Pharmacist / Colorado
2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado 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 Colorado data shows for Pharmacists

Colorado's path to pharmacist licensure runs through 5,277 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Colorado folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

Budget $313 to get started, plus $270 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
28/100
Pharmacist · Colorado

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
5,277 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$313
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$135/yr
$270 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 Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
5,277 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$313
Renewal Fee
$270
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 Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Colorado? ▼
Colorado requires 5277 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAPLEX and MPJE), and an initial fee of $313. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Colorado? ▼
Certification as a pharmacist in Colorado means clearing the state's checklist: 5277 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Colorado licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Colorado from another state? ▼
Pharmacist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Colorado licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Colorado require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Yes, Colorado 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 Colorado? ▼
Licensed pharmacists in Colorado must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $270.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

  • See how Colorado'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 Colorado's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Colorado overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Colorado 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.