Rhode Island Pharmacist License
Rhode Island 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
- Completed Application Form — The official RIDOH application for licensure by examination or reciprocity.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from an ACPE-accredited college of pharmacy to the Board.
- Preceptor Affidavits — Documentation of 1,500 hours of practical internship experience.
- 2x2 Passport Photo — A recent passport-style photograph to be attached to the application.
- BCI Background Check — Criminal record check from the RI Attorney General's Office.
How to Apply
-
Obtain NABP e-Profile ID ▾Register with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to receive your e-Profile ID, which is required for all applications and exam registrations.
Register with NABP -
Submit Initial Application ▾Complete the 'Application for License to Practice Pharmacy by Examination' and mail it to the Rhode Island Department of Health with the $250 non-refundable fee and a 2x2 passport photo.
-
Verify Education and Internship ▾Request your pharmacy school to send official transcripts directly to the Board. Submit Preceptor Affidavits verifying at least 1,500 hours of internship experience.
-
Register for Exams ▾Register for the NAPLEX and the Uniform Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (UMPJE) through NABP. Note: As of April 1, 2026, the UMPJE is the required law exam for Rhode Island.
NABP Exams -
Complete Background Check ▾Obtain a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. This is typically required for healthcare professional licensing.
-
Receive License ▾Once all exams are passed and documents verified, the Board will issue your license. You can verify the status online via the RIDOH verification portal.
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
-
NABP License Transfer ▾Initiate the Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP) through NABP to have your credentials sent to Rhode Island.
-
Pass the UMPJE ▾Effective April 1, 2026, all reciprocity applicants must pass the Uniform Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (UMPJE) for Rhode Island.
Register for UMPJE -
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Complete the RI 'Application for License to Practice Pharmacy by Reciprocity' and mail it with the $250 fee.
-
Submit BCI and Verification ▾Provide a BCI check from the RI Attorney General and request license verification from your original state of licensure.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
Rhode Island Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Intern Hours
▾
Failure to submit affidavits for the full 1,500 required hours or affidavits not signed by the preceptor.
Incomplete BCI Check
▾
Not following the specific fingerprinting or mailing instructions for the RI Attorney General's background check.
UMPJE Transition
▾
Confusion regarding the new UMPJE requirement that replaced the RI-specific MPJE on April 1, 2026.
Transcript Delivery
▾
Transcripts sent by the applicant instead of directly from the educational institution.
Questions
What are the CE requirements for Rhode Island pharmacists?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 15 hours of CE annually (Jan 1 - Dec 31). At least 5 hours must be live, 1 hour must be in pharmacy law, and 1 hour in immunizations if the pharmacist is an immunizer.
When does my Rhode Island pharmacist license expire?
▾
Licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., 2026, 2028).
Can I apply for a temporary license in Rhode Island?
▾
Yes, reciprocity applicants may be granted a 90-day temporary license while waiting to pass the UMPJE and complete the transfer process.
What is the fee for a pharmacist license in Rhode Island?
▾
The initial application fee and the biennial renewal fee are both $250.
Is the UMPJE required for all applicants?
▾
Yes, as of April 1, 2026, both new graduates and reciprocity applicants must pass the UMPJE to be licensed in Rhode Island.