North Carolina Pharmacist License
North Carolina Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$288
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / SBI
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Certificate of Graduation — Required for graduates of non-NC pharmacy schools; must be completed by the school after graduation.
- Criminal Record Report — A background check report from a Board-designated vendor, paid for by the applicant.
- FPGEC Certificate — Required for graduates of foreign pharmacy schools to demonstrate equivalency.
- NABP License Transfer Application — Required for reciprocity applicants; must be uploaded to the NC application portal. NABP Transfer
How to Apply
-
Create Licensure Gateway Profile ▾Register for a personal account on the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy Licensure Gateway to manage all applications and renewals.
Register Now -
Register with NABP ▾Log into your NABP e-profile to purchase the NAPLEX and UMPJE (Uniform Multistate Jurisprudence Examination). NABP will issue an Authorization to Test (ATT) once eligibility is confirmed.
NABP e-Profile -
Submit Pharmacist Exam Application ▾Log into the NCBOP Licensure Gateway and submit the 'Pharmacist Exam Application' along with the $200 non-refundable fee.
Submit Application -
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Follow the instructions provided within the Licensure Gateway to obtain a criminal record report from the Board's designated reporting service.
Gateway Login -
Pass Required Examinations ▾Schedule and pass both the NAPLEX and the UMPJE. Scores are typically released by NABP within 7-10 business days.
Exam Information -
Final Review and Issuance ▾Board staff will review all documents and exam scores. Once all requirements are met, you will receive an email notification that your license has been issued.
Total Fee
$288
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
-
Pass the UMPJE ▾Effective April 1, 2026, reciprocity applicants must pass the Uniform Multistate Jurisprudence Examination prior to submitting their NC application.
UMPJE Info -
Complete NABP Preliminary Application ▾Submit a preliminary license transfer application through NABP to verify your original license by examination.
Start NABP Transfer -
Submit NC Reciprocity Application ▾Log into the NCBOP Licensure Gateway, select the Reciprocity Application, and pay the $600 fee.
NC Gateway -
Upload NABP Application ▾Upload the electronic version of your processed NABP License Transfer Application to your NC portal profile.
-
Background Check ▾Complete the criminal background check process as directed in the application portal.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Carolina Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
North Carolina Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $38.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Background Checks
▾
Background checks can take several weeks to process; failing to start this early or using a non-designated vendor will delay approval.
Missing Graduation Certificates
▾
Applications are often held because the Board has not received the official Certificate of Graduation from the applicant's pharmacy school.
Exam Window Expiration
▾
Applicants must pass both the NAPLEX and UMPJE within a two-year window; failure to do so requires a new application.
Questions
What are the annual CE requirements for North Carolina pharmacists?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 15 hours of continuing education annually, at least 5 of which must be 'live' or interactive.
When is the pharmacist license renewal period?
▾
The renewal window opens on November 1 and closes on December 31 each year. There is a 60-day grace period until March 1.
What is the fee for initial pharmacist licensure by exam?
▾
The application fee is $200, which is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Does North Carolina require the MPJE?
▾
Yes. Effective April 1, 2026, North Carolina has transitioned to the Uniform Multistate Jurisprudence Examination (UMPJE).
Can I practice in NC while my reciprocity application is pending?
▾
No. There is no temporary authority to practice; you must wait until your NC license is fully issued.