Pharmacist / Virginia
2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia Pharmacist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

PlainCredential home → About this data

Dispenses medications and counsels patients. Requires PharmD degree.

What the Virginia data shows for Pharmacists

Virginia sets the entry bar for pharmacists at 4,608 training hours and a passing score on NAPLEX and MPJE. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Virginia's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)".

The initial price tag is $201, and renewal costs $181 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.

On reciprocity, pharmacists should know: NAPLEX results recognized nationwide — state law exam differs.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
34/100
Pharmacist · Virginia

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
4,608 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$201
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$91/yr
$181 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 Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
4,608 hours
Exam Requirement
NAPLEX and MPJE
Required
Initial License Fee
$201
Renewal Fee
$181
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 Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pharmacist in Virginia? ▼
Virginia requires 4608 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAPLEX and MPJE), and an initial fee of $201. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Pharmacist in Virginia? ▼
Certification as a pharmacist in Virginia means clearing the state's checklist: 4608 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Virginia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Virginia 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 Virginia. Verify the specifics with the Virginia licensing board.
Does Virginia require a background check for Pharmacist licensing? ▼
Yes, Virginia 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 Virginia? ▼
Licensed pharmacists in Virginia must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $181.

Related Guides

What to do with this pharmacist license

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

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

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