Pharmacist / Montana
2026 data Montana board official source

Montana 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 Montana data shows for Pharmacists

Montana's path to pharmacist licensure runs through 5,135 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. Montana folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

Upfront cost is $289, with renewal running $251 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
29/100
Pharmacist · Montana

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
5,135 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$289
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$126/yr
$251 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 Montana

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
5,135 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$289
Renewal Fee
$251
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 Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Montana? ▼
In Montana, the license path calls for 5135 education/training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, and a $289 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Montana? ▼
To become a licensed pharmacist in Montana, you must meet the state's requirements including 5135 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Montana licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Montana 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 Montana licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Montana require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Montana 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 Montana? ▼
To stay licensed as a pharmacist in Montana, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $251.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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