Illinois Pharmacy Technician License
Illinois Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / Illinois State Police
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Proof of Age — Must be at least 16 for Registered or 18 for Certified/Student designations.
- High School Diploma or GED — Proof of graduation or current enrollment in a high school program.
- National Certification (CPhT) — Required for the Certified designation; proof of passing PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA). PTCB Website
- Training Program Proof — Required for Certified designation; proof of graduation from an accredited pharmacy technician training program.
- Student Enrollment Letter — Required for Student designation; a current letter from a school official on school letterhead.
How to Apply
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Determine Your Designation ▾Choose between Registered Pharmacy Technician (entry-level, age 16+), Student (enrolled in pharmacy school), or Certified (passed national exam, age 18+).
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Create an IDFPR Online Account ▾Register for a new account on the IDFPR Online Services Portal to begin the application process.
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Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application for your chosen designation, providing personal history and educational details.
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Pay Application Fee ▾Pay the non-refundable application fee ($40 as of early 2026; scheduled to increase to $50 after April 1, 2026) via credit card or eCheck.
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Work While Pending ▾You may assist a pharmacist for up to 60 days while your application is processing, provided you keep a copy of your submitted application at the pharmacy.
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Obtain National Certification ▾Registered technicians must become certified by their second renewal (within 2 years) by passing the PTCB or ExCPT exam.
PTCB Exam Registration
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pharmacy Technicians licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure your current pharmacy technician license in another state is active and in good standing.
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Apply via Online Portal ▾Select the 'New Application' path in the IDFPR portal and indicate you are applying based on out-of-state licensure.
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Submit Certification of Licensure ▾Provide official verification of your license from the state board where you are currently registered.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Illinois Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
Illinois Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Illinois Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $40 |
| Endorsement application | $40 |
| Fingerprint check | $60.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Education Proof
▾
Failure to upload a clear copy of a high school diploma or GED certificate often halts the review process.
Incorrect Fee Amount
▾
Fees are subject to change (e.g., the 2026 increase); paying the old fee will cause the application to be marked deficient.
Unreported Disciplinary History
▾
Failure to disclose past criminal convictions or board actions in other states leads to extensive background review delays.
Expired Application
▾
Applications are only valid for 3 years; if not completed within this window, a new application and fee are required.
Questions
Can I work while my Illinois pharmacy technician application is pending?
▾
Yes. You may assist a pharmacist for up to 60 days after submitting a complete application and fee. You must keep a copy of the application at your place of employment.
Is fingerprinting required for Illinois Pharmacy Technicians?
▾
No, fingerprinting is not currently a requirement for the Pharmacy Technician registration in Illinois, though you must disclose criminal history on the application.
When does my Illinois pharmacy technician license expire?
▾
All pharmacy technician registrations expire annually on March 31, regardless of the date they were initially issued.
Do I need to be certified to start working as a technician in Illinois?
▾
No. You can start as a Registered Pharmacy Technician at age 16. However, you must become a Certified Pharmacy Technician by your second renewal.
What are the CE requirements for renewal?
▾
Only Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) must complete 20 hours of CE every two years. Registered (non-certified) technicians have no CE requirement.