Applications for original licenses shall be made to the Department in writing or electronically on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by the required fee, which shall not be refundable. Any such application shall require such information as in the judgment of the Department will enable the Board and Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a license.
The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants as pharmacists not less than 3 times per year at such times and places as it may determine. The examination of applicants shall be of a character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice pharmacy.
Applicants for examination as pharmacists shall be required to pay, either to the Department or the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of providing the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date, at the time and place specified, after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service, shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee. The examination shall be developed and provided by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
If an applicant neglects, fails or refuses to take an examination or fails to pass an examination for a license under this Act within 3 years after filing his application, the application is denied. However, such applicant may thereafter make a new application accompanied by the required fee and show evidence of meeting the requirements in force at the time of the new application.
The Department shall notify applicants taking the examination of their results within 7 weeks of the examination date. Further, the Department shall have the authority to immediately authorize such applicants who successfully pass the examination to engage in the practice of pharmacy.
An applicant shall have one year from the date of notification of successful completion of the examination to apply to the Department for a license. If an applicant fails to make such application within one year the applicant shall be required to again take and pass the examination.
An applicant who has graduated with a professional degree from a school of pharmacy located outside of the United States must do the following:
The Department may employ consultants for the purpose of preparing and conducting examinations.
225 ILCS 85/7