Pharmacist / Louisiana
2026 data Louisiana board official source

Louisiana Pharmacist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Dispenses medications and counsels patients. Requires PharmD degree.

What the Louisiana data shows for Pharmacists

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Louisiana means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 5,095 training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Louisiana regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

The initial price tag is $282, and renewal costs $246 every 2 years. 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
29/100
Pharmacist · Louisiana

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
5,095 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$282
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$123/yr
$246 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 Louisiana

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
5,095 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$282
Renewal Fee
$246
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 Louisiana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Louisiana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Louisiana? ▼
Louisiana requires 5095 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAPLEX and MPJE), and an initial fee of $282. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Louisiana? ▼
Louisiana licenses pharmacists who complete its requirements (5095 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Louisiana licensing board.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Louisiana from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for pharmacists nationally works like this: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Louisiana. Verify the specifics with the Louisiana licensing board.
Does Louisiana require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Yes, Louisiana 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 Louisiana? ▼
To stay licensed as a pharmacist in Louisiana, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $246.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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