Steps for Initial Licensure
1) Register to take both the NAPLEX and MPJE and receive passing scores.
2) Complete the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy's Initial Pharmacist Application.
3) Pay the Board application fee of $175*.
4) Complete a criminal background check through IdentoGO.
Please note that the order you need to complete the items listed above is variable. Also, your ability to test is not affected by the steps listed above. NABP determines your ability to test, the Board determines your licensure.
For more detailed instructions on completing these steps, please refer to the following document:
Examinations
For any questions regarding the NAPLEX or MPJE, please contact the NABP directly. They will assist you with exam eligibility, registration, and how to view your results after testing. The NABP website, including all exam and contact information, can be found here:
NABP Website.(Please note that information about multiple attempts for exams is listed at the bottom of this page.)
Application
Application for Initial Pharmacist Licensure:
The certificate of college graduation and verification of intern hours must be completed by your School of Pharmacy. It does not have to be the exact pages from this application, but must contain the University's seal. If you have any questions about the application, please contact the Board.
The application must be notarized. The certificate of moral character may be completed by any colleague, friend, or relative.
Payment
You may pay the $175* Board application fee via the secure online payment portal linked here: Online payment portal.
You may also pay by mailing a check or money order made payable to "Kentucky State Treasury."
IdentoGO Criminal Background Check
Kentucky Board of Pharmacy Service Code for Identogo: 27GJX1
Applicants must pre-enroll online at uenroll.identogo.com for Livescan or Cardscan processing using the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy Service Code listed above. Livescan is recommended for all applicants as there are less rejections, quicker processing times and tracking available. If your fingerprint submission is rejected, Identogo will notify you. You will then follow the same process for resubmission of your fingerprints.
Out of state applicants may not have reasonable access to an Identogo location. In this case, you may submit your fingerprints via Cardscan. Instructions for doing so are listed on the Identogo website.
For further instructions, please refer to the following document: 
Identogo.pdf
Helpful Links
IdentoGO Website Initial Pharmacist Licensure Application.pdf
NABP Website Identogo.pdf
Online payment portal
*Disclosure: Applicants for initial licensure as a pharmacist shall submit to a query to the National Practitioner Data Bank of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to 201 KAR 2:020 Section 6(1). There is a fee of $25 for this query, which is already included in the $175 fee for licensure. No separate payment is necessary. This query will be completed and submitted by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy, so no further action is required by the applicant.
Multiple Exam Attempts
Effective August 25, 2022, a pharmacist applicant is limited to a lifetime limit of five (5) attempts on both the NAPLEX and MPJE.
If after three (3) examination attempts, the applicant has not passed, they may apply to qualify for two (2) additional attempts by following these steps:
NAPLEX: Complete a refresher course and submit a certificate of completion to the Board of Pharmacy.
MPJE: Complete proof of five (5) hours of ACPE or board approved continuing education in the topic of pharmacy law OR a certificate of completion of a refresher course. Either option must be submitted to the Board of Pharmacy.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has released three examination videos on the NABP YouTube channel. The videos aim to provide candidates with a greater understanding of the examination process for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), and the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE). NABP is committed to supporting candidates throughout the exam process by providing information, tools, and resources.
Watch the videos to learn more, and visit the
NABP website for information about the exams.
The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy does not endorse or require a particular refresher course. The documentation of completion can be emailed to pharmacy.board@ky.gov.
For any additional questions, please email the board at pharmacy.board@ky.gov.