Illinois Pharmacist License
Illinois Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$310
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / Illinois State Police
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Form ED-PHM — Certification of Education form completed by the Dean of your pharmacy program.
- Fingerprint Receipt (TCN) — The receipt provided by the live scan vendor containing your Transaction Control Number.
- Official Transcripts — Official transcripts sent directly from your pharmacy school to the board.
- NABP Score Report — Official passing scores for NAPLEX and MPJE transferred to Illinois. NABP Website
How to Apply
-
Apply for Exam Eligibility ▾Submit an application to Continental Testing Services (CTS) to determine your eligibility to sit for the licensing exams.
Apply to CTS -
Register with NABP ▾Register for the NAPLEX and MPJE exams through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and pay the required exam fees.
Register for Exams -
Submit Education Verification ▾Have your pharmacy school complete the ED-PHM form and submit it directly to the board or its vendor as instructed in the application packet.
-
Complete Fingerprinting ▾Undergo a criminal background check via an Illinois-licensed live scan vendor. Retain your Transaction Control Number (TCN) receipt.
-
Pass NAPLEX and MPJE ▾Successfully pass both the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
-
Submit Final Licensure Application ▾After receiving official exam results, complete the final application for licensure through the IDFPR Online Services Portal and pay the $400 fee.
IDFPR Portal
Total Fee
$310
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.
Steps
-
NABP Licensure Transfer ▾Initiate the Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP) process through NABP.
Start NABP Transfer -
Register for Illinois MPJE ▾Register and pay for the Illinois-specific Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.
Register for MPJE -
Submit Illinois Application ▾Complete the Illinois Pharmacist by Endorsement application via the IDFPR portal and pay the $400 fee.
IDFPR Portal -
Fingerprinting ▾Complete the required background check through an approved vendor.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Illinois Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
Illinois Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Illinois Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $60.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Dual Application Failure
▾
Applicants must apply to both CTS and NABP simultaneously. Failure to do so prevents the issuance of the Authorization to Test (ATT).
Incomplete ED-PHM Form
▾
The Education Verification form must be signed by the Dean and include the school seal. Missing details cause significant processing delays.
Background Check Issues
▾
Fingerprint results can take several weeks. Ensure the vendor transmits results directly to IDFPR using the correct profession code.
Incorrect Fee Payment
▾
Illinois recently increased fees (Jan 2026). Submitting the old fee amount ($75 instead of $400) will result in application rejection.
Questions
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for my first renewal?
▾
Continuing Education (CE) is not required for the first renewal of a pharmacist license in Illinois.
How much does it cost to apply for a pharmacist license?
▾
The initial application fee for a pharmacist license is $400. This was recently increased from $75.
When does my Illinois pharmacist license expire?
▾
Pharmacist licenses expire on March 31 of every even-numbered year.
What are the specific CE requirements for renewal?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of CE every 2 years, including 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention, 1 hour of implicit bias awareness, and 1 hour of cultural competency (starting 2025).