Introduction
Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Arizona requires meeting specific educational, examination, and application requirements set by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. This comprehensive guide outlines all the necessary steps to obtain and maintain pharmacist licensure in the state of Arizona.
Educational Requirements
To be eligible for pharmacist licensure in Arizona, applicants must meet the following educational requirements:
Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.)
- Graduation from a college or school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
- The program must result in a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree
- Typically requires 4 years of professional education after completing pre-pharmacy coursework
Internship Requirements
- Completion of 1500 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist
- These hours are typically completed through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) during the Pharm.D. program
- Arizona accepts practice experience obtained in any U.S. state or territory
- A minimum of 300 hours must be in a community pharmacy setting
- A minimum of 300 hours must be in a hospital/health system pharmacy setting
Foreign Pharmacy Graduates
Graduates of foreign pharmacy schools must:
- Obtain certification from the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC)
- Complete the FPGEC Certification Program which includes:
- Passing the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE)
- Passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) with minimum scores of 18 in each section
- Documenting licensure/registration from their home country
- Complete a 1500-hour internship in the United States under an Arizona pharmacy preceptor
Examination Requirements
All pharmacist licensure applicants must pass the following examinations:
North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
- Administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
- Clins knowledge of pharmacotherapy and therapeutic outcomes
- Passing score requirement: 75 or higher
- Valid for 2 years from the date of administration
Arizona State Law Examination
- Administered by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy
- Covers Arizona pharmacy statutes and administrative rules
- Requirement: Must pass with a score of 75% or higher
- Applicants have three attempts to pass the law exam
- Study materials are available on the Board's website
Multi-state Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE)
While not specific to Arizona alone, many pharmacists may choose to take the MPJE instead of the Arizona Law Exam. Please note:
- Arizona does not currently accept the MPJE in place of their state law exam
- Applicants must specifically take the Arizona State Law Examination
Licensure Application Process
The application process for pharmacist licensure in Arizona involves several steps:
- Submit Application and Fees:
- Complete the pharmacist licensure application form
- Submit the application fee of $260 (non-refundable)
- Provide documentation of education and internship
- Fingerprints and Background Check:
- Submit fingerprint cards for federal criminal history check
- Background check results are typically returned within 2-3 weeks
- Applicants with certain criminal convictions may be denied licensure
- Examination Scheduling:
- Register for the NAPLEX through NABP
- Schedule the Arizona Law Examination through the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy
- Submit Supporting Documents:
- Official pharmacy school transcripts sent directly from the school
- Verification of licensure from any other states where licensed
- Proof of internship hours completed
- Await Approval:
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks once all documents are received
- Applicants will receive notification of approval to take the law exam
- Upon passing all exams, the license will be issued
Important: All documentation must be submitted within one year of the application date. If not completed within this timeframe, the application becomes inactive and a new application with fee is required.
Licensure by Reciprocity
Pharmacists licensed in other states may apply for Arizona licensure by reciprocity if they:
- Hold an active license in good standing in another state
- Have passed the NAPLEX
- Have graduated from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school
- Have no disciplinary actions against their license in any jurisdiction
- Pay the reciprocity application fee of $260
- Pass the Arizona State Law Examination
License Renewal Requirements
Pharmacist licenses in Arizona must be renewed biennially:
Renewal Cycle
- All pharmacist licenses expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years
- Renewal notices are sent approximately 60 days before expiration
- Late renewal is possible until March 1st of the following year with a additional late fee
- After March 1st, the license is considered delinquent and reinstatement requirements apply
Continuing Education Requirements
To renew a pharmacist license, the following continuing education must be completed:
- 30 hours of ACPE-accredited continuing education every two-year renewal period
- At least 1 hour of continuing education must be related to pharmacy law
- At least 1 hour of continuing education must be in the topic of opioid/substance use disorder counseling or pharmacotherapy
- Continuing education hours must be completed during the renewal cycle
- Excess hours cannot be carried over to the next renewal cycle
Renewal Process
- Renewal may be completed online through the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy website
- The renewal fee is $130 for active licenses
- Certificate of completion for all continuing education must be maintained for at least two renewal cycles
- The Board conducts random audits of continuing education compliance
Specialty Certifications
While not required for general pharmacist practice in Arizona, pharmacists may obtain additional certifications:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) | Board of Pharmacy Specialties | Pharm.D., active license, practice experience, examination |
| Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery | American Pharmacists Association | Training course and certification exam |
| Medication Therapy Management (MTM) | American Pharmacists Association | Training program and certification |
| Diabetes Management | National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get licensed in Arizona?
The timeline varies, but most students complete the licensure process within 1-3 months after graduating from pharmacy school, assuming they have completed all required internship hours during their education.
Can I apply for licensure before graduating?
No, you must have graduated and have your official transcripts before applying for licensure. However, you can register for and take the NAPLEX up to 90 days before graduation.
What happens if I fail the Arizona Law Exam?
Applicants have three attempts to pass the Arizona Law Examination. If you fail three times, you must complete additional requirements before being allowed to retake the exam.
Can I work while waiting for my license to be issued?
No, you cannot practice pharmacy in Arizona without a valid, active license. You must wait until you receive official notification that your license has been issued.
Does Arizona license pharmacy technicians?
Yes, Arizona licenses pharmacy technicians separately from pharmacists. Technician licensure has different requirements and renewal cycles.
Can I transfer my license to another state after becoming licensed in Arizona?
Most states have reciprocity agreements and will accept Arizona licensure. You would need to check the specific requirements of the state to which you wish to transfer.
Are there any restrictions on who can own a pharmacy in Arizona?
Pharmacies in Arizona must be owned by a licensed pharmacist, a pharmacy corporation where at least 51% is owned by pharmacists, or certain medical facilities.
Contact Information
For specific questions about pharmacist licensure in Arizona, contact:
Arizona State Board of Pharmacy
9520 E. DoubleTree Ranch Road, Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: (480) 878-9300
Email: pharmacy@azpharmacy.gov
Website: https://pharmacy.az.gov
