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Pennsylvania Pharmacist License

Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$272
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / PA State Police
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Certificate of Pharmacy Education — Official verification of your degree and intern hours, submitted directly by your pharmacy school.
  • FBI Criminal History Report — Fingerprint-based background check results sent directly from IdentoGO to the Board. IdentoGO Portal
  • Child Abuse Training Certificate — Verification of completion of the 3-hour mandated reporter training, submitted electronically by the provider.
  • NPDB Self-Query Report — Required for reciprocity applicants; a report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. Request Self-Query

How to Apply

  1. Create a PALS Account ▾
    Register for a new account on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) to begin the application process.
    Register on PALS
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Log in to PALS, select 'Apply for New License', and choose 'State Board of Pharmacy' and 'Pharmacist'. Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee.
    Login to Apply
  3. Complete Child Abuse Training ▾
    Complete a 3-hour Board-approved training program on child abuse recognition and reporting. The provider will submit completion electronically to the Board.
    View Approved Providers
  4. Register for Exams ▾
    Register for the NAPLEX and Pennsylvania MPJE through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
    Register for Exams
  5. Obtain FBI Background Check ▾
    Pre-register with IdentoGO using the service code provided during your PALS application to complete a fingerprint-based FBI background check.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  6. Verify Education and Intern Hours ▾
    Arrange for your pharmacy school to submit the 'Certificate of Pharmacy Education and Pharmacy Intern Experience' form directly to the Board.
Total Fee
$272
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. NABP License Transfer ▾
    Submit an Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (ELTP) application to the NABP.
    Start NABP Transfer
  2. Obtain Processed NABP Application ▾
    Download the final processed application from NABP once they have verified your credentials.
  3. Apply via PALS ▾
    Submit a reciprocity application on PALS and upload the processed NABP application (do not upload the receipt).
    PALS Login
  4. Pass the PA MPJE ▾
    Register for and pass the Pennsylvania Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination if required based on your initial licensure date.
    MPJE Info
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

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

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$250
Endorsement application$250
Fingerprint check$22.60
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal150.0

Slow Downs

Uploading NABP Receipt ▾
Applicants often upload the NABP payment receipt instead of the final processed application, which halts the review process.
Expired Background Checks ▾
Criminal history reports must be dated within 180 days of the application submission. Older reports will be rejected.
Name Mismatches ▾
Ensure your name on PALS matches exactly with the name used for IdentoGO and Child Abuse training to avoid electronic matching errors.
Missing Education Verification ▾
The Board cannot authorize exams until the school submits the official education verification form.

Questions

How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal? ▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 contact hours of ACPE-approved CE every two years, including 2 hours in Child Abuse, 2 hours in Pain Management/Opioids, and 2 hours in Patient Safety.
When does my Pennsylvania pharmacist license expire? ▾
All pharmacist licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years.
What is the fee for a pharmacist license in Pennsylvania? ▾
The initial application fee is $45, and the biennial renewal fee is $190.
How do I verify my intern hours? ▾
Intern hours are typically verified by your pharmacy school on the Education Verification form or submitted via the Intern Experience Reporting form if earned outside of school.
Can I get a temporary license to practice in Pennsylvania? ▾
Yes, under Act 41, the Board may issue a temporary provisional endorsement license to pharmacists in good standing from other states.

Board Info

Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy
Phone(833) 367-2762
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25