License Requirements for Pharmacists

Any use of the title "pharmacist" within New York State requires licensure.

To be licensed as a pharmacist in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character;
• be at least 21 years of age; and
• meet education, examination, and experience requirements.

The specific requirements for licensure are contained in Title 8, Article 137, Section 6805 of New York's Education Law and Part 63 of the Commissioner's Regulations.

You should also read the general licensing information applicable for all professions.

The fee for licensure is $339.

The fee for a limited (intern) permit is $70 (the limited permit fee is not refundable).

The fee listed is the fee in place when this page was posted. Fees are subject to change. The fee due is the one in law when your application is received (unless fees are increased retroactively). You will be billed for the difference if fees have been increased.

• Do not send cash.
• If you apply for licensure electronically using the online Application for Licensure, you will be required to pay by credit card.
• Other payments must be made by personal check or money order payable to the New York State Education Department. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
• Mail any required forms and fees to the indicated address on the form.

NOTE: Payment submitted from outside the United States should be made by check or draft on a United States bank and in United States currency; payments submitted in any other form will not be accepted and will be returned.

Individuals who withdraw their licensure application may be entitled to a partial refund.

• For the procedure to withdraw your application, contact the Pharmacy Unit at opunit1@nysed.gov or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 250 or by fax at 518-402-5354.
• The State Education Department is not responsible for any fees paid to an outside testing or credentials verification agency.

If you withdraw your application, obtain a refund, and then decide to seek New York State licensure at a later date, you will be considered a new applicant, and you will be required to pay the licensure and registration fees and meet the licensure requirements in place at the time you reapply.

To meet the professional education requirements for licensure as a pharmacist, you must have:

1. completed a program in pharmacy leading to a bachelor's degree or higher from a pharmacy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

   Proof of Education

   Upon graduation, you must request a Form 2 or an official transcript with degree and conferral date be sent directly to the Office of the Professions at the address on the form.

   OR,

2. graduated from a pharmacy program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP):
    
   • between 1993 and 2004 (see Section I, "Proof of Education" requirements above) or,
   • before 1993 (see Section III, "Proof of Education" requirements below).

   OR,

3. completed a pharmacy program that is not accredited by ACPE or CCAPP, and:
    
   1. have completed a program in pharmacy leading to a degree, diploma or certificate in pharmacy (at the level of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent) recognized by the appropriate civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the school is located as meeting the education requirements for entry into practice in that jurisdiction.

      AND,

   2. have Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

      For information regarding FPGEC certification, contact:

      National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
      1600 Feehanville Drive
      Mt Prospect, IL 60056
      Phone: 847-391-4406
      Web: www.nabp.pharmacy

      AND,

   3. the New York State Education Department must determine that the non-accredited pharmacy program meets the following preprofessional and professional study requirements:
       
      1. Preprofessional Study

         At least 60 semester hours of preprofessional study in the basic sciences and general education content areas, with a minimum of 20 semester hours in the basic sciences content area and a minimum of 20 semester hours in the general education content area.

         Basic Sciences Content Area includes but is not limited to coursework in:

         • mathematics;
         • biological sciences, including but not limited to general biology; and
         • physical sciences, including but not limited to general and organic chemistry.

         General Education Content Area includes but is not limited to coursework in each of the following areas:

         • social and behavioral sciences, and
         • humanities, including but not limited to English.
            
      2. Professional Study

         At least 90 semester hours of professional study in the biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical sciences content areas, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in the biomedical sciences content area, a minimum of 20 semester hours in the pharmaceutical sciences content area, and a minimum of 15 semester hours in the clinical sciences content area.

         Biomedical Sciences Content Area includes but is not limited to coursework in each of the following areas:

         • anatomy;
         • physiology;
         • microbiology/immunology;
         • biochemistry;
         • pathology; and
         • biostatistics.

         Pharmaceutical Sciences Content Area includes but is not limited to coursework in each of the following areas:

         • pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry;
         • basic pharmaceutics, including but not limited to compounding and dispensing;
         • biopharmaceutics;
         • pharmacokinetics;
         • pharmacognosy or natural products;
         • pharmacology; and
         • pharmacy administration.

