The path to becoming a licensed pharmacist in Connecticut is a structured process designed to ensure that all practitioners meet a high standard of professional competency. This licensure framework is overseen by the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Commission of Pharmacy, which regulate the profession. The Commission of Pharmacy holds jurisdiction over the practice of pharmacy and is responsible for approving the licensure and registration of all pharmacists and pharmacy interns within the state. Navigating this path requires adherence to state-specific regulations, beginning with education and culminating in a detailed administrative application.
Earning the Pharm.D. Degree
The foundational requirement for pharmacist licensure in the state is the completion of an accredited professional degree program. Aspiring pharmacists must graduate from a U.S. school of pharmacy that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree serves as the academic prerequisite for eligibility to take the required national licensing examinations. Graduation from an ACPE-accredited program confirms the candidate has completed a comprehensive curriculum. This step is mandatory for all applicants seeking licensure by examination in Connecticut, and the school provides verification of the completed degree directly to the Commission of Pharmacy.
Fulfilling Connecticut Internship Requirements
Before a candidate is eligible for full licensure, they must demonstrate practical experience through a mandated internship period. Connecticut law requires all applicants to complete a minimum of 1,500 pharmacy intern hours, fulfilling professional objectives approved by the Commission of Pharmacy.
The required hours can be accumulated through an educational experiential program established by an ACPE-accredited school, or through employment or voluntary work in a licensed pharmacy. Experience obtained through an industrial or research program is limited to a maximum of 400 hours credited toward the total requirement. Interns may not accumulate more than 40 clock hours in any single week.
All practical experience must be completed under the direct supervision of a licensed Connecticut pharmacist designated as a preceptor. A registered pharmacy intern is only permitted to compound and dispense drugs or perform pharmacy services when the pharmacist is physically present. Verification of the 1,500 intern hours must be reported directly to the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy by the school of pharmacy or the state board where the hours were earned.
Passing the Required Licensing Examinations
A candidate must pass two standardized examinations to demonstrate both clinical knowledge and an understanding of state-specific law.
The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is a national exam that assesses the candidate’s competency in the practice of pharmacy. The second examination is the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), which is a state-specific law exam. Candidates must take the Connecticut version of the MPJE to demonstrate proficiency in the state’s statutes and regulations. A passing score of 75 or better is required for licensure on both the NAPLEX and the MPJE.
Registration for both the NAPLEX and MPJE is managed through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Candidates must first complete the application process with the state before being issued an Authorization to Test (ATT) by the NABP. The NABP facilitates the score transfer process, reporting the successful examination results directly to the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy.
Completing the Initial Pharmacist License Application
After meeting the educational, experiential, and examination requirements, candidates must finalize the administrative process with the Department of Consumer Protection’s License Services Division. The initial application for a Pharmacist License by Examination must be submitted with a nonrefundable application fee of $200.00, payable to the “Treasurer, State of Connecticut.”
Required documentation includes the completed application form, verification of the 1,500 intern hours, and a recent passport-style photograph. The college of pharmacy must also complete a specific section of the application verifying the applicant’s degree. Once the Commission of Pharmacy receives the application and all supporting documentation, including the passing scores from NABP, the license is issued.
The licensing process generally takes approximately 15 business days from the date all passing scores are officially received. The newly issued pharmacist license is delivered electronically via email, and the status of the application can be monitored online through the state’s eLicense portal.
Licensing for Out-of-State Pharmacists by Endorsement
Pharmacists licensed in another state who wish to practice in Connecticut may pursue licensure through the endorsement process. This path is distinct from initial licensure by examination and is facilitated by the NABP’s Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (e-LTP), which verifies the pharmacist’s credentials and current good standing.
All endorsement applicants must successfully pass the Connecticut MPJE to demonstrate knowledge of the state’s specific pharmacy laws and regulations. The endorsement process also requires the applicant to appear for a personal interview before the Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy prior to the final issuance of the license. Once the NABP completes the initial verification, the official application for transfer is submitted to the Commission of Pharmacy with the required fee.
Once the application is submitted, an applicant may be eligible for a temporary permit to practice pharmacy. This permit allows the pharmacist to work for up to 180 days while the full endorsement application is processed. However, a pharmacist practicing under a temporary permit must always work alongside a fully licensed Connecticut pharmacist.
Renewing and Maintaining Your Connecticut License
Maintaining a pharmacist license requires annual renewal and the completion of continuing education (CE) requirements. The license expires annually on January 31st, and a renewal fee is required to keep the license active. The annual renewal cycle is based on the calendar year.
Pharmacists must complete a total of 15 hours of accredited CE credits each calendar year. These hours must include specific components mandated by the Commission of Pharmacy to ensure ongoing professional development. A minimum of five of the 15 hours must be obtained through attendance at a live presentation format. Furthermore, at least one hour must be dedicated to pharmacy law or drug law, and pharmacists who administer immunizations must complete one hour of CE each year on an immunization-related topic.