How to Work in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Pharmacist

Licensed pharmacists, also called registered pharmacists, must meet specific requirements to practice in the United States.

The good news is that most states regularly license pharmacists from other countries, and there’s a well-established process for getting your qualifications recognized.

You’ll need to have the right education, pass a language proficiency exam and three knowledge exams, complete internship hours, and apply to your state licensing board. This article will break down each of these steps in more detail so you know exactly what to expect.

As we go through the process, we’ll point you to helpful websites, licensing board contact information, study resources, state-specific websites, and more. We will include all the important links, making it easy for you to find and access everything you need.

In this guide, we will answer the following questions:

Why Become a Pharmacist in the U.S.

Job Outlook and Salary

Considering the process can be lengthy, you might wonder if transferring your credentials to become a pharmacist in the U.S. is worth it.

The answer is yes: pharmacists are responsible for safeguarding their patients’ lives, as the medicines they provide can have a powerful impact. While the journey to licensure may take time, the financial rewards are well worth it. Pharmacy offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities across hospitals, retail pharmacies, research institutions, and many other healthcare settings.

A career in pharmacy often offers an impressive salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for licensed pharmacists in the U.S. is over $136,000 a year. Additionally, they estimate that 14,200 jobs are projected to open every year through 2033.

Salaries can vary depending on where you work, with some states offering significantly higher pay than others. Below is a snapshot of the average pharmacist salary in seven of the most popular states among immigrants, based on recent data from .

State	Average Annual Salary
California	$153,815
Florida	$124,649
Illinois	$131,621
Massachusetts	$138,266
New Jersey	$128,160
New York	$146,569
Texas	$128,914

Opportunities for Specialization and Career Growth

As you grow in your career, you can specialize in areas like clinical pharmacy, infectious diseases, or medication therapy management. These specializations and opportunities for promotion into roles like pharmacy manager or director can increase your earning potential as you take on more responsibility.

So now that we’ve established that there are clear opportunities and strong earning potential, let’s go over the steps you need to take to begin your journey.

Understanding Licensing Authorities

National vs. State Licensing

To become a licensed pharmacist in the U.S., you need to know which board will issue your pharmacy license.

While the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, or NABP, provides guidance and oversees important exams, your state’s licensing board is the final authority that will issue your license.

Each state has its own licensing board that sets the requirements for becoming a licensed pharmacist. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in the state where you plan to practice. For example, in California, you’ll work with the California State Board of Pharmacy, while in Florida, the Florida Board of Pharmacy handles licensing.

To help you find your state’s board, the NABP has created an interactive map with a directory of all the pharmacy boards in the United States.

How to Contact Your State Pharmacy Board

Let’s discuss the best way to contact your state’s board of pharmacy.

Reaching out to your state’s board of pharmacy is a key step in the licensing process. Whether you’re writing or calling, clear and complete communication is essential.

Tips for contacting the board:

• If English isn’t your first language, it can help to write your email or letter in your native language first, then translate it for clarity. We can help with this step.

• When writing an email or letter, include:

• Full name

• Phone number

• Mailing address

• Email address

• If calling, remember:

• Most boards are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Consider U.S. time zone differences when placing your call

Now that you know how to get in touch with your state’s board of pharmacy, let’s move on to the next important step in your journey.

The FPGEC Certification Process

Overview of the FPGEC Pathway

Luckily, the NABP has created a clear path for pharmacists educated abroad to get licensed in the U.S.

This starts with earning your Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee or FPGEC certification. Obtaining this certification is required for any foreign-educated pharmacist planning to take the NAPLEX and MPJE, two exams we’ll discuss later.

So now, let’s take a quick look at the steps required to gain your FPGEC certification. Then, we’ll go over each step in more depth later.

1. Pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
2. Complete and submit your FPGEC application.
3. Request a credential evaluation from Education Credential Evaluators (ECE).
4. Submit proof of your foreign pharmacy license or registration, along with supporting documents.
5. Pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE).

Before you can begin the process, it’s wise to create an NABP e-profile. You’ll use this online portal for multiple purposes throughout your licensing journey, so it’s a good idea to set it up early.

But just to be clear, these steps are only for obtaining your FPGEC certification. They’re not the full process to becoming a licensed pharmacist in the U.S., but they are an essential first step. Now, let’s take a more detailed look at each of these steps, and then we’ll look at additional information you need to know.

Step 1 – Passing the TOEFL Exam

So let’s begin by discussing the importance of passing the TOEFL.