         Clinical Sciences Content Area means coursework in clinical applications using knowledge gained in the biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical sciences content areas, including but not limited to coursework in each of the following:

         • clinical and practice foundations;
         • disease processes;
         • clinical pharmacology and therapeutics; and
         • drug information and literature evaluation.
         
         Additionally, the coursework in the clinical sciences content area must include an appropriate mix of clinical experiences in community and institutional pharmacies and in appropriate inpatient and outpatient settings.

   Proof of Education

   Send Form 2 to your school and ask that they complete and return it with an official transcript directly to the Office of the Professions at the address on the form.

To meet the examination requirements for licensure as a pharmacist, you must pass both parts of the pharmacist licensing examination series within 5 years:

• North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
• Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) [Study Guide]

NAPLEX

1. Admission Requirements

   To be admitted into the examination you must:

   • submit your completed licensure application (Form 1 and fee) to the New York State Education Department, and
   • have your completed education documentation submitted and approved by the New York State Education Department.
2. Examination Application Procedure

   If you meet the admission requirements listed, apply on-line at www.nabp.pharmacy. NABP will send you an Authorization To Test (ATT) once the New York State Education Department verifies your eligibility with NABP.

   National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
   1600 Feehanville Drive
   Mount Prospect, IL 60056
   Phone: 847-391-4406
   Web: www.nabp.pharmacy

3. Exam Scores/Test Results

   You can view your NAPLEX and/or MPJE scores online. This service is provided by the National Association of Board of Pharmacy (NABP) and is available on their web site at www.nabp.pharmacy .

   Although you will now have access to your grades much sooner, normal processing time of four to six weeks is still needed before an official license is issued.

   You can check the Office of Profession's license verification system at Verification Search to see if your license has been issued. Information is updated daily.

   If passing NAPLEX or MPJE is your final exam component and over six weeks have passed and the license has not been issued, you should contact the pre-licensure unit by submitting a Contact Us form. Department staff are not able to provide updates over the phone.

MPJE

1. Admission Requirements

   To be admitted into the examination you must:

   • submit your completed licensure application (Form 1 and fee) to the New York State Education Department if you haven't already submitted one;
   • have your completed education documentation submitted and approved by the New York State Education Department if you haven't already; and
   • have your completed internship experience submitted and approved (Note: PharmD graduates are exempt from the experience requirement; see Internship Experience Requirement section for additional details) by the New York State Education Department as follows:
     • Graduates from ACPE accredited programs or CCAPP accredited programs (since 1993) must submit documentation of completion of 6 months (1,040 hours) of approved internship according to the requirements listed under Experience Requirements.
     • Graduates from non-accredited programs, including foreign graduates, must have a passing score on the NAPLEX and submit documentation of completion of 12 months (2,080 hours) of approved internship according to the requirements listed under Experience Requirements.
2. Examination Application Procedure

   If you meet the admission requirements listed, apply on-line at www.nabp.pharmacy. NABP will send you an Authorization To Test (ATT) once the New York State Education Department verifies your eligibility with NABP.

   National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
   1600 Feehanville Drive
   Mount Prospect, IL 60056
   Phone: 847-391-4406
   Web: www.nabp.pharmacy

3. Exam Scores/Test Results

   You can view your NAPLEX and/or MPJE scores online. This service is provided by the National Association of Board of Pharmacy (NABP) and is available on their web site at www.nabp.pharmacy .

   Although you will now have access to your grades much sooner, normal processing time of four to six weeks is still needed before an official license is issued.

   You can check the Office of Profession's license verification system at Verification Search to see if your license has been issued. Information is updated daily.

   If passing NAPLEX or MPJE is your final exam component and six three weeks have passed and the license has not been issued, you should contact the pre-licensure unit by submitting a Contact Us form. Department staff are not able to provide updates over the phone.

Prescription Compounding and Pharmacy Practice (Part III)

NOTE: Effective January 1, 2022, the Part III examination will no longer be a requirement for pharmacist licensure within New York State.

Applicants who have previously applied for and not obtained pharmacist licensure in New York State due to the Part III exam may be eligible for licensure after January 1, 2022. For additional information on the updated licensure pathway, please review the Department's FAQ page.

