Arkansas — autumn in the Ozarks

Arkansas Pharmacist License

Arkansas Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Criminal Background Check Identity Verification Form — Required for both in-state and out-of-state applicants to process fingerprints.
  • Proof of Graduation — Official transcripts from an ACPE-accredited college of pharmacy.
  • Birth Certificate — A copy of your birth certificate is required for the application file.
  • Current Photograph — A recent passport-style photograph of the applicant.

How to Apply

  1. Create Online Portal Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy's GL Suite portal. You will need to use the Microsoft Authenticator app for multi-factor authentication.
    Register/Login to Portal
  2. Submit Application and Fees ▾
    Complete the 'Pharmacist License by Exam' application within the portal and pay the required fees ($75 initial license fee plus $25 exam fee).
    Start Application
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    In-state applicants must use electronic Live Scan. Out-of-state applicants must submit paper fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) along with the CBC Identity Verification Form.
  4. Register for NAPLEX ▾
    Register and pay for the NAPLEX through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
    Register for NAPLEX
  5. Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Arkansas does not use the MPJE. You must pass the state-specific Jurisprudence Exam, which is a paper-and-pencil exam administered by the Board.
Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.

Steps

  1. NABP Licensure Transfer ▾
    Initiate the Licensure Transfer process through NABP and select Arkansas as the destination state.
  2. Submit Arkansas Reciprocity Application ▾
    Complete the 'License by Reciprocity' application on the Arkansas portal and pay the $200 reciprocity fee.
    Reciprocity Application
  3. Background Check ▾
    Submit fingerprints for the state and federal criminal background check.
  4. Pass Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Schedule and pass the 76-question state law exam. Arkansas does not accept MPJE scores.
  5. Attend Board Meeting ▾
    Reciprocity applicants may be required to meet with the Board (often via Zoom) before final approval.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arkansas Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Arkansas Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$250
Endorsement application$250
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal150.0

Slow Downs

Incomplete Background Checks ▾
Failure to submit the CBC Identity Verification Form or using incorrect fingerprint cards for out-of-state applicants will halt the process.
Jurisprudence Exam Scheduling ▾
The Arkansas law exam is only offered on specific dates. Missing a deadline to register for an exam date can delay licensure by months.
Portal Authentication Issues ▾
The new GL Suite portal requires Microsoft Authenticator; technical issues with account setup or MFA can delay application submission.

Questions

Does Arkansas use the MPJE? ▾
No, Arkansas administers its own paper-and-pencil Jurisprudence Examination. MPJE scores from other states are not accepted.
What are the CE requirements for renewal? ▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of CE every biennium. At least 12 hours must be 'live' contact hours and 12 must be ACPE accredited.
Can I reciprocate from California? ▾
Yes, but only if your California license was issued on or after January 1, 2004.
When do pharmacist licenses expire? ▾
Pharmacist licenses expire on December 31 of every odd-numbered year.

Board Info

Arkansas Board of Pharmacy
Phone(501) 682-0190
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25