How to Become a Pharmacist in Illinois
In Illinois, a Pharmacist license typically requires a state exam, a 75% passing score, and a $620 exam fee.
Dispenses prescriptions and advises on medication. Requires a PharmD and the NAPLEX plus a state pharmacy law exam (MPJE). Requirements change — always confirm with Illinois Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before paying.
Licensing steps in Illinois
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by NABP (NAPLEX/MPJE) — Pearson VUE with a 360-minute time limit; you need 75% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Exam fee $620 · application $75 · license $75
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years with 30 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacist requirements — Illinois at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | NABP (NAPLEX/MPJE) — Pearson VUE |
| Questions (national/state) | — / — |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Exam fee | $620 |
| Application fee | $75 |
| License fee | $75 |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years · 30 CE |
| Reciprocity | NABP score transfer accepted (within 3 years); IL MPJE required |
Official source: Illinois Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) ↗
Transferring a Pharmacist license between states
No pharmacist compact in force — state-by-state licensure transfer. There is no pharmacist licensure compact in force that our verified sources can point you to as of the retrieval date. Pharmacists transfer by licensure transfer or score transfer through the destination state board, which is the pathway to plan around.
Confirm the current transfer rules with the destination state board of pharmacy before applying. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Pharmacist license in Illinois?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Pharmacist exam in Illinois?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Illinois; check the state board.
What does the Pharmacist license cost in Illinois?
The exam fee is $620, the application fee is $75, and the license fee is $75
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Illinois?
No pharmacist compact in force — state-by-state licensure transfer: There is no pharmacist licensure compact in force that our verified sources can point you to as of the retrieval date. Pharmacists transfer by licensure transfer or score transfer through the destination state board, which is the pathway to plan around. For Illinois specifically, our dataset notes: NABP score transfer accepted (within 3 years); IL MPJE required.
Plan your Pharmacist licensing in Illinois
Work the road in order — check what Illinois requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Pharmacist exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Illinois reciprocity.
Pharmacist tools for Illinois
Every step of the Illinois Pharmacist road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with Illinois Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (retrieved 2026-08-20).