Pharmacist / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Pharmacist License Requirements

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

Dispenses medications and counsels patients. Requires PharmD degree.

What the Tennessee data shows for Pharmacists

To practice as a pharmacist in Tennessee, the state licensing board requires 4,568 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 Tennessee's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

The initial price tag is $195, and renewal costs $176 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
35/100
Pharmacist · Tennessee

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
4,568 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$195
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$88/yr
$176 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 Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
4,568 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$195
Renewal Fee
$176
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the license path calls for 4568 education/training hours, a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE, and a $195 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Tennessee?
To become a licensed pharmacist in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements including 4568 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Pharmacist licensing?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Licensed pharmacists in Tennessee must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $176.

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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