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

Idaho's healthcare sector is growing rapidly, anchored by major systems in the Treasure Valley and the Magic Valley, creating strong demand for licensed pharmacists across hospital, retail, and clinical settings.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Idaho

All pharmacists licensed in Idaho must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the MPJE jurisprudence examination. The Idaho Board of Pharmacy administers licensure and requires 1,500 verified intern hours prior to licensure.

Step-by-Step: Idaho Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile — Register at nabp.pharmacy ($35 fee). This identifier is required for all NABP exam registrations and communicates directly with the Idaho Board.
2. Complete 1,500 intern hours — Accumulate supervised hours under a licensed preceptor in an Idaho-approved setting. Your college of pharmacy certifies hours via NABP CPE Monitor.
3. Pass the NAPLEX — Apply through NABP ($695). The exam is 250 adaptive questions covering pharmaceutical calculations, drug therapy, and patient safety. Minimum passing score: 75.
4. Pass the MPJE — Apply through NABP (~$150). The Idaho MPJE tests federal law plus Idaho Pharmacy Practice Act provisions including controlled substance schedules and pharmacist collaborative practice agreements.
5. Submit the Idaho Board application — Complete the online application through the Idaho Board of Pharmacy. Pay the ~$105 fee and upload official transcripts, exam scores, and intern hour documentation.
6. Complete a background check — Fingerprinting through an approved vendor for FBI and Idaho State Police background check (~$50-75). The Board reviews any record disclosures before approving licensure.
7. Receive your Idaho pharmacist license — Licenses are issued after Board approval, typically within 2-4 weeks of a complete application. Idaho uses a biennial renewal cycle tied to your birth month.
8. Register with the DEA — After licensure, apply for DEA registration (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense controlled substances. Provide your Idaho license number on the DEA application.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX	$695
MPJE	~$150
Idaho Board application	~$105
Background check	~$50-75
Total estimated	~$1,035-1,060

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Idaho participates in NABP's Score Transfer program. If you are already licensed in another state and have passed the NAPLEX within the past 3 years, you may transfer your score to Idaho instead of retesting. Score transfers are available through your NABP e-Profile and cost $50. You must still pass the Idaho MPJE.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Idaho pharmacist license, apply for DEA registration (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense controlled substances. Idaho follows federal DEA schedules. Pharmacists dispensing Schedule II controlled substances must comply with Idaho's electronic prescription monitoring program (PMP).

Continuing Education Requirements

Idaho requires 15 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) per year, totaling 30 hours per biennial renewal period. At least 1 hour must cover patient safety and 1 hour must cover drug diversion or opioid stewardship. All CE must be from ACPE-accredited providers and logged via CPE Monitor.

Top Idaho Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• St. Luke's Health System: Idaho's largest employer, with pharmacist openings across Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Magic Valley campuses in clinical, oncology, and ambulatory roles.
• Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center: Part of Trinity Health, with hospital and infusion pharmacy positions in Boise and Nampa.
• VA Boise Healthcare System: Federal pharmacist positions (GS-12/13) covering inpatient, outpatient, and clinical pharmacy specialist roles with federal benefits.
• Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid: Retail pharmacist and pharmacy manager openings across the Treasure Valley and secondary markets like Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
• PetIQ / independent community pharmacies: Specialty and independent pharmacy opportunities in rural Idaho markets with strong demand and competitive packages.

Pharmacist Salary in Idaho (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $118,000-$130,000
• Clinical pharmacist: $125,000-$138,000
• Pharmacy manager: $132,000-$142,000

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