State requirements

Illinois Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in Illinois.
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Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
Illinois

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.

Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements

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.
  • Be 16 years old or older
  • Be currently attending high school, have a high school diploma, or GED
  • Submit required demographic information. This includes: social security number or an SSN affidavit; date and place of birth; and name change information (if applicable).

Certified Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements

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 older
  • Be currently attending high school, have a high school diploma, or GED
  • Submit required demographic information. This includes: social security number or an SSN affidavit; date and place of birth; and name change information (if applicable).
  • Submit proof of passing the PTCB certification exam or another Illinois-approved certification exam
  • Submit proof of completion of Certified Pharmacy Technician education
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.

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

The fastest and most cost-effective method of meeting the Illinois Board of Pharmacy registration requirements:
  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit the PTCB Certificate and the 1st Pass Course Certificate of Completion with your pharmacy technician application.

Other Benefits of Certification

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:

Get a higher salary

Certified technicians get paid significantly more. Employers know that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility. 

Get hired more quickly

Certified technicians have a proven commitment to pharmacy. This sends a big signal to employers that you are dedicated and dependable.

Find a more desirable job

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.

PTCB Certification Requirements

To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
Click here for a full set of guidelines from the PTCB.

Residency

Reside in the United States of America or its territories.

Certification program or equivalent work experience

Complete an approved training program (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course) or have 500 hours of equivalent work experience. See below.

Compliance

You must comply with all PTCB policies and disclose all criminal and state Board of Pharmacy license actions.

Pass the PTCE

Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Certification Exam
Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify to sit for the PTCB certification exam, you must complete one of the following:

Pathway 1:

Complete a PTCB Approved Pharmacy Technician Course (such as 1st Pass CPhT).
This is the preferred method.

Pathway 2:

Complete 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.

The Preferred Method:
A PTCB Approved Training Program

There are several reasons why Pathway 1 is the preferred method
  • Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study. 
  • Certified technicians are offered significantly higher starting wages. Working 500+ hours without being certified can cost you thousands of dollars.
  • Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
  • Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts. 
  • As a CPhT, you will get more respect from your peers and patients.
Overview

Benefits of our training program

There are many advantages to our 1st Pass CPhT training program.  Here are just a few. Visit the course page to learn more.

Expertly designed curriculum

Our curriculum was designed by board certified clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers. Pass the PTCE and learn the skills employers are seeking. See the 1st Pass CPhT Course Page to find out more about the 1st Pass Advantage.

Accelerated learning experience

Accelerated but self-paced. Motivated students who have time to devote to studying can finish the course in as little as three weeks. You can be on your way to a new career in less than a month.

Affordably priced

Technology and determination allowed us to make this course accessible to everyone looking to start a new healthcare career.

Our Course