Maryland BOARD OF PHARMACY
CE REQUIREMENTS | LIVE CERT

Pharmacy licenses can be verified through the Maryland Board of Pharmacy myLicense System. 

Maryland Board of Pharmacy licensees must renew their licenses biennially to maintain the right to practice. Additionally, licensees must complete 30 continuing education (CE) hours and pay a fee of $261. Renewal applications are due on the last day of the pharmacist’s birth month every other year. 

On the initial license renewal following April 1, 2022, all healthcare professionals are required to undergo an implicit bias training program that has been sanctioned by the Cultural and Linguistic Health Care Professional Competency Program.

To renew a pharmacist license, visit the Maryland Department of Health website, click “PHARMACIST RENEWAL APPLIC​ATION” and follow the prompts to complete the application. Once completed, applications must be postmarked at least 2 weeks before the expiration date.

Biennial Continuing Education Requirements

Maryland Board of Pharmacy requires 30 continuing education (CE) hours to be completed every 2 years. A minimum of 2 hours must be completed through live instruction.

For first renewal on or after 4/1/2022, health care practitioners must take implicit bias training, one-time only.

Additional CE Requirements

If a pharmacist is immunization-trained and certified, 4 hours (out of the 30-hour requirement) of CE must be completed on the topic of vaccines.

If a pharmacist is authorized to dispense contraceptives, 1 hour (out of the 30-hour requirement) of CE must be completed on the subject.

Section 10.34.18.03: Requirements for Pharmacists Practicing in Maryland

1. A pharmacist license expires on the last day of the pharmacist’s birth month every other year.
2. Before the expiration date of the pharmacist’s license, the pharmacist shall:

(1) File a renewal application;

(2) Pay any applicable fees; and

(3) Earn continuing pharmaceutical education (CE) credits required by this chapter.

1. CE Requirements.

(1) A pharmacist licensed to practice in Maryland applying for renewal shall:

(a) Earn 30 hours of approved CE within the 2 years immediately preceding the license expiration date that includes:

(i) 1 hour on the topic of preventing medication errors, such as appropriate dispensing of opioids; and

(ii) 2 hours of CE obtained through live instruction;

(b) Attest to the fact that the pharmacist has completed the CE requirement on a Board approved form; and

(c) Retain supporting documents for inspection by the Board for 4 years after the date of renewal for which the CE credits were used.

(2) A pharmacist certified to administer vaccinations in Maryland applying for renewal shall:

(a) As part of the 30 hours of approved CE requirement, complete 4 hours of CE credits related to vaccinations; or

(b) If registered to administer vaccines before October 1, 2008 for the first renewal of the registration after that date, demonstrate that 4 CE credits taken include education about the herpes zoster and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines.

Section 10.34.34.09: Continuing Education

1. Requirements.

(1) A pharmacy technician registered to practice in Maryland shall earn 20 hours of approved continuing pharmaceutical education within the 2-year period immediately preceding the registrant’s renewal application.

(2) For the first renewal period during which continuing education is mandatory for a pharmacy technician, the Board of Pharmacy shall require only 10 hours of continuing education requirements.

(3) A pharmacy technician shall:

(a) Attest to the fact that the pharmacy technician has completed the continuing pharmacy technician education requirement on the required form; and

(b) Retain supporting documents for inspection by the Board for 4 years after the date of renewal for which the continuing education credits were used.

1. Accredited Continuing Education Providers.

(1) The following providers are approved for any programs they offer which otherwise qualify for continuing education credit:

(a) Accreditation Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE);

(b) All schools of pharmacy accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP); and

(c) Out-of-State providers approved by a state board of pharmacy.

(2) Procedures for Approval of Additional Programs.

(a) Other providers shall initially request Board approval for individual programs.

(b) An approved program is valid for a 2-year period.

(c) The approved provider shall submit to the Board changes to the program that differ from the initial submission of information for Board approval.

(d) Failure to submit to the Board changes to an approved program may result in the Board withdrawing approval of the program.

(3) Providers of continuing education shall furnish a certificate of completion to participants who qualify that includes the:

(a) Name of the participant;

(b) Name of the provider;

(c) Description of course work;

(d) Number of hours;

(e) Date of completion; and

(f) Program identification number or provider number on the certificate.

1. Miscellaneous.

(1) Credits may not be carried over from one continuing education period to another.

(2) The Board of Pharmacy may grant an exception from the continuing education requirements if the pharmacy technician presents evidence that failure to comply was due to circumstances beyond the pharmacy technician’s control.

(3) Falsifying continuing education records is grounds for disciplinary action under Health Occupations Article, § 12-6 B-09(2) and (3), Annotated Code of Maryland.

(4) If the Board provides a form for information, the pharmacy technician shall use the form to supply the requested information to the Board.

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

The Maryland Board of Pharmacy does allow for licensure by reciprocity for pharmacists. The applicant is required to:

• Have completed a minimum of 520 hours of pharmacy experience hours (post-graduation)
• Complete and submit the Application for Pharmacist Licensure Reciprocity
• Complete and submit the NABP Preliminary Application
• Submit a check or money order for $300 (application fee)
• Apply, register, and pass the MPJE

The Maryland State Board of Pharmacy requires a minimum of 30 hours every 2 years. Of these 30 hours, 2 hours must be completed in a live setting.

For first renewal on or after 4/1/2022, health care practitioners are required to take implicit bias training, one-time only.

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

• Complete and submit the New Pharmacist Application 
• Submit a check for a $150 Pharmacist Examination Fee
• Register and pass the FPGEE exam (if needed), the NAPLEX, and MPJE 

The address for the submission of materials is 4201 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215.

Further details and instructions can be found on the Maryland Department of Health website.

The Maryland State Board of Pharmacy mandates that out of the total 30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) required, 2 hours must be acquired through live sessions. Additionally, Maryland-licensed pharmacists are required to earn CE related to medication errors as well as immunizations and contraceptives if applicable. With freeCE, fulfilling these requirements from the comfort of your home becomes effortless. 

Enroll in a freeCE Gold Membership today to conveniently access all of our home study and live webinars that fulfill the state requirements for renewal. This subscription grants you unlimited access to numerous live sessions daily, alongside on-demand training options, allowing you to create a schedule that aligns perfectly with your needs.

Maryland-licensed pharmacists can enhance their professional knowledge by earning continuing education (CE) credits, covering required topics such as medication errors, immunizations, and contraceptives. These requirements may be met while retaining the freedom to choose subjects that match their individual interests or areas of expertise, courtesy of the extensive selection provided by freeCE.