Pharmacist / Maryland
2026 data Maryland board official source

Maryland Pharmacist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Dispenses medications and counsels patients. Requires PharmD degree.

What the Maryland data shows for Pharmacists

To practice as a pharmacist in Maryland, the state licensing board requires 4,993 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Maryland's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

The initial price tag is $266, and renewal costs $232 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.

For pharmacists, the reciprocity picture is: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
30/100
Pharmacist · Maryland

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
4,993 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$266
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$116/yr
$232 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 Maryland

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
4,993 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$266
Renewal Fee
$232
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 Maryland licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maryland licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Maryland? ▼
In Maryland, the license path calls for 4993 education/training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, and a $266 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Maryland? ▼
To become a licensed pharmacist in Maryland, you must meet the state's requirements including 4993 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maryland licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Maryland from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for pharmacists: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Maryland licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Maryland require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Maryland does require a background check before issuing a pharmacist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Pharmacist in Maryland? ▼
Licensed pharmacists in Maryland must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $232.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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