The exam isn’t just a formality, it’s an important step for the NABP to make sure you have strong English skills before you move forward in the process. It’s also important to note that the NABP specifically says that the TOEFL is the only English proficiency exam they’ll accept.

Aside from gaining your FPGEC certification, English is essential in pharmacy work. You will use it when reviewing prescriptions, counseling patients, and speaking with coworkers.

Beyond your day-to-day work, you’ll also need strong English skills to keep your license active. As a pharmacist, you’ll be required to complete continuing education courses to stay licensed, and these courses are always in English.

Aside from helping you gain your FPGEC certification, passing the TOEFL can also give you an edge when it comes to finding a job. Employers in the U.S. will often look for proof that you have the language skills needed to thrive in a pharmacy setting. By showing you’ve passed the TOEFL, you demonstrate that you’re ready to communicate effectively with patients, doctors, and fellow healthcare professionals.

Step 2 – Completing the FPGEC Application

After passing the TOEFL, you’ll be able to start your FPGEC application.

To start the process, log into your NABP e-profile where you can pay the $750 application fee by credit or debit card.

Then, you’ll need to send in a few documents by mail. This step cannot be completed online, but we’ve included the address in the description box to make it easier to find.

The documents you’ll need to submit include the following:

• 2 identical passport-style photos

• A photocopy of your photo ID, which can be your US or foreign-issued passport, driver’s license, or any other government photo ID.

• An FPGEC attestation PDF document must be printed out and signed in front of a notary. The notary will need to review the photocopy and write, “I have reviewed the original document and attest that this is a true and exact copy of the original” on each page.

Step 3 – Ordering a Foreign Credential Evaluation

The next step after completing your application is to order a Foreign Credential Evaluation from ECE.

The purpose of a credential evaluation is to review the academic and professional qualifications of pharmacists who studied outside the U.S. and convert them into a format recognized by the FPGEC.

Since ECE and the FPGEC work together regularly, the process is designed to be as smooth as possible. The specific report you’ll need is called a “General Report”, which costs $100. You’ll also need to order an extra copy of your evaluation report and have it sent directly to the FPGEC.

To get this report, you need to submit official proof of your pharmacy degree. This means a document that clearly shows the title of your degree and the date it was issued. The document must come in a sealed envelope from the institution that awarded your degree, along with a stamp, seal, or signature overlapping the envelope flap. The sealed document can be sent directly by the institution, or you can submit it yourself as long as the envelope remains unopened.

Along with this document, you’ll also need to provide a photocopy of your pharmacy degree.

Finally, one important detail to keep in mind is that any document you submit that is not in English, must have an official English translation. In fact, the ECE explicitly states that any document that isn’t in English or includes non-English stamps or seals, must be accompanied by a word-for-word translation. We’ll cover more about certified translations a bit later.

Step 4 – Submitting Proof of Your Foreign Pharmacy License

After getting your credential evaluation, the next step is to submit proof of your foreign pharmacy license.

One of the requirements for obtaining your FPGEC certification is that you must already have a license or registration to practice pharmacy in a country outside the U.S. and you’ll need to submit proof of your license or registration.

This document must show the date it was issued, your license or registration number, and the seal or stamp of the organization that issued it. The document must also be delivered directly to the FPGEC in a sealed envelope.

Just like with your credential evaluation, if any part of your license or registration is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a certified, word-for-word English translation.

Certified Translations

Why Certified Translations Are Required

Certified translations are necessary when submitting documents that are not in English for credential evaluation or licensure purposes. Even if you’re fluent in English, you are not allowed to translate your own documents—translations must be completed by a qualified professional. Requirements may vary depending on whether the translation is done domestically or abroad, so it’s important to check with the specific agency or board to ensure your translations meet their standards.

What Certified Translations Do—and Don’t Do

Certified translations accurately convert the content of your academic and professional documents into English, allowing evaluators to review your credentials. However, they do not equate foreign degrees to U.S. standards or adjust grades. For example, if your transcript shows a grade of “10” in a system where 10 is the highest score, the translation will reflect that exact value—it won’t reinterpret it as an “A+.” Additional documents, such as recommendation letters or proof of work experience, may also benefit from certified translation when included in job or license applications.

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The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE)

Exam Registration and Process

Your final step before receiving your FPGEC certification is to take the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination.

Also called the FPGEE, this exam was created by the NABP to evaluate foreign pharmacy graduates. After earning your FPGEC certification, you’ll be cleared to sit for the NAPLEX and MPJE.

