How to Become a Pharmacist in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy before paying.
Licensing steps in Pennsylvania
- 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 $45 · license $45
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years with 30 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacist requirements — Pennsylvania at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | NABP (NAPLEX/MPJE) — Pearson VUE |
| Questions (national/state) | — / — |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Exam fee | $620 |
| Application fee | $45 |
| License fee | $45 |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years · 30 CE |
| Reciprocity | NABP score transfer accepted; PA MPJE required |
Official source: Pennsylvania State 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Pennsylvania; check the state board.
What does the Pharmacist license cost in Pennsylvania?
The exam fee is $620, the application fee is $45, and the license fee is $45
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania specifically, our dataset notes: NABP score transfer accepted; PA MPJE required.
Plan your Pharmacist licensing in Pennsylvania
Work the road in order — check what Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania reciprocity.
Pharmacist tools for Pennsylvania
Every step of the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy (retrieved 2026-08-20).