Washington Pharmacist License
Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
Total Fee
$285
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / WSP
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must show degree earned (PharmD or B.S. in Pharmacy) and be sent directly from the school.
- NAPLEX/MPJE Scores — Passing scores must be reported to the Washington Board via NABP. NABP Exams
- Verification of Internship Hours — Required for graduates before July 1, 2020 (1,500 hours). Post-2020 PharmD graduates are typically exempt if hours are included in the degree.
- FPGEC Certification — Required only for foreign-trained pharmacists to verify educational equivalency. FPGEC Info
How to Apply
-
Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) Account ▾Register for a SAW account and add the 'Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)' service to access the online application portal.
Login to SAW -
Submit Application and Fee ▾Complete the online application or mail the paper application packet with the $400 initial license fee.
-
Register for NAPLEX and MPJE ▾Apply for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) through the NABP website.
Register via NABP -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Request your ACPE-accredited pharmacy school to send official transcripts directly to the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
-
Complete Background Check ▾Wait for the DOH to contact you regarding fingerprinting. If required, schedule an appointment through IdentoGO.
Fingerprint Info -
Pass Examinations ▾Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) and pass both the NAPLEX and MPJE.
Total Fee
$285
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
-
Verify Active License ▾Ensure you hold an active pharmacist license in another state that was obtained by examination.
-
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Complete the Pharmacist License by Transfer/Reciprocity Application and pay the $465 fee.
Reciprocity Packet -
NABP License Transfer ▾Submit a Preliminary Application for License Transfer through the NABP e-Profile system.
NABP License Transfer -
Pass the Washington MPJE ▾All reciprocity applicants must pass the Washington-specific Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.
MPJE Registration
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
Keeping Your License Active
Washington Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $35.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Personal Data Questions
▾
Failure to provide full explanations or court documents for 'Yes' answers on personal data questions will stall the review.
Missing Transcripts
▾
Applications cannot be finalized until official transcripts are received directly from the educational institution.
Background Check Backlog
▾
Out-of-state applicants requiring fingerprinting may face delays if they schedule appointments before receiving the official DOH notification email.
Questions
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of ACPE-accredited CE every two years, including a one-time 3-hour suicide prevention training and 1 hour of health equity training per cycle.
How often do I need to renew my license?
▾
Pharmacist licenses expire every two years on the licensee's birthday.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
No. You may not practice as a pharmacist in Washington until your license status is 'Active' in the Provider Credential Search.
What is the fee for a pharmacist license in Washington?
▾
The initial application fee is $400, and the biennial renewal fee is $530.
Board Info
Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
Phone(360) 236-4946