California Pharmacist License
California Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$299
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
California DOJ LiveScan
Temp License
Available
Contact Board
What You'll Need
- Pharmacist Examination for Licensure Application (17A-1) — The primary application form for all pharmacist candidates. Download Form
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from your ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy to the Board.
- Pharmacy Intern Hours Affidavit (17A-29) — Documentation of at least 1,500 hours of pharmacy practice experience. Download Form
- NPDB Self-Query Report — A sealed, original report from the National Practitioner Data Bank, dated within 60 days of application. NPDB Website
- Passport Photo — A 2x2 inch color passport-style photo taken within 60 days of filing.
How to Apply
-
Submit Examination and Licensure Application ▾Complete the Pharmacist Examination for Licensure Application (Form 17A-1) and mail it to the Board with the $260 non-refundable fee.
Download Application Packet -
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check ▾California residents must use Live Scan. Out-of-state applicants must request and submit hard fingerprint cards.
-
Submit Supporting Documentation ▾Provide official transcripts, intern hour affidavits, and a sealed Self-Query Report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
Request NPDB Self-Query -
Register for NAPLEX ▾Register for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination through the NABP website. California must be selected as your primary state or score transfer state.
Register for NAPLEX -
Receive Eligibility and Register for CPJE ▾Once the Board deems you eligible, you will receive an eligibility letter. Use this to schedule the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination (CPJE) via PSI.
Schedule CPJE -
Request License Issuance ▾After passing both the NAPLEX and CPJE, submit the 'Request for Issuance of Pharmacist License' form and the initial license fee.
License Issuance Info
Total Fee
$299
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can apply for California licensure via the Board's reciprocity process. California requires passing the CPJE (not the MPJE) regardless of existing out-of-state licensure. NABP e-Profile license transfer is accepted.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾California does not offer reciprocity. You must follow the standard application process but include verification of your current license.
Application Packet -
Transfer NAPLEX Score ▾If you have already passed the NAPLEX, you must request a score transfer to California via NABP.
-
Pass the CPJE ▾All out-of-state pharmacists must pass the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination (CPJE).
CPJE Information
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
California Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
California Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the California Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $49.00 |
| Temporary permit | Contact Board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Name Discrepancies
▾
Application name must identically match the name on your government-issued ID and fingerprint records.
Incomplete Intern Hours
▾
Failure to submit affidavits for the full 1,500 required hours or missing supervising pharmacist signatures.
Fingerprint Rejections
▾
Poor quality prints or incorrect agency codes (ORI) on Live Scan forms can cause significant delays.
NPDB Report Issues
▾
Submitting an opened or expired (older than 60 days) NPDB Self-Query report.
Questions
Does California offer pharmacist reciprocity?
▾
No. California does not recognize reciprocity. All applicants must pass the NAPLEX and the California-specific CPJE.
How many intern hours are required for licensure?
▾
Applicants must complete 1,500 hours of pharmacy practice experience, documented via Board affidavits.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of approved CE every two years, including mandatory Board-provided law and ethics webinars.
How long does it take to process a pharmacist application?
▾
The Board typically takes 30 to 45 days to process an application once all materials are received.