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Massachusetts Pharmacist License

Massachusetts 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

  • Verification of Graduation (VOG) — Official form completed by your pharmacy school confirming your degree and graduation date.
  • Passport-Sized Photograph — A 2x2 inch color photograph with a white background.
  • CORI Acknowledgement Form — A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information form for background check purposes.
  • Proof of Intern Hours — Documentation of at least 1,500 hours of Board-approved pharmacy internship experience.
  • Identification Document — A copy of a valid birth certificate, passport, or driver's license.

How to Apply

  1. Register with NABP ▾
    Create an e-Profile with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and apply for the NAPLEX and MPJE exams.
    Visit NABP
  2. Create MA Licensing Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal to begin the state-specific application.
  3. Submit State Application ▾
    Complete the online pharmacist application and pay the required fees ($421 for first-time applicants).
  4. Submit Required Documentation ▾
    Upload or mail required documents including the Verification of Graduation (VOG), passport photo, and notarized CORI form.
  5. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) ▾
    Once the Board approves your eligibility, NABP will issue an ATT via email.
  6. Schedule and Pass Exams ▾
    Schedule your NAPLEX and MPJE exam dates through Pearson VUE using your ATT information.
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. NABP Preliminary Application ▾
    Submit a preliminary application for license transfer through NABP's Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP).
    NABP License Transfer
  2. MA Reciprocity Application ▾
    Once NABP approves the preliminary application, submit the MA Reciprocity application via the Health Professions Licensing Portal.
  3. Register for MPJE ▾
    Register for the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Massachusetts through NABP.
    Register for MPJE
  4. Pass MPJE ▾
    Schedule and pass the MA MPJE exam to complete the reciprocity requirements.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Massachusetts Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Massachusetts 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

Notary Errors ▾
The CORI form and application signature must be notarized. Missing or improper notary seals will result in application rejection.
VOG Processing ▾
Schools often wait until after the official graduation date to process Verification of Graduation forms, which can delay ATT issuance.
Intern Hour Certification ▾
Delays occur if intern hours from other states are not properly certified by the respective state board and sent to Massachusetts.

Questions

How many CE hours are required for Massachusetts pharmacists? ▾
Pharmacists must complete 20 contact hours of continuing education (CE) each calendar year (40 hours per biennial cycle). At least 5 hours must be 'live' and 2 hours must be in pharmacy law.
When does a Massachusetts pharmacist license expire? ▾
Licenses expire on December 31st of even-numbered years.
What is the fee for a new pharmacist license in MA? ▾
The fee for first-time applicants (NAPLEX and MPJE) is $421. Reciprocity applicants pay $525.
Are there specific CE requirements for immunizers? ▾
Yes, pharmacists who immunize must complete at least 1 contact hour of CE related to immunizations every two years.
How many intern hours are required for licensure? ▾
A minimum of 1,500 hours of pharmacy intern experience is required.

Board Info

Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy
Phone(800) 414-0168
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25