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

Delaware's small geography belies its significance as a healthcare hub, ChristianaCare, one of the region's largest health systems, is headquartered in Wilmington, and Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia creates a dense employment market for pharmacists willing to hold multi-state licenses.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Delaware

All pharmacists licensed in Delaware must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the MPJE jurisprudence examination. Delaware's Board of Pharmacy operates under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation and processes applications efficiently, with one of the lowest application fees in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Step-by-Step: Delaware Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile, Fee: $35. Register at nabp.pharmacy. The Delaware Board uses NABP to receive NAPLEX and MPJE score reports.
2. Apply for a Delaware intern license (if needed), If completing intern hours in Delaware, apply for an intern pharmacist license through the Division of Professional Regulation. Most Delaware new graduates complete their internships under a college-issued intern license in another state.
3. Confirm 1,500 intern hours are documented, Delaware requires a minimum of 1,500 supervised pharmacy practice hours. Coordinate with your college of pharmacy to verify hour submission before filing your licensure application.
4. Register for and pass the NAPLEX, Fee: $695. After NABP authorization, schedule at a Pearson VUE center. The Philadelphia metro area has multiple testing sites accessible to Delaware residents.
5. Register for and pass the MPJE, Fee: ~$150. The Delaware MPJE covers federal law and Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 25 (Pharmacy Boards and Regulations). A passing score is 75.
6. Submit the Delaware Board application, Apply through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's online portal. The fee is approximately $90, among the lowest board application fees in the country. Attach official transcripts, NABP score reports, and documented intern hours.
7. Background check and fingerprinting, Delaware requires a criminal background check. Fingerprinting through an approved State Bureau of Identification (SBI) site; budget approximately $50-75. Results are transmitted directly to the Division.
8. Receive license and apply for DEA registration, Once your Delaware pharmacist license is active, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense controlled substances. Delaware pharmacists must also participate in the Delaware Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), which is free and required for dispensing pharmacists.

Fees and Timeline

Timeline: Most candidates complete the Delaware licensure process in 10 weeks. Delaware's streamlined Division of Professional Regulation portal and modest application fee make it a practical choice for Mid-Atlantic pharmacists seeking additional state licenses.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Delaware allows NAPLEX score transfers for pharmacists who are currently licensed in another state. This is particularly common for pharmacists in the Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington D.C. metro areas who want a Delaware license to expand their practice options. You must still pass the Delaware MPJE. Contact the Delaware Board of Pharmacy for score transfer procedures and requirements.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Delaware pharmacist license, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances. Delaware pharmacists dispensing controlled substances must use and query the Delaware PMP before dispensing opioid prescriptions and Schedule II-III medications, PMP query requirements are embedded in most Delaware pharmacy management software systems.

Continuing Education (CE)

Delaware requires 30 hours of CE per 2-year renewal cycle. At least 1 hour must cover pharmacy law. All CE must be from ACPE-accredited providers and tracked through CPE Monitor. Delaware pharmacists with pharmacist prescriptive authority (e.g., collaborative practice agreements with physicians) may have additional CE requirements tied to their specific protocols.

Top Delaware Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• ChristianaCare: Delaware's largest health system with Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital as flagship sites; a major employer of clinical pharmacists, residents, and pharmacy managers across inpatient and ambulatory settings.
• Bayhealth Medical Center: Serving Kent and Sussex Counties in central and southern Delaware with hospital pharmacist and outpatient pharmacy positions.
• VA Delaware (Wilmington VA Medical Center): Federal VA positions with competitive pay, full federal benefits, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• CVS Health and Walgreens: Both maintain Delaware market presence, particularly in the Wilmington and Dover areas, with retail pharmacist and manager openings.
• RiteAid and independent pharmacies: Still present in Delaware's suburban and rural communities with staff pharmacist positions.

Pharmacist Salary in Delaware (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $125,000-$138,000
• Clinical pharmacist (hospital): $132,000-$150,000
• Pharmacy manager: $140,000-$158,000

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