How to Become a Pharmacist in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a Pharmacist license typically requires a state exam, a 75% passing score, and a $620 exam fee.
Dispenses prescriptions and advises on medication. Requires a PharmD and the NAPLEX plus a state pharmacy law exam (MPJE). Requirements change — always confirm with North Carolina Board of Pharmacy before paying.
Licensing steps in North Carolina
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by NABP (NAPLEX/MPJE) — Pearson VUE with a 360-minute time limit; you need 75% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Exam fee $620 · application $200 · license $100
- 5Stay current
License renews every 1 years with 15 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacist requirements — North Carolina at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | NABP (NAPLEX/MPJE) — Pearson VUE |
| Questions (national/state) | — / — |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Exam fee | $620 |
| Application fee | $200 |
| License fee | $100 |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 1 years · 15 CE |
| Reciprocity | NABP score transfer accepted (within 90 days); NC MPJE/UMPJE required |
Official source: North Carolina Board of Pharmacy ↗
Transferring a Pharmacist license between states
No pharmacist compact in force — state-by-state licensure transfer. There is no pharmacist licensure compact in force that our verified sources can point you to as of the retrieval date. Pharmacists transfer by licensure transfer or score transfer through the destination state board, which is the pathway to plan around.
Confirm the current transfer rules with the destination state board of pharmacy before applying. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Pharmacist license in North Carolina?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Pharmacist exam in North Carolina?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by North Carolina; check the state board.
What does the Pharmacist license cost in North Carolina?
The exam fee is $620, the application fee is $200, and the license fee is $100
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to North Carolina?
No pharmacist compact in force — state-by-state licensure transfer: There is no pharmacist licensure compact in force that our verified sources can point you to as of the retrieval date. Pharmacists transfer by licensure transfer or score transfer through the destination state board, which is the pathway to plan around. For North Carolina specifically, our dataset notes: NABP score transfer accepted (within 90 days); NC MPJE/UMPJE required.
Plan your Pharmacist licensing in North Carolina
Work the road in order — check what North Carolina requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Pharmacist exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and North Carolina reciprocity.
Pharmacist tools for North Carolina
Every step of the North Carolina Pharmacist road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (retrieved 2026-08-20).