Pharmacist / South Carolina
2026 data South Carolina board official source

South Carolina 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 South Carolina data shows for Pharmacists

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in South Carolina means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 4,324 training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. South Carolina regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

The initial price tag is $154, and renewal costs $143 every 2 years. 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
38/100
Pharmacist · South Carolina

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
4,324 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$154
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$72/yr
$143 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 South Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
4,324 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$154
Renewal Fee
$143
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 South Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina requires 4324 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAPLEX and MPJE), and an initial fee of $154. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in South Carolina? ▼
To become a licensed pharmacist in South Carolina, you must meet the state's requirements including 4324 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the South Carolina licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to South Carolina from another state? ▼
Pharmacist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The South Carolina licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does South Carolina require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Yes, South Carolina 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 South Carolina? ▼
To stay licensed as a pharmacist in South Carolina, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $143.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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