Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois: Requirements and Certification

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Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois: Requirements and Certification

Introduction

In this paper, we will explore the rules and requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in the state of Illinois. We will also discuss the state’s regulations related to earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, as well as the impact of national certification on job opportunities, wage earning potential, and opportunities for advancement within the department.

State Requirements for Pharmacy Technician Licensure

According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), individuals who wish to become pharmacy technicians in Illinois must meet the following requirements:

Education: Completion of a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program or having equivalent work experience under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Age: Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Application and Fee: Submission of a completed application form along with the required fee to the IDFPR.

Criminal Background Check: Applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check.

Exams: Successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

To renew a pharmacy technician license in Illinois, individuals must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years and pay the renewal fee.

Requirements for Earning the CPhT Credential

In Illinois, earning the CPhT credential is not required to practice as a pharmacy technician. However, becoming nationally certified can have several benefits for pharmacy technicians, including increased job opportunities, wage earning potential, and opportunities for advancement within the department.

PTCE and ExCPT Acceptance in Illinois

Illinois accepts both the PTCE and the ExCPT exams for pharmacy technician certification. The state does not prefer one exam over the other. Applicants can choose which exam they wish to take based on their personal preference or other factors.

Medication Counseling Requirements

According to Illinois regulations, pharmacists are primarily responsible for medication counseling. However, pharmacy technicians may assist in medication counseling under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Controlled Substances Regulations

Illinois has specific regulations regarding the dispensing of controlled substances. Pharmacy technicians must comply with state and federal laws governing controlled substances, including proper documentation, record-keeping, and reporting requirements.

Immunizations and Health Testing Policies

In Illinois, pharmacy technicians can assist in providing immunizations and health testing under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. However, specific rules and guidelines may vary depending on individual pharmacy policies and protocols.

PTCE Overview

The PTCE is an exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). It assesses knowledge across different domains related to pharmacy technician practice. The breakdown of knowledge domains in the PTCE includes:

Medications: 40%
Federal Requirements: 12.5%
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance: 26.25%
Order Entry and Processing: 21.25%

The PTCE consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, with 80 scored questions and 10 unscored pretest questions. A passing score on the PTCE is 1400 or higher on a scale ranging from 1000 to 1600.

ExCPT Overview

The ExCPT is an exam offered by the National Healthcareers Association (NHA). It covers similar knowledge domains as the PTCE but may have some differences in content. The breakdown of knowledge domains in the ExCPT includes:

Pharmacology for Technicians: 28%
Pharmacy Law and Regulations: 26%
Sterile and Nonsterile Compounding: 19%
Medication Safety: 17%
Pharmacy Quality Assurance: 10%

The ExCPT consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. A passing score on the exam is 70% or higher.

State License vs. CPhT Certification

While a state pharmacy technician license allows individuals to practice as a pharmacy technician in Illinois, earning the nationally recognized CPhT certification can provide additional benefits. These include:

Job Opportunities: Many employers prefer or require national certification when hiring pharmacy technicians. Having the CPhT credential can increase job prospects in both retail and hospital settings.

Wage Earning Potential: National certification is often associated with higher salaries. Certified Pharmacy Technicians may earn higher wages compared to their non-certified counterparts.

Opportunities for Advancement: CPhT certification can open doors for career advancement within the pharmacy department. It may provide opportunities for specialized roles, such as compounding or sterile preparation technicians, or even supervisory positions.

Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Illinois requires meeting specific state requirements outlined by the IDFPR. While national certification is not mandatory, achieving the CPhT credential can provide numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and possibilities for career advancement within the pharmacy department. Aspiring pharmacy technicians should carefully consider these factors and choose the certification pathway that aligns with their career goals and aspirations.