Illinois

Opportunities within Illinois for pharmacy technicians is currently high. The role of the pharmacy technician has evolved and become far more patient-centered in recent years.

Candidates who wish to become a pharmacy technician in Illinois are not required to be certified to practice. However, candidates must complete certification within a 2-year period to renew their license. Licenses are regulated and approved by the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy.

Both the PTCB test and the ExCPT are approved national certification exams.

As you commence work within the pharmacy – under the close supervision of a qualified, licensed pharmacist – you must keep a copy of your application for at up to 60-days. This allows you to work as a pharmacy technician whilst your application is being approved by the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy.

Illinois State Requirements

To obtain a pharmacy tech license in Illinois, the State Board has issued their own requirements for candidates to meet. These include:

• Candidates must be 16-years or older and must be a legal resident of the United States.
• Candidates must have earned a high school diploma or GED and must be proficient in the English language.
• Candidates may be expected to undergo a criminal background check, including having fingerprints taken. Candidates must not have had a history of drug-related crimes or any other serious felonies.
• Candidates must have passed the PTCB examination. However, you are permitted to work in the pharmacy for up to 60-days whilst your application is under review. You must completed a national certified exam within the 2-year window to renew your license.
• Candidates must apply to the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy. Include a passport photo with your application; and application must be notarized. Non-refundable application fee: $60.00.
• Continuing education is NOT required by the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy – but is required by the PTCB to renew their license.
• Licenses must be renewed every 1-year.

Requirements for PTCB Continuous Education

To maintain the pharmacy tech license in Illinois, candidates must complete CE – or continuous education.

PTCB requires:

• Candidates must have completed at least 20-hours of CE in a 2-year cycle.
• Candidates must have completed at least 1-hour of this training in pharmacy law and regulations, and an additional hour in patient safety.
• PTCB requires that CE must be related to the professional work and practice of a pharmacy technician.
• Candidates must pay the requisite fee of $40.00, which must be paid every 2-years.