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

Maine's healthcare market features strong demand for pharmacists, particularly in Portland and the greater southern Maine region, driven by Maine Medical Center and the Northern Light Health system spanning the state.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Maine

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

Step-by-Step: Maine Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile — Register at nabp.pharmacy ($35). Maine uses the NABP system to verify exam scores and intern hour completion for licensure applications.
2. Complete 1,500 intern hours — Complete supervised hours under a Maine-licensed preceptor in retail, hospital, ambulatory care, or specialty pharmacy settings. PharmD programs certify and submit hours through NABP.
3. Pass the NAPLEX — Register through NABP ($695). The adaptive examination tests pharmaceutical sciences, drug therapy, and pharmacy practice. Minimum passing score: 75.
4. Pass the MPJE — Register through NABP (~$150). The Maine MPJE covers Title 32 Chapter 117 of Maine Revised Statutes and federal controlled substance law.
5. Submit the Maine Board application — Apply online through the Maine OPOR portal (maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing). Pay the ~$135 fee and upload official transcripts, exam scores, and intern documentation.
6. Complete a background check — Fingerprint-based background check through the Maine State Police or an approved vendor (~$50-75). The Maine Board reviews any criminal records disclosed in the application.
7. Receive your Maine pharmacist license — The Board issues licenses within 2-4 weeks of receiving a complete application. Maine pharmacist licenses renew biennially on the licensee's birthday.
8. Register with the DEA — Apply for DEA registration (~$888 for 3 years). Maine pharmacists must check the Maine PDMP before dispensing Schedule II-IV controlled substances to patients.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX	$695
MPJE	~$150
Maine Board application	~$135
Background check	~$50-75
Total estimated	~$1,065-1,090

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Maine accepts NABP score transfers for pharmacists who are already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. The transfer costs $50 through NABP and requires that the original NAPLEX score is within 3 years. You must still complete and pass the Maine MPJE for Maine licensure.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Maine pharmacist license, apply for DEA registration (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense controlled substances. Maine pharmacists are required to query the Maine PDMP before dispensing opioids and Schedule II-IV controlled substances. Maine has specific opioid prescribing limits under the Maine Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Prevention Act.

Continuing Education Requirements

Maine requires 15 contact hours of ACPE-accredited CE per year, totaling 30 hours per biennial renewal period. At least 3 hours must address patient safety or drug therapy topics. Maine pharmacists must also complete CE on opioid prescribing awareness as required by state law. All CE is reported through CPE Monitor.

Top Maine Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• Maine Medical Center: Portland's largest hospital and Maine's flagship academic medical center, with clinical pharmacist and pharmacy specialist openings in oncology, critical care, and infectious disease.
• Northern Light Health: Statewide health system with pharmacist openings across Bangor (Eastern Maine Medical Center), Waterville, Presque Isle, and additional northern Maine facilities.
• Pen Bay Medical Center (MaineHealth): Rockland-based hospital with community hospital pharmacist openings serving the midcoast Maine region.
• MaineGeneral Health: Augusta-based system with pharmacist roles in hospital and outpatient settings serving central Maine.
• Hannaford Supermarkets Pharmacy: Maine-headquartered chain with strong retail pharmacist and pharmacy manager opportunities statewide and across New England.

Pharmacist Salary in Maine (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $115,000-$130,000
• Clinical pharmacist: $124,000-$136,000
• Pharmacy manager: $132,000-$142,000

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