The FPGEE was created by the NABP, and they’ve partnered with a company called Pearson VUE to administer it. Once you pay the $750 exam fee through your NABP e-profile, you’ll receive an email from Pearson VUE with your Authorization to Test, which they call an ATT. Your ATT will contain your NABP ID number, which you’ll need in order to create a Pearson VUE Web Account. Through this online portal, you’ll also be able to schedule your exam date and time.

After you receive your ATT, you’ll also get a physical FPGEE Identification Card in the mail, which typically takes around 4 weeks. You’ll need to bring this card with you as your primary ID when you take the exam at a Pearson Professional Center. There are over 200 of these centers across the continental U.S. where you can take the exam. Just keep in mind, though, that the FPGEE is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or any U.S. territories.

Exam Structure and Content

The FPGEE is a computer-based exam administered by Pearson VUE. You’ll answer 200 questions in 4.5 hours, covering four key areas of pharmacy:

• Clinical Sciences (35%)

• Pharmaceutical Sciences (33%)

• Social & Administrative Sciences (22%)

• Basic Biomedical Sciences (10%)

For a detailed breakdown of what’s covered, check out the FPGEE Competency Statements, which the NABP describes as the exam’s blueprint, mapping out every topic you’ll need to know.

Scoring and Retakes

After you finish the exam, you can expect to receive your score within 8 weeks. The minimum passing score is 75, and it’s a scaled score, not just a percentage of correct answers. If you don’t pass, the fee to retake the exam is an additional $750, plus a $100 administrative fee.

However, there are several resources test-takers can take advantage of to avoid retaking the exam. For starters, the NABP has created a practice exam called the Pre-FPGEE.

You can take the practice exam for $75, and it’s available online to help you get familiar with the testing process and question format. It includes 66 questions from past FPGEEs, giving you a good idea of what to expect. You’ll have 85 minutes to complete the exam and you’ll need to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes for registration.

Study Resources and Support

If you’re looking for more study materials, there’s a book called The APha Complete Review for the FPGEE. You can find it on Amazon as both an e-book and a paperback for around $200. Plus, with a 4.5-star rating, you know it’s a popular choice among other foreign pharmacists.

Throughout your FPGEC certification process, you may want to connect with others who have already been through this process or are going through it alongside you. If that’s the case, there’s a Facebook group specifically for foreign pharmacists. The group has over 7 thousand members, with daily posts and fast responses from people who are familiar with the process. There, you can find advice on the FPGEE as well as other aspects of the certification journey.

After passing the FPGEE, you’ll earn your FPGEC certification which you’ll be able to view in your e-profile.

From there, your next steps will be to pass two more national exams and complete your internship hours.

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)

Eligibility and Registration

Let’s begin by looking at the details of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, or NAPLEX.

This exam is the official licensing exam for all pharmacists. If you want to dive into the finer details about the exam, you can check out the NAPLEX Candidate Application Bulletin. But for now, let’s go over the most important information.

To take the NAPLEX, you’ll follow a process similar to what we covered for the FPGEE. This exam was also developed and is overseen by the NABP, and it’s designed for both pharmacists educated in the U.S. and foreign-educated pharmacists who have earned FPGEC certification.

First, you’ll apply for exam eligibility through the Exam Services section of your NABP e-Profile and pay the $520 fee. During this process, you may see a requirement to submit school transcripts, but if you’ve earned your FPGEC certification, NABP will already have them on file, so you won’t need to send them again.

Once your eligibility is approved, you’ll be able to sign up for the exam through your e-Profile. After that, NABP will email you your Authorization to Test, or ATT- just like the one you received for the FPGEE. You’ll also need to ensure that your name on the ATT matches your name exactly as it’s written on your government identification.

The final step is booking your test with Pearson VUE, which also administers the NAPLEX and has testing locations throughout the United States. If you’re wondering how close a Pearson VUE testing center is to your home, you can use a webtool they’ve created called ‘Find a Test Center.‘ Just enter your address, and it will show you the nearest locations.

Once you schedule, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.

Exam Format and Subject Breakdown

Now, let’s take a closer look at the exam details.

On the day of the exam, make sure to bring a US government-issued ID, like a passport or driver’s license, that matches the name on your ATT email.

The NAPLEX consists of 225 questions, which you’ll have 6 hours to complete. Only 200 questions count toward your score, while the other 25 are trial questions for future exams. However, you won’t be able to tell which questions count toward your score and which don’t.

