Licensure Process

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This page will be updated for Class of 2025 as NABP releases information.

2025 NAPLEX/MPJE Candidate Application Bulletin now available

There are 2 basic parts to becoming licensed

Successful completion of the state required licensure exams (for most states this is the NAPLEX and MPJE)
Submission of a complete application for licensure to the state board

NAPLEX and MPJE Registration

Determine state where you will be licensed
- Register online for NAPLEX and MPJE*
- https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/naplex/
- https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/mpje/
- Cost: NAPLEX - $620 ($100 application + $520 exam); MPJE - $270 ($100 application + $170 exam)
You can register for the NAPLEX and MPJE at any time but cannot schedule testing appt until approved by state board.

*A few states do not use MPJE, consult regulations for your state of interest

Must be approved by the state board of pharmacy in order to schedule exam
Submit an application for licensure and supporting documentation and fees
- Note: Some states will allow you to apply before you graduate while others require you wait until you have graduated. Check with your state.
  - Student Affairs will submit your final transcript to NABP via your eProfile on the afternoon of your graduation date. You do not need to request this from Student Affairs.
- For those seeking licensure in Tennessee, you must create an account in the Tennessee Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS).
  - Please carefully read this document from the TN Board of Pharmacy.
  - Also reference the informative video from Dr. Lucy Shell, TN BOP Exec. Director, on your NAPLEX D2L site.
  - Student Affairs will complete the College Certification of Internship Hours form and submit it to the TN BOP on your behalf prior to graduation.
  - As part of your Tennessee application, you will need to complete a Declaration of Citizenship form which must be notarized. Please reach out to Student Affairs if you need access to notary service on campus.
State board will determine whether you meet requirements for licensure.
- The board will notify NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) that you are eligible to take the exams.
- NABP will send you (via email) an ATT (authorization to test) which allows you to schedule your testing appointment.

Minimally application consists of:

Application for licensure by exam and fee
- Obtained/or completed online at the state board of pharmacy website
Proof that you have earned degree
- Generally school submits certifying form for you
- Most states do not allow form to be submitted until graduation has occurred
Proof of required experiential hours
- School often completes a form but varies greatly
Other common components of the packet are:
- Proof of citizenship
  - (e.g., copy of birth certificate)
- Background check
  - Most often by fingerprint
- Letters of reference
  - Often forms to be completed by practicing pharmacists or faculty
- Passport size photo
  - Should be within the last 6 months

Current information can be found on the website for your state's board of pharmacy
- A list of all board's web sites can be found on the NABP's web at https://nabp.pharmacy/about/boards-of-pharmacy/
- Once on the state website, look for a link called Licensure Applications and Forms (or something similar)

Score Transfer:

Allows you to use your NAPLEX results for licensure in more than one state. Submit a Score Transfer form and fee of $75* per state to NABP no later than 89 days after taking the NAPLEX. *fee increases to $105 on June 2, 2025.
You must still complete and submit an Application for Examination (application sometimes referred to as Application for Licensure by Score Transfer) and take law exam for each state.
If you later decide to be licensed in another state, you will have to apply for licensure through examination and retake NAPLEX or apply for licensure via reciprocity (if you do not want to retake NAPLEX).

Some states require a state administered practical exam (e.g., West Virginia and Georgia).
- Exam may only be given few times a year so pay close attention to deadlines—you either meet them or wait until next time.
Some states have special education requirements you may have to meet when applying. For example:
- Florida requires that you complete a 2-hour CE course on medication errors prior to licensure. Must submit certification of completion with application.
- Kentucky requires proof of completion of a CE course in HIV/AIDS education as part of the application.

Closely read the internship requirements and the process to report the hours.
- Many boards require that you submit verification from the state board in which you earned the hours before being approved to take the exams.
- Be prepared to become an intern in a state if a) your employer wants you to work prior to being licensed or b) you need to earn additional hours to meet that state's internship hours requirement.

Remember you may request score transfer up until 89 days after taking NAPLEX.
- So you are okay if you find out later that you need to be licensed in multiple states.
Score Transfer is the same as getting licensed by exam; thus, you do not need to maintain licensure in state A in order to be licensed in state B.
- Suggest you look at the states' fee structures when deciding which state to make primary state (on initial NAPLEX registration) in order to reduce overall costs.

Mandatory in most states
- Typically fingerprint based—fingerprints taken electronically at specified locations or by a local law enforcement agency. Check with your state.
- Some states require that the fingerprinting be done within that state (e.g., must physically travel to Ohio).
- Cannot use background check performed by one state to satisfy another state's requirement.
- May only be valid for a limited amount of time, so do not do it too soon (e.g., good for only 6 months in TN).