidence of your pharmacy technician training provided by a branch of the federal armed services.
Thank you
Dawn CPhT