- Find and Complete a Training Program: Enroll in and successfully complete a pharmacy technician training program. Choose a program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) to ensure it meets the necessary standards and prepares you for certification.
- Get Nationally Certified: After completing your training, take and pass a recognized certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
- Obtain State License/Registration: Apply for your pharmacy technician license or registration with the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy. This includes submitting the application form, required documentation, and the application fee. You can begin working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist while your application is processed.
- Maintain Licensing: Keep your license active by renewing it annually. Although Illinois does not require continuing education for license renewal, staying informed about industry standards and advancements is recommended for professional growth.
Illinois State Requirements
- Age and Education: Candidates must be at least 16 years old and have either a high school diploma or a GED.
- Legal Status: Candidates must be legal residents of the United States.
- Criminal Background Check: A criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is required. Candidates must not have a history of drug-related crimes or serious felonies.
- Certification Exam: Candidates must pass the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) exam or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
- Application Process: Candidates must apply to the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy, including a notarized application with a passport photo. The non-refundable application fee is $40.00.
- Work Authorization: Candidates are permitted to assist in a pharmacy for up to 60 days while their application is under review, provided they keep a copy of their application on the premises.
- License Renewal: Pharmacy technician licenses in Illinois must be renewed annually, expiring on March 31 regardless of the issuance date.
- Designations: By the second renewal, all pharmacy technician licenses issued after December 31, 2007, must have either a CERTIFIED or STUDENT designation in accordance with the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act.
- Post-Application Training: Within 6 months of initial employment, pharmacy technicians must be trained in specific areas such as duties and responsibilities, technical skills, compounding, labeling, medical terminology, recordkeeping, and arithmetic calculations
Certification
The Illinois State Board of Pharmacy recognizes two primary certification exams: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the Institute for the National Healthcareer Association. Both of these exams are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA), ensuring their recognition and validity.
To be eligible for certification, candidates must meet certain prerequisites. These include:
- being at least 18 years old,
- possessing a high school diploma or GED,
- completing a pharmacy technician education program
Upon passing either the PTCE or the ExCPT, candidates can apply for the Pharmacy Technician-Certified Designation in Illinois. This designation is crucial for the practice of pharmacy technicians in the state and is required for license renewal.
It’s important to note that while candidates can work in a pharmacy for up to 60 days awaiting license approval, they must pass one of these certification exams within this period. The certification not only validates a technician’s knowledge and skills but is also a mandatory requirement for continuing their practice in Illinois.
Licensing
Illinois requires pharmacy technicians to obtain state licensure/registration prior to practicing. To obtain a license, candidates must first pass a recognized certification exam – either the PTCE or the ExCPT. Once certified, applicants are required to complete an online application, provide proof of age (minimum 16 years for a Registered Pharmacy Technician and 18 years for a Certified Pharmacy Technician), and submit evidence of high school graduation or a GED. The application must include all required information, such as date and place of birth, and a Social Security Number or an affidavit (in lieu of an SSN).
The non-refundable application fee is $40.00, and the license must be renewed annually, expiring on March 31, regardless of the issuance date. It’s important to note that while awaiting license approval, candidates can work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist for up to 60 days, provided they keep a copy of their submitted application at their workplace. This interim period allows for practical experience while the formal licensing process is completed.
In summary, licensing in Illinois requires passing a certification exam, completing an online application with necessary documentation and fee, and renewing the license annually.
Continuing Education
Illinois does not require continuing education (CE) credits for pharmacy technicians to maintain their state licensure or registration. This means that, under state law, pharmacy technicians are not obligated to complete ongoing educational credits for license renewal.
However, certified technicians should be aware of any CE requirements from their certifying bodies, like the PTCB, which may require CE credits for certification renewal. While not a state requirement, these certifications are often important for employment and professional growth.
Resources
IL Division of Professional Regulation: Board of Pharmacy
www.idfpr.com/dpr/WHO/phar.asp
Office: 320 West Washington Street, Suite 312 Springfield, Illinois 62791
Telephone: 217-782-8556 Fax: (217)782-7645
Mail: P.O. Box 7007
Professional Association for Pharmacy Technician Illinois residents:
The Illinois Pharmacists Association
www.ipha.org