Most questions are scenario-based, where you’ll use a hypothetical patient profile or medical record to answer. You may need to scroll through the profile to make sure you don’t miss anything before moving on. There are also stand-alone questions that don’t rely on a scenario and can be answered with the information in the question itself. You’ll need to answer all questions in order, without skipping or going back to change your answers once confirmed.

Starting May 1st, 2025, the exam will be divided into five sections. The first, Foundational Knowledge for Pharmacy Practice, makes up 25% of the test, with 50 questions. The second, Medication Use Process, is also 25% with another 50 questions.

The third section, Person-Centered Assessment and Treatment Planning, is the largest, covering 40% of the exam with 80 questions. Professional Practice comes next at 5%, with 10 questions, and finally, Pharmacy Management and Leadership accounts for 5%, with only 10 questions. If you want to review the exam subject matter more closely, you can look over the NAPLEX Content Outline.

Scoring, Limits, and Study Tools

Your result will be listed as pass or fail in your NABP e-profile within 14 business days of the exam. A numerical score report won’t be provided to you. However, if you don’t pass, you’ll receive a performance report with details on how you performed in each competency area.

If you don’t pass on your first try, keep in mind that hopeful pharmacists can only take the exam up to 5 times in total, and no more than 3 times within a 12-month period.

But, you can avoid needing to take the exam more than once by making use of available study resources online.

​​A great place to start is the Pre- NAPLEX, a practice exam from NABP that you can take from the comfort of your home. It features 100 questions from retired exams, giving you a realistic test experience. You’ll have 140 minutes to complete it, and your score will be available to review right away. Each attempt costs $75, and you can take it up to 2 times per year by logging into your NABP e-Profile and clicking on the “Practice Exams” button.

If you’re looking for additional study help, the UWorld NAPLEX Course Book costs $225 and covers all key exam topics across 80 chapters. It also includes a full-length practice exam to test your knowledge.

If you want more than just the book, you can subscribe to UWorld’s online resources for $1,000 for 180 days or $1,200 for 360 days. This subscription includes the book and gives you access to a question bank with over 3,400 NAPLEX-style questions, each with detailed explanations.

Since the NAPLEX focuses on patient cases, you’ll also get realistic case scenarios to help you analyze and apply information, just like on test day. Plus, you can use online flashcards to review material and strengthen weaker areas. The subscription also includes video lectures that go along with the book’s content.

You can download the UWorld app, which is available for Apple and Android devices, to study on the go.

The Facebook group we mentioned earlier when discussing the FPGEE is also designed to help people through the NAPLEX exam. It’s a great place to find moral support and get answers to any of your important questions as soon as possible.

The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE)

Purpose and State-Specific Versions

After successfully completing the NAPLEX, the next step in your journey to becoming a licensed pharmacist is to take the MPJE.

How many days or weeks you choose to leave between the two exams is your choice.

Some candidates decide to take them on consecutive days, while others prefer to space them out over a few weeks or anywhere in between. But, it may be a good idea to give yourself at least a few days to rest and review your study materials.

Like the first two exams, the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, or MPJE, was developed by the NABP. However, unlike the NAPLEX, which focuses more on pharmaceutical knowledge, the MPJE is designed to test your understanding of laws and regulations that govern pharmacy practice.

Since laws vary between states, each jurisdiction has its own version of the MPJE, except for California, which has its own exam, the CPJE, that we’ll discuss later. No matter which state you live in, you will need to pass the required exam to practice pharmacy.

Exam Fee and Registration

When it comes to cost, the MPJE has a fee of $170 for the exam itself, plus an additional $100 for the application fee. So, in total, you’ll need to pay $270 to take the test.

The good news is, like the NAPLEX, the MPJE is administered through Pearson VUE so by now, you should be pretty familiar with the process of signing up for the exam through your NABP e-profile. You’ll know where the closest testing center is, how to find your ATT in your email, the importance of bringing the correct government-issued ID, and how to use the computers at the testing center.

Exam Structure and Content Areas

The exam lasts 2 and ½ hours and consists of 120 questions, all administered on a computer. The MPJE uses ‘adaptive technology’ to ensure that the exam is tailored to your level of knowledge and provides a more accurate assessment of your understanding.

You must answer the questions in the order they appear. Once you’ve submitted an answer, you can’t go back and change it, and you can’t skip questions.

Although the content of the MPJE can vary from one version to another, all versions of the exams are divided into four general areas.

The first area, Licensure and Personnel, makes up 22% of the exam. The second area, Pharmacist Practice, is the largest and accounts for 33%. The third area, Dispensing Requirements, represents 24%, and the final and fourth area, Pharmacy Operations, makes up 21%. If you want more detailed information on these topics, you can take a look at the MPJE Competency Statements, which provide a breakdown of each area.

