Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 2-21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and temperate habits. 3) Must be a graduate of an accredited college or school of pharmacy approved by the Board. 4) Must complete an application for licensure and pay the appropriate fees. 5) Successful completion of State and federal criminal background checks. 6) Successful completion of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). 7) Successful completion of the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam. 8) Successful completion of 2,000 hours of approved internship training. 9) Thirty hours of continuing education every biennium.
- Examinations Required, Application
- 2
Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and temperate habits. 3) Must be a graduate of an accredited college or school of pharmacy approved by the Board. 4) Must complete an application for licensure and pay the appropriate fees. 5) Successful completion of State and federal criminal background checks. 6) Successful completion of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). 7) Successful completion of the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam. 8) Successful completion of 2,000 hours of approved internship training. 9) Thirty hours of continuing education every biennium.
- Examinations Required, Application fee: $60.00, License fee: $75.00 per year, Renewal fee: $150.00 every 2 years, Reciprocity (License transfer) fee: $236.25 - odd year / $311.25 - even year
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
Certification: Certification may substitute for license requirements.
- 8
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 9
Many community pharmacists are provided managerial, personnel, and administrative training opportunities in addition to their professional responsibilities.
- 10
4) Must complete an application for licensure and pay the appropriate fees.
- 11
5) Successful completion of State and federal criminal background checks.
- 12
6) Successful completion of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
- 13
7) Successful completion of the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam.
- 14
8) Successful completion of 2,000 hours of approved internship training.
Exam and processing details
- Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing education and program notes
- continuing education every biennium
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$134,230 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and temperate habits. 3) Must be a graduate of an accredited college...; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and temperate habits. 3) Must be a graduate of an accredited college...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required Jurisprudence Exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and temperate habits. 3) Must be a graduate of an accredited college...; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and temperate habits. 3) Must be a graduate of an accredited college...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $134,230, Pharmacists in Arkansas earn 2% below the national median of $137,480. Arkansas ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$134,230Hourly estimate
$64.532% below national median
Difference: -$3,250
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#38 of 50 statesfor Pharmacist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $165,150 |
| #2 | Alaska | $163,200 |
| #3 | Oregon | $163,120 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,020 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $154,610 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $134,230 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 2-21 years |
| Missouri | $137,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Tennessee | $131,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Mississippi | $132,420 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $129,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 months |
| Texas | $136,950 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $132,360 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy
322 South Main Street, Suite 600, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5016820190
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Pharmacists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacists.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Pharmacist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in Arkansas is $134,230. Salaries range from $101,140 (10th percentile) to $159,980 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in Arkansas earn 2% below the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $134,230.
How many Pharmacists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 3,100 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at https://www.pharmacyboard.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.