How to Get Your Virginia Pharmacist License in 2026

Virginia is one of the most pharmacy-rich states on the East Coast, home to a diverse mix of major academic medical centers, suburban health systems, federal healthcare installations, and national retail pharmacy chains. The Northern Virginia/DC metro corridor, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Roanoke all represent significant employer markets for licensed pharmacists. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy, operating under the Department of Health Professions, oversees licensure for the Commonwealth and has streamlined online applications in recent years. This guide walks PharmD graduates through every step of obtaining a Virginia pharmacist license in 2026.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Virginia

Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 33 governs pharmacy practice in the Commonwealth. To obtain an initial Virginia pharmacist license you must hold a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited school, complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised internship under a Virginia-licensed pharmacist, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the Virginia MPJE covering both federal pharmacy law and Virginia-specific statutes including the Virginia Drug Control Act. There is no separate Virginia jurisprudence exam beyond the MPJE. International pharmacy graduates must hold NABP FPGEC certification prior to applying.

Step-by-Step: Virginia Pharmacist License Process

1. Create NABP e-Profile — Register at nabp.pharmacy and pay the $35 e-Profile fee. Your NABP e-Profile ID is required to register for NAPLEX, MPJE, and submit score transfers throughout your career.
2. Apply for NAPLEX — Log into your NABP e-Profile and register for the NAPLEX ($695). Your college of pharmacy will submit a certification of your graduation or anticipated graduation date directly to NABP.
3. Apply for Virginia MPJE — Register for the Virginia MPJE through NABP ($150). Study Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 33; the Virginia Drug Control Act (Title 54.1, Chapter 34); and Board of Pharmacy regulations in 18 VAC 110-20.
4. Submit VA Board Application — Apply via the Virginia DHP online licensing system and pay the ~$165 application fee. Attach official PharmD transcripts, a certified intern log, and proof of identity. Virginia requires a separate intern registration prior to accruing hours.
5. Complete Background Check — Virginia mandates fingerprint-based background checks through the Virginia State Police and FBI. Budget $50-$75 for processing. Results are sent directly to the DHP.
6. Schedule and Pass NAPLEX — Select a Pearson VUE location and schedule your NAPLEX. The exam is a 250-question computer-adaptive test administered over 6 hours. A score of 75 or above constitutes passing.
7. Schedule and Pass MPJE — Book your Virginia MPJE at a Pearson VUE center. The adaptive law exam focuses on competencies relevant to Virginia practice. A score of 75 or above is required.
8. Receive Virginia License — Once all materials are verified, the DHP issues your pharmacist license. Processing typically takes 6-10 weeks. Licenses renew on your birthday month in even or odd years based on your license number.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX examination	$695
Virginia MPJE	$150
VA Board application fee	~$165
Background check	~$50-$75
Estimated total	~$1,095-$1,120

Total processing time from submission of a complete application is typically 6-10 weeks. Virginia offers a temporary license that allows practice under supervision while the full application is reviewed.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Virginia accepts NAPLEX score transfers from pharmacists licensed in other NABP member states, provided the score is not more than 5 years old and the applicant has maintained active licensure. Submit the transfer request through your NABP e-Profile ($50 NABP fee) and notify the Virginia DHP. You must still take and pass the Virginia MPJE separately. Applicants with scores older than 5 years must retake the NAPLEX.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Virginia pharmacist license, register with the Drug Enforcement Administration at deadiversion.usdoj.gov. The practitioner DEA registration fee is $888 for three years. Virginia also maintains its own Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), and licensed pharmacists are required to check the PMP before dispensing Schedule II-V controlled substances.

Continuing Education

Virginia requires 15 contact hours (1.5 CEUs) of ACPE-approved pharmacy CE per year, totaling 30 hours over the biennial renewal cycle. At least one hour per renewal must cover patient safety or medication error reduction. Virginia Board regulations also encourage CE in opioid prescribing and dispensing awareness. Licenses renew biennially and renewal fees are approximately $135.

Top Virginia Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• Inova Health System — Northern Virginia's largest health system with flagship Inova Fairfax Hospital, Inova operates five major hospitals and dozens of outpatient sites. Clinical pharmacist specialist and PGY-1/PGY-2 residency positions are consistently posted.
• VCU Health — Virginia Commonwealth University Health in Richmond operates one of the state's premier academic medical centers. VCU's PharmD program creates a strong pipeline of clinical pharmacy specialists, oncology pharmacists, and ambulatory care roles.
• Carilion Clinic — Based in Roanoke, Carilion Clinic covers western Virginia with seven hospitals and extensive outpatient services. Staff and clinical pharmacist openings appear year-round.
• Sentara Healthcare — Sentara operates twelve hospitals across Hampton Roads and the mid-Atlantic region. Pharmacy positions range from staff dispensing to clinical specialty roles in oncology and critical care.
• CVS Health / Walgreens / Walmart Pharmacy — Retail chains maintain heavy Virginia footprints with ongoing demand for staff pharmacists and pharmacy managers, especially in suburban Northern Virginia corridors.

Pharmacist Salary in Virginia (2026)

• Staff Pharmacist (retail/community): $125,000-$138,000/year
• Clinical Pharmacist (hospital): $130,000-$145,000/year
• Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: $138,000-$152,000/year
• Pharmacy Manager: $140,000-$158,000/year

Virginia pharmacist salaries range from $125K-$152K annually. Northern Virginia positions near the DC corridor often carry a cost-of-living premium, while rural western Virginia employers may offer loan forgiveness or housing allowances.

Related: Pharmacist Salary Guide 2026, Hospital vs Retail Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist Salary Guide, Pharmacist Salary by State.