Pharmacist / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Pharmacist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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Dispenses medications and counsels patients. Requires PharmD degree.

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Pharmacists

Pennsylvania's path to pharmacist licensure runs through 4,851 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. Pennsylvania folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

Upfront cost is $242, with renewal running $214 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
31/100
Pharmacist · Pennsylvania

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
4,851 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$242
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$107/yr
$214 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 Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
4,851 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$242
Renewal Fee
$214
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Pennsylvania? ▼
In Pennsylvania, the license path calls for 4851 education/training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, and a $242 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Certification as a pharmacist in Pennsylvania means clearing the state's checklist: 4851 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Yes, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? ▼
To stay licensed as a pharmacist in Pennsylvania, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $214.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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