How much does a Pharmacist, Intern license cost in California?

The estimated total cost is $1,229, including application fees, exam fees ($680), and education costs.

How long does it take to get a Pharmacist, Intern license in California?

The process typically takes 3-6 months after PharmD graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.

What exam do I need for a Pharmacist, Intern license in California?

You need to pass the NAPLEX & CPJE (California Pharmacist Jurisprudence Examination). N/A

Pharmacist, Intern License in California

To become a licensed pharmacist in California, you need a PharmD degree, 1,500 internship hours, and must pass both the NAPLEX and California's unique CPJE exam (not the MPJE). The exam fee is $285, initial license is $215, and biennial renewal is $527. Total estimated initial cost is approximately $1,229.

Exam: NAPLEX & CPJE (California Pharmacist Jurisprudence Examination)
Total Cost: $1,229 (est.)
Timeline: 3-6 months after PharmD graduation
Renewal: Every Biennial

Requirements

Pharmacist, Intern license in California

gold

Veterans Benefits

N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee: $285
Exam Fee: $680
Renewal Fee: $527
Total Estimated Cost: $1,229

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Pharmacy

Website 9165747900 Email

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Pharmacist, Intern license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Application Fee

$285

Exam Fee

$680

Renewal Fee

$527

Total Estimated Cost

$1,229

Education / School Cost

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

Include first renewal fee ($527)

Application FeeEst.$285

Exam FeeEst.$680

Total Estimated Cost$965

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Pharmacist, Intern Salary in California

Entry Level

$87,170

Median

$165,150

Experienced

$208,070

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Pharmacist, Intern in California.

1

Submit Your Application

File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$285.
2

Receive Your License

Processing typically takes 3-6 months after PharmD graduation.

Pharmacist, Intern Licensing in California: What to Know

California is one of only a few states that does NOT use the MPJE for its jurisprudence exam, instead requiring the CPJE (California Pharmacist Jurisprudence Examination). This means pharmacists from other states cannot simply transfer MPJE scores — they must take the CPJE specifically. Application fee is $285, initial license is $215, and biennial renewal is $527 (includes a $12 CURES fee). California requires 1,500 internship hours or one year of out-of-state licensure. Live Scan fingerprinting is mandatory. Processing time is approximately 30 days once the application is complete. Foreign pharmacy graduates need FPGEC certification and TSE scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacist, Intern license cost in California?: The estimated total cost is $1,229, including application fees, exam fees ($680), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Pharmacist, Intern license in California?: The process typically takes 3-6 months after PharmD graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Pharmacist, Intern license in California?: You need to pass the NAPLEX & CPJE (California Pharmacist Jurisprudence Examination). N/A