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Iowa Board of Pharmacy

As of July 1, 2023, licensing and other health and occupational licenses will become part of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) as a new organizational structure for state government goes into effect. Government departments and agencies that provide related services or have similar business functions are aligning to better serve Iowans.

Licensure by Score Transfer

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will accept a NAPLEX score taken in another state and transferred from another state board of pharmacy through NABP.  To be eligible to do a Score Transfer, you must transfer your score to the Iowa Board within 90 days of your exam date.   Applicants who do not transfer their NAPLEX score within 90 days, will need to apply for licensure by license transfer/reciprocity through NABP.  Please note:  If you submit the wrong application, application fees are non-refundable administrative fees.  Please call the Iowa Board of Pharmacy is you are unsure of which application to apply for.

Licensure By Score Transfer requirements

Step 1: Licensure by Score Transfer Application

Submit completed Licensure by Score Transfer application* with fee of $297 payable by check or money order to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy.
*A passport quality/professional photo taken within the last six months is required to be submitted with the completed Licensure by Score Transfer Application.

Step 2: Criminal History Background Check

Applicant will receive a criminal history background check packet/fingerprint card once the application and payment is received.  Applicant must complete and pass the criminal history background check. 

Step 3: NAPLEX score from NABP

Passing NAPLEX score transferred to Iowa Board of Pharmacy within 90 days of the exam date.  Applicant must request the NAPLEX score transfer from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

Step 4: Certification of Pharmacy Education

Each applicant must be a graduate from a college/school of Pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).  The Board requires the submission of a completed"Certification of Pharmacy Education" form confirming that the applicant has successfully graduated from a recognized school or college of pharmacy.  This form is required to be completed by the Dean of the College of Pharmacy.

Step 5: Certification of Intern Hours

Proof of 1500 hours of internship must be filed with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Applicants who graduated from an out-of-state college of pharmacy and completed the internship requirements of that state are deemed to have satisfied Iowa's internship requirements. The applicant shall submit documentation from the out-of-state internship program certifying completion of that state's requirements. Applicants who graduated from a colleges of pharmacy located in states with no formal internship training program shall submit documentation from that state's board of pharmacy or college of pharmacy certifying that the candidate has completed all prelicensure training requirements.

Step 6: Iowa MPJE

Applicant must register with NABP to take the Iowa MPJE.  Applicant must successfully pass the Iowa MPJE.