Pharmacist / Arkansas
2026 data Arkansas board official source

Arkansas Pharmacist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Dispenses medications and counsels patients. Requires PharmD degree.

What the Arkansas data shows for Pharmacists

Arkansas sets the entry bar for pharmacists at 4,365 training hours and a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Arkansas's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

The initial price tag is $161, and renewal costs $149 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, pharmacists should know: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
38/100
Pharmacist · Arkansas

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
4,365 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$161
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$75/yr
$149 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
4,365 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$161
Renewal Fee
$149
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Pharmacist All Arkansas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Arkansas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Arkansas? ▼
In Arkansas, the license path calls for 4365 education/training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, and a $161 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Arkansas? ▼
To become a licensed pharmacist in Arkansas, you must meet the state's requirements including 4365 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Arkansas licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Arkansas from another state? ▼
For pharmacists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Arkansas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Arkansas require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Yes, Arkansas requires a criminal background check as part of the pharmacist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Pharmacist in Arkansas? ▼
To stay licensed as a pharmacist in Arkansas, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $149.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

Pharmacist in Arkansas, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a pharmacist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Arkansas's pharmacist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Pharmacist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state pharmacist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Arkansas's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Arkansas overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Arkansas licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.