Pharmacist / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Pharmacist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Dispenses medications and counsels patients. Requires PharmD degree.

What the Rhode Island data shows for Pharmacists

To practice as a pharmacist in Rhode Island, the state licensing board requires 5,115 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 Rhode Island's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

Upfront cost is $286, with renewal running $249 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.

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

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
29/100
Pharmacist · Rhode Island

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
5,115 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$286
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$125/yr
$249 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 Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
5,115 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$286
Renewal Fee
$249
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Rhode Island? ▼
In Rhode Island, the license path calls for 5115 education/training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, and a $286 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Rhode Island? ▼
Certification as a pharmacist in Rhode Island means clearing the state's checklist: 5115 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. Verify the specifics with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Yes, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island ties continued pharmacist licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $249 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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