12 Professional Licenses Required by State and How to Start

6. Pharmacist

A pharmacist license allows you to dispense medications, counsel patients, and oversee pharmacy operations in a state. Most boards require a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, completion of required internship or experiential hours, and passage of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). States often require a state-specific law exam or jurisprudence assessment as well. Boards verify degree credentials and experiential hours and typically require a criminal background check. Pharmacy licenses also require renewal with proof of continuing education units over each renewal cycle. If you completed training in another state, check the state board for endorsement rules and whether electronic verification of your NAPLEX scores and internship hours will be accepted. Contact your state board of pharmacy for the exact forms, fee schedule, and timelines to plan your pathway to licensure.