Pharmacist Licensure & Continuing Education — Quick Reference Notes

Life-long Learning Overview

Doctor of Pharmacy; Boards Licensure with continuing education & renewal
Post-graduate options: fellowship, residency (may include teaching certificate or masters)
After residency or a few years of experience in a specialized field: eligible for board certification; renewal typically every 7-year cycle

Complete the Doctor of Pharmacy degree
- Transcripts
- Board of Pharmacy (BOP) forms for degree verification
Apply for licensure with a state board of pharmacy (BOP)
- Pick a state; research its requirements
Apply to NABP for eligibility to take exams
- NABP programs: NAPLEX (national) and MPJE (jurisprudence, state-specific)
- NABP Registration Bulletin (updated annually)
- All states require the NAPLEX
- MPJE is state-specific; UPJE (unified/pharmacy jurisprudence exam) is under consideration
State requirements vary; MPJE is commonly required by states

Apply for licensure with the state board prior to Commencement (use BOP checklist)
Apply to NABP for eligibility to take exams prior to Commencement
Request forms/transcripts from your school (LECOM) as needed
LECOM submits transcripts to NABP after Commencement
State BOP notifies NABP when you are eligible to take exams
NABP emails you when you may purchase exams
Purchase the exam → Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE
Schedule exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center
Note: state-specific variations exist; MPJE is state-specific

Find the current state BOP website for your jurisdiction (example: PA Board of Pharmacy)
Review the application process and required documents
SOP Office of Experiential Education processes paperwork for states
- Rxrotations-pa@lecom.edu
- Rxrotations-fl@lecom.edu

NAPLEX: Application Fee 100; Examination Fee 475
MPJE: Application Fee 100; Examination Fee 150
State Board Application Fees (examples):
- FL: 295 + 55 immunization certification
- PA: 45 + 30 immunization certification

State Score Transfer (NAPLEX): 75
Retake after a failed attempt:
- NAPLEX: 575; 45-day waiting period; limited to 3 attempts within 12 months; up to 5 total attempts if allowed by the state
- MPJE: 250; 30-day waiting period; limited to 5 total attempts per state
Reschedule: 50
Missed appointment: NAPLEX 475; MPJE 150
Late arrival or ID issues may incur additional costs

Arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in
Bring two forms of identification; at least one must be a current government-issued ID
Name on ID must match name on exam registration and ATT
If name does not match, you may be denied entry

The name on ATT must align with the name on the ID used for testing
Abbreviations allowed if the core name matches; discrepancies can lead to denial
Ensure consistency of your legal name across ATT and IDs to avoid issues

Pass or Fail
If you fail, you receive a report of relative performance across 6 major competency areas

Foundational Knowledge for Pharmacy Practice – 25 ext{%}
- Pharmaceutical science knowledge; compounding; drug development, etc.
Medication Use Process – 25 ext{%}
- Drug names, therapeutic classes, immunizations, etc.
Person-Centered Assessment and Treatment Planning – 40 ext{%}
- Patient care items; patient history; health conditions
Professional Practice – 5 ext{%}
- Public health, ethics, etc.
Pharmacy Management & Leadership – 5 ext{%}
- Operations, supply management, etc.

Laws and regulations governing pharmacy practice
- Federal and state requirements
Questions focus on actions pharmacists must take to stay compliant with applicable laws
NABP resources for study: https://nabp.pharmacy/resources/publications/
Pre-MPJE review available: 65