What Is the NABP eLTP?
The NABP Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP) — formerly known as license reciprocity or endorsement — allows pharmacists licensed in one U.S. state to transfer their license to another participating state without retaking all licensure examinations from scratch.
The eLTP is managed entirely online through NABP's e-Profile system. NABP collects and verifies your licensure information and transmits it to your target state's Board of Pharmacy. The target state then makes the final licensure decision based on its own requirements.
eLTP Eligibility Requirements
Not every pharmacist qualifies for eLTP transfer. You must meet all of the following to be eligible:
- Active license: Your current pharmacist license must be active and in good standing in the transferring state.
- No disciplinary history: No pending disciplinary action, and no history of license suspension, revocation, or surrender in any jurisdiction.
- NAPLEX score requirement: You must have achieved a NAPLEX score of 75 or higher when you first took the exam. Note: if you passed via score transfer (used your NAPLEX score in a different state) in the past, eLTP eligibility applies.
- MPJE requirement: This is the most important rule — the eLTP does NOT transfer your MPJE score. Because the MPJE contains state-specific content, a score from one state cannot be transferred to another state. You will need to take the MPJE for your new state.
- Graduation from ACPE-accredited program: Or FPGEC-certified for international graduates.
- No unresolved criminal history: State boards have discretion based on criminal background check results.
The MPJE and License Transfer — The Most Misunderstood Rule
What this means practically: when you initiate an eLTP transfer to a new state, you will need to register for and pass the new state's MPJE before your new license becomes fully active in most states. Some states allow you to practice under a temporary permit while your MPJE is pending — check your target state's specific rules.
⚠️ MPJE Timing Is Critical
If you are relocating for a job, coordinate your MPJE preparation and test date with your employment start date. MPJE scheduling through Pearson VUE can take 2–4 weeks from registration to available appointment. Budget adequate time so your license is active before you need to start working.
eLTP Application Process: Step by Step
- Step 1: Log into your NABP e-Profile at nabp.pharmacy. If you do not have an e-Profile, create one — it's free.
- Step 2: Select "eLTP" from the services menu and choose your target state.
- Step 3: Pay the NABP eLTP processing fee (varies — check nabp.pharmacy for current fees).
- Step 4: Pay the target state's Board of Pharmacy application fee separately. Each state has its own fee.
- Step 5: NABP verifies your NAPLEX score, current license status, and disciplinary history with your home state.
- Step 6: NABP transmits your verification to the target state board.
- Step 7: Target state board reviews your application, may require additional documents (criminal background check, CE verification, jurisprudence course in some states).
- Step 8: Register for and pass the MPJE for your new state.
- Step 9: Target state issues your new pharmacist license.
State-Specific eLTP Requirements
Every state has its own requirements on top of the eLTP process. Common additional requirements include:
- Criminal background check: Most states require a fingerprint-based background check through the FBI and/or state police.
- CE verification: Some states require proof that you met your home state's CE requirements before transferring.
- Jurisprudence exam (separate from MPJE): California requires the CPJE (not the MPJE) for ALL applicants — including transfers. A few other states have separate jurisprudence courses or exams.
- Drug testing: Some states or circumstances may require drug screening.
- Practice verification: Some states require proof of recent active practice (e.g., practiced pharmacy within the past 3 years).
- Temporary permit: Many states offer a temporary practice permit while your eLTP application and MPJE are processed, allowing you to work as a licensed pharmacist in your new state during the transition.
Preparing for the New State MPJE After Transfer
Because you must take the MPJE for your new state, you need state-specific MPJE preparation. Even experienced pharmacists who passed the MPJE years ago for a different state need to study — especially for PDMP rules, CE requirements, state controlled substance schedules, and collaborative practice authority that differ from their previous state.
A focused 3–4 week state-specific MPJE preparation using your new state's pharmacy practice act and a state-specific question bank from PharmacyExam.com is the most efficient approach for experienced pharmacists transferring their license.