Scoring, Retakes, and Study Support

Out of the 120 questions, only 100 will count toward your final score. The remaining 20 questions are pretest questions, which are used to test new items for future versions of the exam. However, you won’t know which questions are pretest, so you should treat all of them the same.

Just like the other exams, your MPJE results will be a simple pass or fail, and you’ll receive the results in your e-Profile within 14 business days of finishing the exam. Luckily, the NABP will also forward your exam results directly to the state board where you’re hoping to become licensed. If you don’t pass, you’ll get a detailed report showing which competency areas need improvement.

Similar to the previous two exams, the NABP offers a ‘pre-MPJE’ practice exam, which includes 40 questions to help you get familiar with the format. You’ll have 50 minutes to complete the practice exam, which was created using questions from earlier versions of the MPJE. Afterward, you’ll receive a scaled score via email to print or download. The exam costs $75 and can be accessed online through your NABP e-Profile by clicking the “Practice Exams” button.

Just like the NAPLEX, one of the most popular MPJE study guides comes from UWorld as a subscription service. You can purchase 90 days of access for $250 or 180 days for $300. Either way, you’ll get Uworld’s comprehensive course manual, 225 practice questions, a 90-question practice exam, access to video lectures, and most importantly, flashcards specific to your state. You can also use the same Android or Apple apps I mentioned earlier.

And again, that same Facebook group with over 7,000 members is also set up for people taking the MPJE. Keep in mind that foreign pharmacists have to take all these exams, so you’ll find plenty of people who can relate to your experience and share helpful advice.

Internship Requirements

Overview

After passing the NAPLEX and MPJE, many states will require you to complete a certain number of internship hours before you can apply to become a licensed pharmacist.

During this time, you’ll not only gain valuable experience but also earn money while working in a pharmacy setting. In fact, pharmacy interns can make anywhere from $45 thousand to $80 thousand annually, according to ZipRecruiter and Zippia.

Requirements by State

Requirements for pharmacist licensure can vary significantly from one state to another. Below is a comparison of key criteria in seven of the most popular states where immigrants often move to the U.S., including internship hours, fees, and any state-specific exams.

State	Hours Required	Fee	State Exam
California	1,500	$260	CPJE, $200
Florida	2,080	$295	NA
Illinois	400	$100	NA
Massachusetts	1,500	$421	NA
New Jersey	1,440	$125	NA
New York	2,080	$115	NA
Texas	1,500	$238	NA

While each state has its own process, most follow a similar framework. Be sure to confirm details with your state’s pharmacy board, as requirements may change or differ slightly based on your individual background.

License Renewal Requirements

Requirements by State

After earning their licenses, pharmacists must renew them every 2 or 3 years, depending on the state.

After earning their licenses, pharmacists must keep their credentials current by completing continuing education and renewing their license on a regular schedule. The table below outlines license renewal requirements for seven key states, including renewal periods, CE hours, and associated fees.

State	Renewal Cycle	CE Hours	Fee
California	2 years	30	$468
Florida	2 years	30	$205
Illinois	2 years	30	$150
Massachusetts	2 years	40	$150
New Jersey	2 years	30	$140
New York	3 years	45	$224
Texas	2 years	30	$378

Even if you plan to work in another state, these examples will give you a general idea of what to expect, since renewal requirements tend to be similar across most states. That being said, always check with your state’s pharmacy board for the most up-to-date requirements. Staying informed and on schedule will ensure your license remains active throughout your career.

Final Thoughts on the U.S. Licensure Process

So, that wraps up our overview of the pharmacist licensure process across the United States and in some of the most popular states for immigrants hoping to relocate to the U.S.

While each state may have some specific differences in its requirements, most follow similar guidelines. So, the information we’ve covered should help you know what to expect no matter where you decide to practice.

As you plan your move to the U.S., you’ll find that pharmacists are in high demand, offering plenty of job opportunities and high earning potential. While the licensing process can take time, it’s a worthwhile journey that opens doors to a high-paying career.

Once you’re licensed, you may have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as compounding pharmacy or pediatric pharmacy, take on leadership roles, or even pursue teaching and mentorship positions.

As you look forward to the exciting opportunities in your pharmacy career, it’s also important to stay on top of the overall immigration process. In addition to translating professional documents like university transcripts and degree certificates, you may need certified translations for things such as your birth or marriage certificates. If you need help with other translations, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you with the resources you need to begin your new career.

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