Board of Pharmacy

General Questions

1. Must I be a citizen of the United States to be eligible for licensure?

   No. New Jersey State law allows for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to obtain a professional or occupational license in New Jersey if all requirements for licensure are met. Individuals with undocumented status are eligible for licensure and a social security number is not required for licensure.
   

2. Does the Board of Pharmacy require a pharmacy technician to be certified?

   No. The Board of Pharmacy does not require that a pharmacy technician be certified.
   

3. For each biennial license renewal period, pharmacists are to obtain three continuing education credits in pharmacy law. Does the Board have a list of continuing education courses that would satisfy this requirement?

   For the biennial renewal period commencing in May 2005 and thereafter, at least three (3) C.E. credits shall be obtained in pharmacy law. The Board of Pharmacy has determined that any Accreditation Council of Pharmaceutical Education course ending in "03" will satisfy the law requirement.
   

4. Are there any limitations on the quantity of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance medication that a prescriber can write for?

   On February 15, 2017, P.L. 2017, c. 28, was signed into law, imposing certain restrictions on how opioids and other Schedule II controlled dangerous substances may be prescribed. In response to the new law, the Attorney General and New Jersey's prescribing boards adopted new rules designed to reduce the risk of addiction and the accumulation of opioids in the household medicine cabinets across the State, which are very often diverted for illegal use. Information about those rules, as well as guidance for prescribers and patients on safer pain medication prescribing practices is available here.
   

5. Which prescribers are authorized to write three prescriptions for up to a 90 supply of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance?

   The Controlled Dangerous Substances regulations address this question, and specify that only physicians are authorized to write prescriptions for a 90 day supply of these medications as outlined in N.J.A.C. 13:45H-7.5 MANNER OF ISSUANCE OF PRESCRIPTIONS.
   

6. Does a pharmacist-in-charge need to work 40 hours a week?

   According to N.J.A.C. 13:39 - 6.2(f), a registered pharmacist-in-charge shall be a full- time employee, employed for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
   

7. If I am the only pharmacist working in a retail setting, can I take a meal break?

   According to N.J.A.C. 13:39 - 6.4, a sole pharmacist on duty may take a 30-minute meal break while on duty consistent with the following requirements:
   

   1. The pharmacist shall remain in the pharmacy or, in the case of a pharmacy department, in the pharmacy department building, and shall be accessible for emergencies or for counseling, if requested;

   2. The pharmacy shall remain open during the meal break for patient-related services, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
      

      1. The receipt of new written prescriptions; and
      
      
      2. The dispensing of prescription medications which have been checked by the pharmacist; and
      
      
   3. A sign shall be posted in the pharmacy stating "Pharmacist on meal break, but available for emergencies and counseling."


8. How can a licensee change his/her name on file with the Board?

   If a licensee legally changes the name under which he/she engages in the practice of pharmacy, the licensee must submit the original proof of the change of name or a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate. If the licensee wants a new license with the name change, there is a $25 fee.
   

9. How does a pharmacist obtain approval to administer vaccines?

   The Pharmacist Application for Initial Approval to Administer Vaccines, with instructions and requirements, can be found here.
   

10. Can a pharmacist fill a prescription written by a physician/prescriber in another state?

    A pharmacist may fill a prescription issued by a practitioner authorized to issue prescriptions in another state, territory or possession of the United States, including prescriptions issued at facilities within or outside of New Jersey that are regulated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and/or the Department of Defense.
    

11. How long does an applicant have to complete the application process?

    According to N.J.A.C. 13:39-1.7, "If an applicant for a permit, license or registration issued pursuant to the requirements of this chapter fails to complete the application process within one year of the date of initial application, the Board shall administratively close the application. Following such action, an applicant making reapplication to the Board shall resubmit all required documentation and the applicable application fee set forth at N.J.A.C. 13:39-1.3."

12. How are pharmacist applicants notified of their NAPLEX and MPJE scores?

    NAPLEX and MPJE scores are now available online. Applicants should go to the Board's website, click on "Useful Links" and then click on the sixth item on the list (NAPLEX and MPJE Score Results). Scores will not be mailed out.

