{"id":785,"date":"2025-09-15T15:14:48","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T15:14:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/?p=785"},"modified":"2025-11-02T09:20:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T09:20:17","slug":"roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/","title":{"rendered":"Roadmap to Becoming a Licensed Pharmacist in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_1_Educational_Qualification\" >Step 1: Educational Qualification<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_2_Create_NABP_e-Profile\" >Step 2: Create NABP e-Profile<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_3_Apply_for_State_Board_Eligibility\" >Step 3: Apply for State Board Eligibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_4_Core_Examinations\" >Step 4: Core Examinations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_5_InternPractical_Experience_Hours\" >Step 5: Intern\/Practical Experience Hours<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_6_Licensing_Application\" >Step 6: Licensing Application<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_7_Obtain_License_Start_Practice\" >Step 7: Obtain License &amp; Start Practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Step_8_Optional_Advanced_Certifications\" >Step 8: Optional Advanced Certifications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/roadmap-to-becoming-a-licensed-pharmacist-in-the-u-s\/#Connectek_Pharmas_Support_at_Each_Step\" >Connectek Pharma\u2019s Support at Each Step<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Educational_Qualification\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Educational Qualification<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>U.S. Graduates:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (<strong>Pharm.D.<\/strong>) program from an <strong>ACPE-accredited school<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>International Graduates:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must obtain <strong>FPGEC\u00ae (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee Certification)<\/strong> by passing:<br>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>FPGEE\u00ae (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Exam)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TOEFL iBT\u00ae (English Proficiency Test)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Create_NABP_e-Profile\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Create NABP e-Profile<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Register at the <strong>National Association of Boards of Pharmacy\u00ae (NABP\u00ae)<\/strong> portal.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This account is required to track eligibility, apply for exams, and manage your licensure process.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Apply_for_State_Board_Eligibility\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Apply for State Board Eligibility<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Each state\u2019s <strong>Board of Pharmacy<\/strong> sets licensure rules.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit application + fees + transcripts to the state where you plan to practice.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some states rely on <strong>NABP for eligibility verification<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Core_Examinations\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Core Examinations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NAPLEX\u00ae (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Evaluates pharmacy knowledge, clinical judgment, and decision-making.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>225 questions, 6 hours.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offered year-round via Pearson VUE.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MPJE\u00ae (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assesses knowledge of <strong>state-specific pharmacy laws<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Required in most states (except CA, AR, VA, etc., which have their own law exams).<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CPJE (California Practice Standards &amp; Jurisprudence Exam)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Specific to California in place of MPJE.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_InternPractical_Experience_Hours\"><\/span><strong>Step 5: Intern\/Practical Experience Hours<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most states require <strong>1,500\u20132,000 internship hours<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can be completed:<br>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>During Pharm.D. program (for U.S. graduates).<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As an <strong>intern pharmacist<\/strong> after FPGEC certification (for international graduates).<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Licensing_Application\"><\/span><strong>Step 6: Licensing Application<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After passing <strong>NAPLEX + MPJE (or CPJE)<\/strong> and completing internship hours:<br>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply for licensure with your <strong>State Board of Pharmacy<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit final documents, background checks, and fees.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_7_Obtain_License_Start_Practice\"><\/span><strong>Step 7: Obtain License &amp; Start Practice<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once approved, you are a <strong>Licensed Pharmacist<\/strong> in that state.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may practice in <strong>community, hospital, or industry pharmacy<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To work in multiple states \u2192 use <strong>score transfer program<\/strong> during NAPLEX application or apply for <strong>reciprocity<\/strong> later.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_8_Optional_Advanced_Certifications\"><\/span><strong>Step 8: Optional Advanced Certifications<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After licensure, pharmacists can further specialize:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Board Certifications (BPS):<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BCPS (Pharmacotherapy), BCOP (Oncology), BCACP (Ambulatory Care), etc.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Immunization &amp; MTM (Medication Therapy Management) Training<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Residency Programs (PGY1\/PGY2)<\/strong> for clinical\/hospital careers.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Connectek_Pharmas_Support_at_Each_Step\"><\/span><strong>Connectek Pharma\u2019s Support at Each Step<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1\u20132:<\/strong> Guidance on FPGEE &amp; TOEFL for international students.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3\u20134:<\/strong> Coaching for NAPLEX &amp; MPJE with live + recorded classes.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> Mentorship on internship applications.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 6\u20137:<\/strong> Licensing guidance and documentation support.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 8:<\/strong> Advanced prep programs for certifications.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Step 1: Educational Qualification Step 2: Create NABP e-Profile Step 3: Apply for State Board Eligibility Step 4: Core Examinations Step 5: Intern\/Practical Experience Hours Step 6: Licensing Application Step 7: Obtain License &amp; Start Practice Step 8: Optional Advanced Certifications After licensure, pharmacists can further specialize: Connectek Pharma\u2019s Support at Each Step<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-naplex","category-us-pharmacy","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=785"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":788,"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions\/788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/connectekglobal.com\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}