A pharmacy technician assists registered pharmacists in the preparation of drug prescriptions and related pharmacy tasks. States regulate and register pharmacy technicians to ensure professional and safe practices in the profession. Illinois has a fairly lax procedure for obtaining a pharmacy technician license. License candidates have no special educational requirements or exams to pass. Applicants with a high school diploma or even current students can apply with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and register as an Illinois pharmacy technician.

Graduate from a high school or complete a GED program. If you dropped out of high school without getting your diploma and do not wish to enroll again, find a local GED program. Open the "GED Preparation Contacts by State" page on the American Council on Education website (see Resources). Use the state contact to find a program and enroll.

Obtain proof of graduation or current attendance at your high school or GED program. You may present a copy of a diploma, certificate, transcripts or a statement from the program on school letterhead. Include this proof when mailing in your application.

Access the "Instruction Sheet" and accompanying "Application for Pharmacy Technician Licensure." See References for the link. Optionally, you may apply with the online application system by selecting "Illinois Pharmacy Board" and "Pharmacy Technician" in the menu boxes. See Resources for the link. Follow the instructions to fill out the form and prepare additional documentation. For example, you need a court order or other supporting document if your name has changed. Similarly, some applicants have applied for or had a license in the past. If you have received discipline as a licensee in the past or been rejected for a license, you must include relevant documentation. Make sure you sign and date the pharmacy technician application.

Make out a check or money order to the "Department of Financial and Professional Regulation." As of 2010, the fee is $40. Pay $41.50 by Visa, MasterCard or Discover if applying online. Keep in mind that this is an application fee. The department will not refund the fee even if you do not receive a license.

Send the application, fee and all required documentation to register and obtain your Illinois pharmacy technician license. Use the following address:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Attn: Division of Professional Regulation P.O. Box 7007 Springfield, IL 62791