Reexamination

If you must retake the NAPLEX or MPJE, please contact NABP directly. DO NOT submit another licensure application and fee to the State Education Department.

To meet the experience requirements for pharmacist licensure in New York State, you must:

• be a graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree; or
• complete a pharmacy internship.

To be able to practice pharmacy as an intern in New York State, you must apply for a Limited (Intern) Permit. For more information about pharmacy internship, read the Limited (Intern) Permit section below and the Limited (Intern) Permit Frequently Asked Questions.

The requirements necessary to become a licensed pharmacist in New York State based on licensure in another state are as follows:

For applicants who have never previously applied for licensure in New York State:

1. Complete and submit an Application for Licensure (Form 1) along with the $339 fee for licensure and first registration. If the applicant is a foreign graduate, also complete Certification of Professional Education (Form 2) – Section 1 and then forward it to the appropriate academic institution. The applicant's school must complete Section 2 and return the form, along with transcripts, to the address on the bottom of page 3 of the application.
2. Log in to your NABP e-Profile and apply for licensure transfer through NABP's Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (e-LTP). Further information can be found at www.nabp.pharmacy or by calling NABP at 847-391-4406.
3. Upon submission and approval of the above application materials, you will receive an email notification from the New York State Education Department to apply to NABP to take the MPJE examination.
4. Pass the MPJE. Helpful information and links to applicable laws and regulations can be found in our study guide.

NOTE: If the instructions from NABP indicate that you must pay a licensure fee and you have already submitted the fee with your Form 1, you do not have to pay an additional licensure fee.

*California licensees who have not passed the NAPLEX, Canadian licensees, and graduates of foreign pharmacy programs should contact the State Board of Pharmacy office for further information regarding endorsement.

For applicants who have previously applied for but did not obtain licensure in New York State due to the Part III examination:

Complete and submit a Special Provisions Form (Form 1A). The Department will determined if you have met the revised requirements for licensure.

The requirements necessary to become a licensed pharmacist in New York State based on foreign education follow in the order of required completion:

1. Pass the FTest of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) and the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Equivalency (FPGEE) and obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification. Information regarding this exam can be obtained from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) at www.nabp.pharmacy.
2. Complete and submit an Application for Licensure (Form 1) along with the $339 fee for licensure and first registration.
3. Complete Section 1 of a Certification of Professional Education (Form 2) and forward it to the appropriate academic institution and ask they complete and submit the form along with any other required documentation to the Department.
4. Pass the NAPLEX. Apply on-line at www.nabp.pharmacy. NABP will send you the Authorization to Test (ATT) once New York State verifies your eligibility with NABP.

   National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
   1600 Feehanville Drive
   Mount Prospect, IL 60056
   Phone: 847-391-4406
   Web: www.nabp.pharmacy

5. Complete and submit an Application for a Limited (Intern) Permit (Form 5). You must obtain an intern permit before engaging in the supervised practice of pharmacy in New York State.
6. Complete one year (2,080 hours) of internship. Additional information can be found under Experience Requirements.
7. Complete and submit a Certification of an Internship in Pharmacy (Form 4).
8. Pass the MPJE.

Before beginning any pharmacy internship in New York State, individuals must first obtain a limited (intern) permit issued by the New York State Education Department (Department). Any experience gained prior to the issuance of this permit will not be recognized for credit towards internship requirements. 
 
All internship experience must be completed in a pharmacy registered with the Department, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who is both licensed and currently registered with the Department. The pharmacist supervising the intern must be formally designated as the intern’s preceptor and accept full responsibility for the intern’s professional training. While other pharmacists at the site may provide occasional supervision, the overall responsibility remains with the designated preceptor.  

A limited (intern) permit is valid for five years and may be renewed once at the discretion of the Department, for an additional two-year period following the expiration of the initial permit.
 
The limited (intern) permit must be prominently displayed at the intern’s place of practice for the duration of the internship.  

