Connecticut Board of Pharmacy |
CE Requirements

Connecticut-licensed pharmacists must renew their licenses annually to maintain the right to practice. Renewal applications are due by January 31 of every year with a renewal fee of $100 and notices are sent 30-45 days prior to the expiration date. Renewals may be completed online by signing into the State of Connecticut eLicense Portal with the assigned user ID and password. If renewal by mail is preferred or if the renewal notice was not received, email dcp.licenseservices@ct.gov and include the licensee name, license type, license number, and email address. 

Annual Continuing Education Requirements

The Connecticut Board of Pharmacy requires 15 continuing education (CE) hours to be completed every calendar year prior to the renewal date of January 31. Of the 15-hour requirement, 5 must be completed in a live setting. 

Additional CE Requirements

Additionally, if the pharmacist is an immunizer, they must complete an additional CE hour related to vaccinations.

Title 20, Chapter 600 – Continuing education: Requirements; renewal of licenses; regulations

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), (f) and (g) of this section, the commission shall not authorize the department to renew a license to practice pharmacy as a pharmacist unless the pharmacist applying for the renewal submits a statement signed under the penalty of false statement that the pharmacist has satisfactorily completed not less than fifteen contact hours of accredited continuing professional education in the previous calendar year immediately preceding expiration of the license. Not less than five contact hours of the annual continuing education requirement shall be earned by attendance at a live presentation of an accredited continuing professional education program. At least one of the fifteen contact hours shall be on the subject matter of pharmacy law or drug law.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a pharmacist who applies for the first year of a license to practice pharmacy.

(c) A pharmacist submitting an application for renewal of a license to practice pharmacy, whose license has lapsed and who has not held a license authorized by the commission and issued by the department for more than two years, shall submit a statement signed under the penalty of false statement that the pharmacist has satisfactorily completed the requirements of this section in each of the years in the two-year period prior to the year of the application for renewal.

(d) A pharmacist who applies for renewal of a license to practice pharmacy shall retain all certificates of approved continuing education units for a period of not less than three years after the date on which such license is renewed. A pharmacist shall, upon the request of the department, and to satisfy the results of a random audit, make such certificates available to the department for purposes of verification.

(e) Continuing education units earned in one calendar year shall not be carried forward into the next calendar year for the purpose of fulfilling the subsequent year’s accredited continuing professional education requirement for license renewal.

(f) A pharmacist who was unable to comply with the requirements of this section for reasons such as illness, incapacity or other extenuating circumstances may apply for a waiver of the requirements of this section or for an extension of time to fulfill the requirements of this section. A pharmacist who requests such a waiver or extension of time shall submit the request, in writing, to the department with the license renewal application. The department shall forward such a request to the commission for its consideration. If the commission waives the requirements of this section, the commission shall authorize the department to renew the license of such a pharmacist. If the commission extends the time for compliance with the requirements of this section, the commission shall authorize the department to renew the license, subject to the pharmacist’s complying with the requirements of this section within the extended time period. If the pharmacist fails to comply with such requirements within the extended time period, the commission shall revoke or suspend the license.

(g) The commission may authorize the department to waive the requirements of this section and renew the license of a retired pharmacist provided the license is designated as an inactive license. A retired pharmacist holding an inactive license shall be required to obtain thirty hours of continuing education, not less than ten hours of which shall be earned by attendance at a live presentation, and apply for and receive a license to practice pharmacy issued pursuant to sections 20-570 to 20-630, inclusive, before the retired pharmacist reenters the active practice of pharmacy.

(h) The commissioner, with the advice and assistance of the commission, may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to carry out the provisions of this section.

We cannot guarantee this is the most up-to-date version of this code section. Please refer to the Connecticut Code for the most accurate information.

The Connecticut Board of Pharmacy does allow for licensure by reciprocity for pharmacists, if licensed in another US state/territory and previously had at least 1 year of practice in the profession of pharmacy.

• Complete and submit the NABP Application for Licensure Transfer 
• Download and print the “Official Application for Transfer of your Pharmacist License” pdf to mail to the Department of Consumer Protection License Services Division with a check or money order for $200 (payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut”)
  • Address: 450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 801, Hartford, CT 06103

After the application is submitted and registration for the CT MJPE is complete, an “Authorization to Test” will be received. Applicants can proceed to take and pass the CT MPJE with a minimum score of 75. Additionally, applicants can apply for a “Temporary Permit to Practice Pharmacy” in Connecticut that will allow them to practice pharmacy for 180 before obtaining permanent licensure.

• If an applicant utilizes the temporary permit, they must practice with a Connecticut-licensed pharmacist.

The Connecticut State Board of Pharmacy requires a minimum of 15 continuing education hours every year. The CE requirement must be fulfilled by the renewal date of January 31.

A pharmacist license may be obtained through examination or reciprocity. To obtain licensure via examination, the applicant must have attended an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school within the US and completed 1500 intern hours. Additionally, applicants should complete the following steps:

• Complete the Application For Licensure As A Pharmacist By Examination to mail in or apply online
• Pay application fee of $200 to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut 
• Submit a recent photo of the applicant
• Apply/register for the CT MPJE and NAPLEX

After the application is submitted and registration for the CT MJPE is complete, an “Authorization to Test” will be received. Applicants can proceed to take and pass the required examinations. 

Connecticut mandates live CE hours for pharmacist license renewal and actively participating in these sessions can provide significant advantages. Engaging in live online CE courses immerses you in dynamic and interactive learning experiences.

To enhance your access to our comprehensive range of home study and live webinar options that meet Connecticut’s renewal requirements, we strongly recommend enrolling in a freeCE Gold Membership today. This subscription offers the convenience of daily live sessions and on-demand training alternatives, giving you the flexibility to design a schedule that perfectly aligns with your specific needs.

For pharmacists, freeCE simplifies the fulfillment of state-mandated CE requirements, providing ease, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. If you are a pharmacist with a Connecticut license, you may be required to obtain CE credits in areas such as pharmacy law and immunizations. freeCE provides a wide array of options, allowing pharmacists not only to meet these mandatory obligations but also to choose topics that resonate with their passions or areas of expertise.