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

Colorado's rapidly expanding Front Range population, world-class academic medical centers, and growing specialty pharmacy market make it one of the most attractive states for pharmacists in the Mountain West region.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Colorado

All pharmacists licensed in Colorado must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the MPJE jurisprudence examination. Colorado allows NAPLEX score transfers for pharmacists who are currently or previously licensed in another state, subject to Board review and meeting minimum score thresholds.

Step-by-Step: Colorado Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile — Fee: $35. Register at nabp.pharmacy. Your NABP profile is used for exam scheduling and score reporting to the Colorado Board of Pharmacy.
2. Apply for a Colorado intern license (if needed) — If completing intern hours in Colorado, apply for an intern license through the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy (administered by DORA). Colorado interns must work under a licensed Colorado pharmacist's supervision.
3. Confirm 1,500 intern hours are documented — Colorado requires a minimum of 1,500 supervised pharmacy practice hours. Coordinate with your college of pharmacy to ensure hour verification is submitted to the Board before your licensure application is filed.
4. Register for and pass the NAPLEX — Fee: $695. After NABP authorization from your college, schedule the NAPLEX at a Pearson VUE center. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins metro areas have testing center options.
5. Register for and pass the MPJE — Fee: ~$150. The Colorado MPJE tests federal law and Colorado pharmacy statutes including Colorado Revised Statutes Title 12 and the Colorado Board of Pharmacy rules. A passing score is 75.
6. Submit the Colorado Board application — Apply through DORA's online licensing portal. The fee is approximately $185. Attach official transcripts, NABP score reports, and intern hour certification. Colorado processes most complete applications within 3-4 weeks.
7. Background check and fingerprinting — Colorado requires a criminal background check. Fingerprint submissions are made through CBI-approved vendors; budget $50-75. Background check clearance is required before licensure.
8. Receive license and apply for DEA registration — Once your Colorado pharmacist license is active, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years). Colorado pharmacists dispensing controlled substances must also be registered with the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which is free.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX	$695
MPJE	~$150
Colorado Board application	~$185
Background check / fingerprinting	~$50-75
Total estimated	~$1,115-1,140

Timeline: Most candidates complete the Colorado licensure process in 10 weeks. The Board's online application system through DORA is efficient for complete submissions.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Colorado allows NAPLEX score transfers for pharmacists licensed in other states. This is a practical option for pharmacists relocating to Colorado from across the country, particularly those moving from California or Texas. You must still pass the Colorado MPJE. Contact the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy for the current score transfer process and requirements.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Colorado pharmacist license, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances. Colorado pharmacists should also register with the Colorado PDMP — this is required for pharmacists who dispense Schedule II-IV controlled substances, and the PDMP query is required before dispensing in many clinical settings.

Continuing Education (CE)

Colorado requires 24 hours of CE per 2-year renewal cycle for pharmacists. At least 1 hour must cover pharmacy law. CE must be completed through ACPE-accredited providers and tracked through CPE Monitor. Colorado pharmacists working in innovative practice roles may also need specific CE aligned with their collaborative practice agreements.

Top Colorado Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• UCHealth: The University of Colorado's health system with hospitals and clinics across the Front Range; one of the top employers of clinical pharmacists and residency-trained specialists in the Mountain West.
• Intermountain Health (formerly SCL Health): Regional nonprofit health system with hospital pharmacist and ambulatory care positions across Colorado and the Mountain West.
• Children's Hospital Colorado: A leading pediatric medical center in Aurora; hires pediatric clinical pharmacists and pharmacy residents in highly specialized roles.
• HealthOne (HCA Healthcare): A network of hospitals across the Denver metro area with ongoing pharmacist openings across acute care settings.
• King Soopers Pharmacy (Kroger) and Walgreens: Both have significant Front Range presence with retail pharmacist and manager openings.

Pharmacist Salary in Colorado (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $120,000-$135,000
• Clinical pharmacist (hospital): $128,000-$148,000
• Pharmacy manager: $135,000-$155,000

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