Pharmacy Careers
Pharmacist License in Idaho 2026: NAPLEX, MPJE, Board Requirements
In brief
Complete guide to earning an Idaho pharmacist license in 2026: NABP e-Profile, intern hours, NAPLEX, MPJE, Idaho Board of Pharmacy application, fees, and top employers.
Steps at a glance
Create your NABP e-Profile
Register at nabp.pharmacy to create your e-Profile ($35 fee). This is your universal pharmacist ID used across all state licensing boards.
Complete 1,500 intern hours
Accumulate 1,500 supervised pharmacy intern hours under a licensed preceptor. Hours must be verified by your school and uploaded to NABP.
Pass the NAPLEX
Apply through NABP for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination ($695). Schedule at a Pearson VUE testing center and achieve a passing score of 75.
Pass the MPJE
Apply through NABP for the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (~$150), covering federal and Idaho pharmacy law. A score of 75 or higher is required.
Submit Idaho Board of Pharmacy application
Apply online through the Idaho Board of Pharmacy portal. Pay the ~$105 application fee and submit your PharmD transcripts, intern hour verification, and exam scores.
Complete a background check
Submit fingerprints through an Idaho-approved vendor for an FBI/state criminal background check (~$50-75). Results are sent directly to the Board.
Receive your Idaho pharmacist license
Once the Board reviews your complete application, your license will be issued. Initial licenses expire on your birthday in even or odd years depending on your birth month.
Register with the DEA
Apply for DEA registration at deadiversion.usdoj.gov (~$888 for 3 years) to legally dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances at your Idaho practice site.
In this article
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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