Renewing a Pharmacist License Questions

1. How long is my license good for as a Pharmacist in New Jersey?

   A New Jersey pharmacist license is a biennial license; it must be renewed every two (2) years.
   

2. What is the biennial license renewal fee for a Pharmacist?

   The current pharmacist biennial license renewal fee is $140.00.
   

3. Is there a fee for renewal of my Immunization Approval?

   There is NO  fee for the renewal of your Immunization Approval.
   

4. How do I renew my Immunization Approval?

   You must renew this registration separately online, through the MyLicense website. Click on the box for "Immunization Approval" and complete/answer the ensuing questions. You may renew your immunization approval at the same time you renew your Pharmacist license.
   

5. Is there a fee for renewal of my Collaborative Practice Approval?

   There is NO fee for the renewal of your Collaborative Practice Approval.
   

6. How do I renew my Collaborative Practice Approval?

   You must renew this registration separately online, through the MyLicense website. Click on the box for "Collaborative Practice" and complete/answer the ensuing questions. You may renew your Collaborative Practice approval at the same time you renew your Pharmacist license.
   

7. When will renewal notices be sent to each Pharmacist?

   The State will begin to mail notices about sixty (60) days prior to the license renewal date for each Pharmacist and each Immunizing Pharmacist. The current renewal date is April 30, 2025.
   

8. How many Continuing Education (CE) credits do Pharmacists need to renew their license?

   A total of thirty (30) Continuing Education (CE) credits must be completed between May 1, 2023 and April 30, 2025.

   Immunization CE Credits
   If a pharmacist is also approved to perform immunizations, two (2) of your thirty (30) CE credits must be completed in immunization related courses.
   

   Collaborative Practice Agreements CE Credits
   A pharmacist granted authorization to engage in collaborative drug therapy management shall complete a minimum of ten (10) credits of continuing education every biennial renewal period in each disease(s) or condition(s) covered by the collaborative practice agreement(s) to which he or she is a party, consistent with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:39-3A. However, to the extent that a pharmacist may enter into collaborative practice agreements to treat patients with co-existing, interrelated conditions or diseases, a pharmacist need only complete a total of ten (10) credits in the interrelated conditions or diseases.
   

9. What is the time frame for when completed Continuing Education (CE) credits will be accepted?

   All Continuing Education (CE) credits completed between, May 1, 2023 thru April 30, 2025, will be accepted as part of your biennial Pharmacy license renewal requirements.
   

10. May I carry over Continuing Education (CE) credits from a previous renewal period

    You may carry over a maximum of ten (10) Continuing Education (CE) credits to be counted toward your 2025 renewal if the following conditions are met:

    The CE credits were earned during the last six (6) months of the 2023 biennial renewal period (November 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023), AND the CE credits were NOT used to satisfy a previous license renewal.

    Note that the one (1) credit in educational programs or topics concerning prescription opioid drugs may not be carried over into a succeeding biennial period.
    

11. This is my first renewal after being licensed as a pharmacist in New Jersey.  Am I required to complete a continuing education credits in order to renew my license this year?

    No.  According to N.J.A.C. 13:39-3A.1(a), "Each applicant for biennial license renewal shall complete a minimum of 30 credits of continuing education during the preceding biennial period, except that the Board shall not require completion of continuing education credits for an applicant's initial license renewal."

12. Do I have to register for a NABP e-Profile ID in order for my Continuing Education (CE) credits to be accepted by the Board?

    At this time, the New Jersey Board is not requiring pharmacists to register for a NABP e-Profile ID. However, many CPE providers accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) have already transitioned their systems to transmit data relating to completion of CE courses to NABP. Because they are now requiring licensees to submit their NABP e-Profile ID in order to obtain CPE credit, the Board encourages licensees to obtain an e-Profile ID with NABP.
    

