Colorado Pharmacist License
Colorado Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$289
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / CBI
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Pharmacy School Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the institution to NABP to verify degree completion.
- Government-Issued Identification — A clear copy of a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID.
- Fingerprint Background Check Results — Results from CBI and FBI sent directly to the Board after processing by an approved vendor.
- Proof of Internship Hours — Verification of 1,500 internship hours if not already verified by your school or another board. Internship Forms
How to Apply
-
Register with NABP ▾Create an NABP e-Profile and request eligibility to take the NAPLEX and MPJE for Colorado. NABP confirms eligibility on behalf of the Colorado Board.
Register for Exams -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Have your pharmacy school send official transcripts directly to NABP. Transcripts must show the degree conferral date.
-
Complete Fingerprinting ▾Submit fingerprints for a background check via an approved vendor (IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting). Use the specific service code for the Board of Pharmacy.
-
Pass NAPLEX and MPJE ▾Schedule and pass both the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
MPJE Information -
Submit State Application ▾Once exams are passed, create a DPO Online Services account and submit the 'Pharmacist - Initial License' application.
Apply Online -
Upload Required Documents ▾Upload a copy of your government-issued ID and any other required documentation through the DPO portal.
Total Fee
$289
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
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active pharmacist license in another state and have been licensed for at least one year (or meet internship requirements).
-
NABP Preliminary Application ▾Submit a preliminary application for license transfer through the NABP Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (e-LTP).
Start NABP Transfer -
Pass Colorado MPJE ▾Register for and pass the Colorado-specific Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.
Register for MPJE -
Submit Colorado Application ▾After passing the MPJE and receiving the Official Application from NABP, submit the application and fee via the Colorado DPO portal.
DPO Portal
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Colorado Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
Colorado Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Colorado Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $39.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprint Expiration
▾
The Division destroys fingerprint records if an application is not received within 60 days of the results. Do not submit fingerprints more than 30 days before applying.
Transcript Processing
▾
NABP can take up to 3 weeks to process transcripts, which delays exam eligibility and Authorization to Test (ATT) issuance.
Name Mismatch
▾
The name on your government ID must exactly match the name on your NABP profile and ATT; discrepancies will prevent you from testing.
Incomplete Internship Verification
▾
Failure to provide certified proof of 1,500 internship hours from your school or previous state board will stall the final license issuance.
Questions
How many CE hours are required for Colorado pharmacists?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education during each two-year license period.
When do Colorado pharmacist licenses expire?
▾
All pharmacist licenses expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years.
Is the CE requirement waived for new graduates?
▾
Yes, the Board may waive CE for the first renewal period if the license was issued within one year of graduation.
Can I apply for my license before passing the exams?
▾
In Colorado, you typically register with NABP for eligibility first, and then submit the state application after passing the NAPLEX and MPJE.
What is the required number of internship hours?
▾
Applicants must complete 1,500 hours of approved pharmacy internship experience.
Board Info
Colorado Board of Pharmacy
Phone(303) 894-7800