Iowa Board of Pharmacy |
CE Requirements

Iowa licensed pharmacists must renew their licenses biennially to maintain the right to practice. Renewal applications are due by June 13 for every 2-year cycle with a renewal fee of $180. The renewal period is defined as the timeframe spanning from April 1 (prior to the previous license expiration) through June 30. Renewals may be completed online by signing into the Board’s Online Profile Login. Click the “Renew” option and follow the prompts.

Biennial Continuing Education Requirements

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy requires 30 continuing education (CE) hours to be completed every 2 years. These education hours may be completed in a live or home study setting. 

Pharmacist licensees may earn a maximum of 13 CPE hours by participating in activities offered by an accredited CME or other health care providers. The content of the activity, however, must be directly relevant to a pharmacist’s practice. 

1. A pharmacist who fails to complete the required CPE hours within the renewal period shall be required to complete one and one-half times the number of delinquent CPE hours prior to reactivation of the license.
2. CPE hours that are used to satisfy the CPE requirement for one renewal period shall not be used to satisfy the requirement for a subsequent renewal period.
3. Failure to receive a license renewal application or notice of license renewal shall not relieve the pharmacist of the responsibility of meeting CPE requirements.

1. Pharmacist’s full name and CPE Monitor e-profile identification number.
2. Number of contact hours or CEUs awarded for activity completion.
3. Date of live activity or date of completion of home study activity.
4. Name of accredited provider.
5. Activity title and universal activity number.

1. A pharmacist shall provide or report to the board, in the format specified on or with the pharmacist license renewal application, attestation that the CPE requirements have been met.
2. The board may require a pharmacist to submit activity statements of credit or other documented evidence of successful completion of the activities reported as fulfilling the CPE requirements.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy does allow for licensure by reciprocity for pharmacists. The applicant must: 

1. Complete the NABP Application for Licensure Transfer.
2. Complete the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Application for Licensure by License Transfer.
3. Complete the criminal history background check/fingerprint packet.
4. Register and pass the Iowa MPJE on the NABP website.

Note: An applicant for license transfer can request a temporary license for pharmacy practice. The license is valid for up to 3 months while the applicant completes and passes the MPJE.

The Iowa State Board of Pharmacy requires a minimum of 30 continuing education hours every 2 years. The CE requirement must be fulfilled by the renewal date of June 13.

A pharmacist license may be obtained through examination or reciprocity. To obtain licensure via examination, the applicant must:

1. Complete the Licensure by Examination Application.
2. Complete the criminal history background check/fingerprint packet.
3. Register and pass the NAPLEX and MPJE with NAPB.
4. Provide completed “Certification of Pharmacy Education” from an accredited college of pharmacy or FPGEC certification 
5. Provide proof of 1500 internship hours under a licensed pharmacist

Iowa does not mandate live CE hours as a requirement for pharmacist license renewal, but incorporating them into your education can be extremely beneficial. Participating in live online CE sessions allows you to engage in interactive discussions and promptly obtain clarifications.

Take advantage of the opportunity by enrolling in a freeCE Gold Membership today. This membership grants you convenient access to our comprehensive library of home study materials and live webinars, all of which fulfill the state’s renewal requirements. With a wide selection of daily live sessions and the option for on-demand training, you have the flexibility to design a schedule that perfectly suits your needs.

Pharmacists licensed in Iowa must acquire continuing education in areas such as drug therapy, pharmacy regulations, and patient and medication safety. freeCE provides a large array of options for pharmacists to not only complete these requirements but to also choose topics that specifically appeal to you or your area of expertise.