Illinois requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the state Board of Pharmacy. The state recognizes two tiers of the pharmacy technician role: Pharmacy Technician, and Certified Pharmacy Technician. The Pharmacy Technician role is a "trainee-type" designation and will have to be upgraded to Certified Pharmacy Technician.
The Pharmacy Technician designation in Illinois is a "trainee-type" designation. It is temporary, and must be upgraded to a Certified Pharmacy Technician designation within two years. In order to register as a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois, applicants must:
Submit an online application and licensing fee. The application can be found after registering in the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Online Services Portal. For 2024, the licensing fee is $40.
Submit required demographic information. This includes: social security number or an SSN affidavit; date and place of birth; and name change information (if applicable).
Within two years of registering as a Pharmacy Technician all individuals must upgrade their registration to a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Licensing requirements are similar, with the notable differences highlighted in bold.
Submit an online application and licensing fee. The application can be found after registering in the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Online Services Portal. For 2024, the licensing fee is $40.
Be 18 years old or olderSubmit required demographic information. This includes: social security number or an SSN affidavit; date and place of birth; and name change information (if applicable).
Full text for registering as a pharmacy technician can be found in the Illinois Compiled Statutes Section 225 ILCS 85/9.
The Illinois New Pharmacy Technician Application Checklist can be found here.
Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course and passing the PTCE satisfies the requirements for registering as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Illinois. Aside of meeting the Board of Pharmacy requirements, there are other benefits to certification as well:
Certified technicians get paid significantly more. Employers know that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility.
Certified technicians have a proven commitment to pharmacy. This sends a big signal to employers that you are dedicated and dependable.
Pharmacies that prioritize employee wellbeing and good work environments are more discerning when it comes to hiring. Certification opens doors to more attractive job opportunities.