13. Where can I find additional information about Continuing Education requirements for Pharmacists in New Jersey?

    Additional detailed information can be found in Subchapter 3A Continuing Education in the Board's Regulations.​

New Graduating Pharmacist

1. I am a new pharmacy school graduate. How can I obtain my Pharmacist license?
   • New graduates should submit their application to the Board online using the "Pharmacist by Examination or Score Transfer Application (online application)" on this webpage: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/phar/Pages/applications.aspx.
     (NOTE: if you do not have a SSN, please email the Board at NJPharmacist@dca.njoag.gov as you will not be able to complete your application online.  You will be contacted with instructions to follow).
   • Once received, Board staff will review your application and email you a deficiency letter describing items necessary to complete your application processing. You will be able to upload some of these items (ie birth certificate, photo, etc.). You will receive instructions on how to complete your background check (ie initial fingerprinting or resubmittal of previous results obtained, such as from a pharmacy technician application). Also, after you have taken and passed your NAPLEX and MPJE examinations, Board staff will automatically retrieve those scores from NABP.
     
   • Because of the large volume of applications anticipated to be received, review and processing may take up to 15 days. If you have not received a follow-up email from the Board after 15 days, please email NJPharmacist@dca.njoag.gov indicating the following in the subject line of your email in this format:
     
     < insert your Applicant ID number > - < insert your Last Name, First name > - < Insert the Date of Submission of application MM/DD/YYYY >
     
     Your inquiry will be responded to as quickly as possible.
   
   
   • Please confirm with your school when they will be uploading your official transcript to NABP.  The Board cannot authorize you to test until after you have graduated, and we retrieve your official transcript showing Date of Graduation and the Degree Conferred from NABP.  Only when absolutely necessary, a registrar's office may email your final, official transcript to the Board at NJBOPTranscripts@dca.njoag.gov.
     Note: After you submit your application to take the NAPLEX or MPJE to NABP (and have submitted your pharmacist application online to the Board), staff will retrieve your transcript from NABP, add it to our licensing system as part of your application documentation, and authorize you to test.
     
   • Your official transcript will be sufficient evidence that you have fulfilled all requirements for graduation; no other documentation is required by the Board (ie completion of intern hours completed as part of your curriculum).
     
   • Once you have satisfied all the requirements for licensure, you will receive an email containing additional information and an invoice for any outstanding fees (ie license fee, etc.). For your convenience and for faster processing of your payment, please pay all fees online following the instructions in the invoice.
   
   If you are missing any documentation, upload copies of the documents as PDF files to your MyLicense account to ensure the timely and proper processing of this information. Do not mail documents to the Board office unless you are specifically instructed to do so by staff. Any documents mailed to the office will take significantly longer to be processed and reviewed.
   

Foreign Graduates/Pharmacists Licensed in Another Country

1. I am a foreign graduate and a pharmacist in another country. What steps do I need to take to become licensed as a pharmacist in New Jersey?

   An applicant for initial licensure as a pharmacist in New Jersey who has graduated from a school or college of pharmacy in a foreign country that has not been accredited by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) or has not been deemed ACPE-equivalent by ACPE, shall satisfy the following requirements:

   1. Submit a completed application for initial licensure;
      
   2. Graduated with either a degree of Bachelor of Science in pharmacy with a minimum five-year course of study, or with a Doctor of Pharmacy;
      
   3. Have a valid certification from the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP);
      
   4. Complete 1,440 hours of practical experience in a Board-approved internship;
      
   5. Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for New Jersey; and
      
   6. Pass a criminal history background check.
   
   

   Notes

   • An applicant must submit an FPGEC Certificate before they can submit an intern application.
     
   • A Board-approved internship can only begin after an intern registration number has been issued by the Board.
     
   • A Board-approved internship must be completed before an initial application for pharmacist licensure can be submitted. After the pharmacist application has been submitted, an Authorization to Test (ATT) can be granted for the NAPLEX and MPJE.
     
   • The internship hours must be completed in a permitted pharmacy located in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of 15 hours per week, but no more than 45 hours per week, for a total of 1,440 hours.
     
   • The 1,440 internship hours must be completed in no less than 34 weeks, but no more than 104 weeks.
     
   • Inquiries should be emailed to NJbopOffice@dca.njoag.gov.