South Carolina — Spanish moss over Charleston alley

South Carolina Pharmacist License

South Carolina 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 Lawful Presence — A notarized affidavit and a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport).
  • Official Pharmacy School Transcript — Must be sent directly from the ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy to the Board.
  • Internship Experience Hours — Documentation of 1,500 hours of practical experience, verified by the supervising pharmacist. Intern Forms
  • Passport Quality Photo — A recent, full-faced passport-quality photograph must be attached to the application.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Practical Experience
    Complete 1,500 hours of practical pharmacy experience under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, approved by the Board.
    View Licensure Requirements
  2. Submit Application for Examination
    Submit the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy Application for Examination or Score Transfer. This can be done online for first-time applicants.
    Apply Online
  3. Register for NAPLEX and MPJE
    Register for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) through the NABP website.
    Register via NABP
  4. Pass Examinations
    Achieve a minimum passing score of 75 on both the NAPLEX and the MPJE.
  5. Submit Initial Licensure Application
    After passing both exams and completing intern hours, you will receive an Initial Licensure Application from the Board. Complete this form and pay the initial licensure fee.
    Licensure Forms
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. Submit NABP e-LTP Application
    Complete the Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP) application through the NABP website.
    Start NABP Transfer
  2. Submit SC Reciprocity Form
    After the Board receives your NABP application, complete the South Carolina Licensure by License Transfer (Reciprocity) Form and Checklist.
    Reciprocity Forms
  3. Pass the MPJE
    Register for and pass the South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
    Register for MPJE
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Carolina Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

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

Visit board site

Fees

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

Slow Downs

Incomplete Internship Hours
Failure to provide verified documentation for the full 1,500 required hours can stall the final licensure step.
Missing Lawful Presence Documents
Applications are not processed until the notarized VLP affidavit and ID copies are received.
Incorrect CE Reporting
During renewal, failing to have CE hours properly reported to the NABP CPE Monitor can cause delays or audits.

Questions

How many CE hours are required for renewal?
Pharmacists must complete 15 hours (1.5 CEUs) of ACPE or CME Category-1 continuing education each license year. At least 50% (7.5 hours) must be in drug therapy or patient management, and 1 hour must be related to controlled substance monitoring.
When does my pharmacist license expire?
Pharmacist licenses expire annually on April 30th. Renewal materials and fees are due by March 31st to avoid late penalties.
What is the renewal fee for a pharmacist?
The annual renewal fee is $98 if paid by March 31st. A $50 late penalty is added for renewals postmarked between April 1st and April 30th.
Is fingerprinting required for all applicants?
South Carolina does not mandate fingerprinting for all pharmacist applicants as a standard step; however, a background check may be required if a criminal history is disclosed on the application.

Board Info

South Carolina Board of Pharmacy
Sources
South Carolina Board of Pharmacy State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25