Step One: Applicant applies with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP)

The applicant must apply with TSBP for licensure by examination by submitting the appropriate application and fee online through the Online Licensing System. This part of the application process may be submitted as early as six months prior to the applicant’s expected graduation date.

Step Two: Applicant may attach supplemental documentation to TSBP online application

While completing the online application with TSBP, the applicant must attach each of the following items to the online License by Exam application:

• Copy of a current official identification containing a photograph and signature (for example, Driver’s License or State ID Card)
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of Birth Certificate (issued by state/county or Bureau of Vital Statistics), Permanent Resident Card, Naturalization Papers, or current Passport

All supplemental documentation should be attached to the online application. If you are not able to attach the documents, you may mail them to:

Step Three: Applicant requests the Graduation Affidavit

After graduation (or upon completion), submit the remaining items:

• Graduation Affidavit — must be completed, physically signed (not digitally), and currently dated by the Dean or Registrar of the applicant's College of Pharmacy and submitted by the school to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
• Certification of the minimum number of Pharmacist Internship Hours (1,740), which may be reported on the Graduation Affidavit.

The Dean or Registrar can mail the Graduation Affidavit to:

Step Four: Applicant completes Fingerprints

After you complete your online application, you will receive an automated email with the link and service code to complete fingerprinting. Make sure to complete the fingerprint session as soon as possible if you have not been fingerprinted for another TSBP application (TX Intern or TX Pharmacy Technician), and if you no longer have an active TX Intern or TX Pharmacy Technician license.

Further instructions: Schedule your fingerprint session with IdentoGO

Step Five: Applicant registers with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and submits the non-refundable fee for the exam

The applicant must register with NABP to take both the NAPLEX and MPJE exams. The applicant will also be required to pay the non-refundable fee(s) for each exam. This part of the application process may be submitted as early as six months prior to the applicant's expected graduation date. However, the applicant will not be authorized to take the exam(s) until TSBP has approved the applicant and NABP/testing center provides the Authorization to Test (ATT).

* Texas participates in the NAPLEX Score Transfer Program. Further information on NABP’s NAPLEX Score Transfer Program

Step Six: Application and supplemental documentation is reviewed by TSBP

Allow at least eight weeks for the application and supplemental documentation to be reviewed by TSBP. If there are any deficiencies in the application, the applicant will be notified in writing via email at the email address on file.

Additionally, if the applicant has something that will show on a criminal history background check, then the applicant and results from the background check must be reviewed by an in-house Enforcement Officer. This review process can take up to several months.

If it has been longer than 90 days, and you are certain that the application file is complete of all the above requirements, you may call 512-305-8070 and request a status of the Enforcement review.

Step Seven: Applicant receives Authorization to Test (ATT)

Once the applicant is determined eligible, TSBP will notify NABP that the applicant has met the eligibility requirements. NABP will email the applicant that they may purchase the exams.

Once the applicant has purchased the exams, they will receive the ATT from the testing center and will then be allowed to schedule the exams.

Step Eight: Applicant successfully takes and passes the Examinations

Once a week, NABP will provide TSBP with applicants who have received passing scores. Pharmacist licenses are issued in a group once a week, generally on Fridays. Once an applicant is licensed, their license will appear on the license verification search within 24 hours.

If an applicant believes they should be licensed, but cannot find it online, they should check again the following Friday.

New pharmacists will receive a letter from TSBP confirming they are licensed within three weeks.

Exam scores may be viewed through NABP. If an applicant fails any of the examinations, TSBP will email a retake packet within 3 weeks of receiving exam results from NABP.

In approximately four to six months from the date of licensure, a large wall certificate will be mailed to a pharmacist at the home address on file with TSBP. Maintain a current home address with TSBP and update the address through your online account if needed.

Step Nine: Renew Initial Pharmacist License

In accordance with Board rule 295.5, once an applicant for a pharmacist license has successfully completed all requirements for licensure, a license will be issued with a 30-day expiration date. The first renewal fee must be paid within the first 30 days of licensure.

For more information about renewals, Continuing Education requirements, and certificates, see FAQs for new Texas pharmacists.