Illinois Pharmacy Technician Requirements
Illinois requires pharmacy technicians to register with the state before working. Technicians begin as “Registered” and must become nationally certified within two years.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED, or be currently enrolled in high school
- Submit a pharmacy technician registration application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- Begin working under pharmacist supervision once registered
- Complete a PTCB-recognized training program or gain 500+ hours of pharmacy technician experience
- Obtain national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) within two years
- Apply to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Renew registration annually
Pharmacy Technician Salary
Pharmacy technicians in Illinois typically earn $18–$22 per hour. Certified technicians and those working in hospital settings may earn higher wages.
State Registration Requirements
- Registration is required before employment
- Must be certified within two years of initial registration
- Technicians must work under direct pharmacist supervision
- Annual renewal is required
- High school education is required to upgrade to Certified status
- Illinois does not mandate a specific training program, but national certification requires completing a training program or equivalent experience
Continuing Education Requirements
- Illinois does not require CE for state registration renewal
- PTCB Certification requires 20 CE hours every 2 years, including 1 hour in Pharmacy Law and 1 hour in Patient Safety
Summary
Illinois pharmacy technicians must register with the state and begin working under supervision. Certification is required within two years, and a high school diploma or GED is necessary to advance. While the state does not require CE for renewal, maintaining national certification does.