Pharmacist License in Arkansas 2026: NAPLEX, MPJE, Board Requirements

Arkansas is home to a growing healthcare sector anchored by UAMS and regional hospital networks serving both urban Little Rock and the state's extensive rural communities, creating steady demand for licensed pharmacists across practice settings.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

All pharmacists licensed in Arkansas must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the MPJE jurisprudence examination. Arkansas has one of the lower state board application fees in the country, making it an accessible state for new graduates and those seeking licensure by score transfer.

Step-by-Step: Arkansas Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile — Fee: $35. Register at nabp.pharmacy. This profile is mandatory for scheduling both the NAPLEX and MPJE and for having scores sent to the Arkansas Board.
2. Apply for an Arkansas intern license (if needed) — If completing intern hours in Arkansas, apply for an intern license through the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Graduates who completed hours under another state's license may skip this step.
3. Confirm 1,500 intern hours are documented — Arkansas requires a minimum of 1,500 supervised pharmacy practice hours. Your college of pharmacy certifies these hours to the Board; verify the submission was made and any discrepancies are resolved before your NAPLEX authorization is requested.
4. Register for and pass the NAPLEX — Fee: $695. After your school submits your graduate candidate certification to NABP, you will receive authorization to schedule the NAPLEX at a Pearson VUE center. Testing centers are available in Little Rock and nearby metros.
5. Register for and pass the MPJE — Fee: ~$150. The MPJE is a 120-item adaptive exam covering federal law and Arkansas pharmacy regulations. A passing score is 75. Study Arkansas Code Title 17 and the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy regulations alongside standard MPJE review materials.
6. Submit the Arkansas Board application — Apply online or by mail through the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. The fee is approximately $110. Attach official transcripts, NABP score reports, and documentation of intern hours. The Board typically processes complete applications within 2-3 weeks.
7. Background check and fingerprinting — Arkansas requires a criminal history background check. Submit fingerprints through an approved vendor; cost is typically $50-75. Results are reviewed by the Board before licensure is granted.
8. Receive license and apply for DEA registration — Once your Arkansas license is active, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years). Arkansas pharmacists dispensing opioid medications must also register with the Arkansas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), which is free.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX	$695
MPJE	~$150
Arkansas Board application	~$110
Background check / fingerprinting	~$50-75
Total estimated	~$1,040-1,065

Timeline: Most candidates complete the Arkansas licensure process in 10 weeks. The modest board fee makes Arkansas one of the more affordable states in the South for initial licensure.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Arkansas allows NAPLEX score transfers for pharmacists who hold or have held an active license in another state. This is available after at least one year of active licensure elsewhere. You must still pass the Arkansas MPJE. Contact the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy for the score transfer application process and current requirements.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Arkansas pharmacist license, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances. Pharmacists at UAMS and other teaching hospitals typically need DEA registration before beginning clinical rotations in their staff roles. Register at DEA's Diversion Control Division website using your active Arkansas license number.

Continuing Education (CE)

Arkansas requires 30 hours of continuing pharmacy education per 2-year renewal cycle. Pharmacists must complete CE through ACPE-accredited providers, tracked through CPE Monitor. Arkansas-specific CE requirements may include hours on drug diversion prevention, given the state's rural opioid challenges.

Top Arkansas Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): The state's academic medical center and primary clinical training site for PharmD students; hires clinical pharmacists and residency-trained specialists across all specialties.
• Baptist Health: A statewide health system with hospitals across Little Rock, Fort Smith, and other Arkansas communities; ongoing pharmacist openings in acute care and outpatient settings.
• CHI St. Vincent: Regional Catholic health system serving central Arkansas with pharmacist positions in hospital and ambulatory care.
• Walgreens and CVS Health: Both chains maintain significant Arkansas presence with staff pharmacist and manager openings across the state.
• Walmart Pharmacy: Arkansas-headquartered, with dozens of pharmacy locations across the state including in rural markets where pharmacist availability is limited.

Pharmacist Salary in Arkansas (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $112,000-$125,000
• Clinical pharmacist (hospital): $118,000-$135,000
• Pharmacy manager: $125,000-$142,000

Related: Pharmacist Salary Guide 2026, Hospital vs Retail Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist Salary Guide, Florida Pharmacist License Guide.