Arkansas — autumn in the Ozarks

Arkansas Pharmacist License

Arkansas Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Photocopy of Driver's License — A clear photocopy of your current driver's license or other state-issued photo ID.
  • Birth Certificate — A photocopy of your official birth certificate.
  • Passport Style Photo — A recent color passport-style photograph to be attached to your application.
  • Criminal Background Check Identity Verification Form — Required form to initiate the state and federal background check process.
  • Proof of Continuing Education — Reciprocity applicants must provide proof of 15 hours of CE from the past year.

How to Apply

  1. Create Online Account ▾
    Register for a personal login on the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy's online licensing platform using the Microsoft Authenticator app for multi-factor authentication.
  2. Submit Application for Licensure ▾
    Complete the appropriate application (by Exam or Reciprocity) through the online portal or by downloading the paper form if required. New graduates should contact the Board to ensure they use the correct form.
  3. Register for NAPLEX ▾
    Apply for eligibility and register for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) through the NABP website.
    Register for NAPLEX
  4. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    Submit the Identity Verification Form to the Board and complete fingerprinting. In-state applicants must use electronic Live Scan; out-of-state applicants use paper FD-258 cards.
  5. Schedule and Pass Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Arkansas does not use the MPJE. You must take the Arkansas-specific paper-and-pencil Jurisprudence Exam, typically administered at the Board office or during Board meetings.
  6. Attend Board Interview ▾
    Reciprocity applicants must meet with the Board (often via Zoom) for a brief interview before final license approval.
Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.

Steps

  1. NABP Licensure Transfer ▾
    Complete the Licensure Transfer Application through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
    NABP Licensure Transfer
  2. Submit Arkansas Reciprocity Application ▾
    Complete and mail the Arkansas Application for Pharmacist Licensure by Reciprocation along with the required fee ($310 in even years, $235 in odd years).
  3. Background Check and Fingerprints ▾
    Submit the CBC Identity Verification form and complete fingerprints via Live Scan (in-state) or FD-258 card (out-of-state).
  4. Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Pass the 76-question paper-and-pencil Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 70 or higher.
  5. Board Meeting Appearance ▾
    Attend a scheduled Board meeting (or Zoom session) for a personal interview with Board members.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arkansas Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Arkansas Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$250
Endorsement application$250
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal150.0

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Results from the state and federal background checks typically take three weeks to reach the Board. Submit these early to avoid delays.
Incomplete Documentation ▾
Missing photocopies of birth certificates, IDs, or photos will halt application processing. Ensure all items in the checklist are included.
Jurisprudence Exam Scheduling ▾
Failure to respond to the Board's email to secure a seat for the Jurisprudence Exam can delay licensure until the next available testing date.
Portal Login Issues ▾
The new online system requires the Microsoft Authenticator app. Technical difficulties during setup can delay the initial application submission.

Questions

Does Arkansas use the MPJE? ▾
No, Arkansas does not recognize the MPJE. Applicants must take the Arkansas-specific paper-and-pencil Jurisprudence Exam administered by the Board.
What are the CE requirements for renewal? ▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of CE every biennium, with at least 12 hours being live contact hours and 12 hours accredited by ACPE.
Can I get a temporary license in Arkansas? ▾
Yes, reciprocity applicants can obtain a provisional license after completing the Jurisprudence Exam and a verbal interview, allowing them to practice until the next formal Board meeting.
When do pharmacist licenses expire? ▾
Pharmacist licenses expire on December 31 of the first odd-numbered year following the date of issuance.
How do I verify an Arkansas pharmacist license? ▾
License verification can be performed online through the Board's Roster Search tool on their official portal.

Board Info

Arkansas Board of Pharmacy
Phone(501) 682-0190
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25