How to become a pharmacy technician in Illinois

A career in pharmaceutical technology provides job security and professional advancement opportunities. If you're interested in learning how to become a pharmacy technician in Illinois, read on to learn more.

What is a pharmacy technician?

Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) are primarily responsible for organizing and dispensing drugs to patients. They also catalog, manage, and process medication efficiently. They may take on administrative tasks, such as squaring up payments with insurance providers, manually updating records, and interfacing with the public.

Steps to becoming a pharmacy technician in Illinois

According to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), pharmacy technicians in Illinois must be nationally certified and registered or licensed. Aspiring pharmacy technicians in Illinois often take the following steps:

Step 1: Meet the prerequisites

To become a pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Clear a drug screening
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (multilingual skills are valued)

Step 2: Earn certification with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

While certification is not required for pharmacy technicians in Illinois, you must be certified to renew your license with the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy (ISBP).

To earn certification, you must register with the PTCB and pay the $129 application fee. You must also enroll in and complete a PTCB training course. These are available both in person and remotely.

Step 3: Pass the PTCB exam

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam is a 90-question, multiple-choice exam that tests the knowledge you have received from on-the-job training, educational programs, and reference documents.

You must pass the exam to become certified, however you can can work for up to 60 days while your application is under review.

Step 4: Apply for licensure with the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy

If you want to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Illinois — a credential you need to work as a pharmacy technician — you must also apply for licensure through the ISBP.

Unlike the PTCB, which is a national organization focused primarily on certification, the ISBP serves as the regulatory body for pharmacy licensure within Illinois. It oversees training and licensing requirements while enforcing state-specific pharmaceutical laws.

Step 5: Renew your license

To continue your career as a certified pharmacy technician, you must renew your license annually. While the ISBP doesn't require continuing education, the PTCB requires certified pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of additional education every two years.

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