Eligibility and Application Process for a Limited (Intern) Permit 

To be eligible for a limited (intern) permit in New York State, applicants must have successfully completed the first professional year of their pharmacy program and submit an Online Form 5 - Application for Limited (Intern) Permit, along with a non-refundable application fee of $70 to the Department. Verification of an acceptable pharmacy program must also be submitted as follows depending on the type of program that the applicant is currently in or graduated from:

Students or Graduates of Resident ACPE Accredited Pharmacy Programs

Applicants of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited pharmacy school programs that reside in New York State (resident) must have their program verify their educational and/or immunization certification status. This is done by requesting the Dean or other authorized school official submit a Form PH20-Intern directly to the Department. Resident pharmacy programs are responsible for completion and submission of this form.

Students or Graduates of Non-Resident ACPE Accredited Pharmacy Programs

Applicants of ACPE accredited pharmacy school programs that reside outside of New York State (non-resident) must have their program submit Pharmacist Form 2InternB for verification of their educational status. This certification form must be submitted from the pharmacy school directly to the Department and can be sent via email to DPLSEduc@nysed.gov. Submissions sent from applicants will not be accepted.

Special Requirements for Graduates of Non-ACPE Accredited Foreign Pharmacy Programs 

Applicants who have graduated from a non-ACPE accredited pharmacy program outside the United States must first complete the following before applying for a limited (intern) permit: 

1. Obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification Information regarding this exam can be obtained from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
2. Submit an Online Form 1 - Application for Licensure and application fee of $339; 
3. Arrange for their school to send a Certification of Professional Education (Form 2) and official transcript by post mail directly to the Department’s address indicated on the form (documents submitted by the applicant will not be accepted): 
4. Have a passing score on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) on file with the Department. 

Important Note: Applicants who have graduated from a non-ACPE accredited pharmacy program are not eligible for immunization privileges under a limited (intern) permit. 

Limited (Intern) Permit Immunization Certification 

To administer immunizations or long-acting injectable medications in New York State, a pharmacy intern must hold a limited (intern) permit that includes immunization certification. This privilege is valid only while the limited (intern) permit remains active and does not transfer to a pharmacist license. 

To qualify for immunization privileges, applicants must have completed approved immunization training within three years of applying for a limited (intern) permit, or limited (intern) permit renewal, as outlined in Section 63.4(d) of the Rules and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. 

Immunization Certification from Resident Pharmacy Programs

Applicants who are enrolled in, or have graduated from, an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program residing in New York State may request their pharmacy school dean or other authorized school official verify their completion of the required immunization training by submitting a Form PH20-Intern directly to the Department via email at DPLSEduc@nysed.gov.

Immunization Certification from Non-Resident Pharmacy Programs

Applicants who are enrolled in, or have graduated from, an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program residing outside New York State may request their pharmacy school dean or other authorized school official verify completion of the required immunization training by submitting a Pharmacist Form 2InternA directly to the Department via email at DPLSEduc@nysed.gov. 

Important Note: Applicants who have graduated from a non-ACPE accredited pharmacy program are not eligible for immunization privileges under a limited (intern) permit.  

Renewing a Limited (Intern) Permit 

The limited (intern) permit may be renewed once, at the discretion of the Department, for a period of two years, beginning from the expiration date of the initial five-year permit. 

To request a renewal, applicants must submit a new Online Form 5 - Application for Limited (Intern) Permit, along with a $70 limited permit fee.  
 
Immunization privileges issued on the original limited (intern) permit will be subject to recertification at the time of renewal. 

Academic Leave 

Pharmacy programs are required to notify the Department if a pharmacy intern is placed on academic leave. Upon such notification, the intern’s permit will be voided. The limited (intern) permit may be reinstated if the intern returns to the same pharmacy program within the original five-year period or two-year renewal period, if applicable. 

Withdrawal from a Pharmacy Program 

If an intern withdraws from the program or does not return to the pharmacy school that originally certified their eligibility, the limited (intern) permit will be revoked by the Department upon notification from the pharmacy school. 

Should the student later return to pharmacy school, they may apply for a new limited (intern) permit by submitting a new Online Form 5 - Application for Limited (Intern) Permit and the required $70 limited permit fee to the Department. A new limited (intern) permit will be issued upon approval, and a new five-year period will begin.