Pharmacy Law Exam: Guide To Applying For Att

To become a licensed pharmacist in the United States, candidates must pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) and the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). The MPJE is a 2.5-hour, 120-question computer-based exam that assesses a student's understanding of laws and regulations relating to pharmacy practice in a particular state or jurisdiction. To apply for the MPJE, candidates must complete the process outlined by their state board of pharmacy. Once the application and supplemental documentation are submitted and reviewed, the board will notify the candidate of their eligibility. The candidate will then receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the testing centre and can schedule their exam.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to take the pharmacy law exam and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have obtained one of the following degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or a Pharm.D. degree from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited college. Alternatively, if you graduated from a college of pharmacy program located outside the US, you must have full certification from the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Committee (FPGEC).
• Have completed the minimum number of internship hours as required by the ACPE (1,740 hours).
• Have passed both the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
• Register with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and pay the non-refundable fee for the exams.
• Submit official transcripts from your college of pharmacy. Transcripts are required if you are taking the MPJE for the first time, are not licensed in the US, or have never submitted transcripts to NABP before.
• Complete a fingerprint session.

Once you have met all of the above eligibility requirements, you will receive your ATT and can proceed to schedule your exam.

Application process

The application process for the pharmacy law exam involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for the Authorization to Test (ATT):

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before initiating the application process, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which you seek licensure. Most state boards of pharmacy require candidates to pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) and the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) for licensure. The MPJE, developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), focuses on assessing your understanding of pharmacy laws and regulations in a particular state or jurisdiction.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documents

The application process typically requires submitting various documents. These may include:

• Official identification with a photograph and signature (e.g., driver's license or state ID card)
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate, permanent resident card, naturalization papers, or passport
• Graduation affidavit or FPGEC certification, depending on your educational background
• Proof of completion of the minimum number of internship hours (e.g., 1,740 hours as required by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education)
• Transcripts (for new licensees) – These are required if you have never taken the MPJE, are not licensed in the US, or have never submitted transcripts to NABP.

Step 3: Apply with the State Board of Pharmacy

Submit your application for licensure by examination to the relevant state board of pharmacy, such as the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) in the case of Texas. You will need to use their Online Licensing System and pay the associated fee. This step may be completed up to six months before your expected graduation date.

Step 4: Attach Supplemental Documentation

During the online application process, you may attach the necessary supplemental documents mentioned in Step 2. If you are unable to attach them, you can mail them to the relevant address provided by the state board of pharmacy.

Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting

After submitting your online application, you will receive instructions to complete a fingerprint session. Ensure that you complete this step promptly.

Step 6: Register with NABP and Pay Exam Fees

Register with the NABP to take the required exams (MPJE and/or NAPLEX). Pay the non-refundable fee for each exam. This step can also be completed up to six months before your expected graduation date. However, you will not be authorized to take the exams until the state board of pharmacy approves your application and NABP/Testing Center provides the ATT.

Step 7: Wait for Application Review

The state board of pharmacy will review your application and supplemental documentation. This process can take at least eight weeks. If there are any issues or deficiencies, you will be notified via email. If your background check reveals any criminal history, an additional review by an in-house Enforcement Officer may be required, which can extend the process by several months.

Step 8: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)

Once your application is approved, the state board of pharmacy will notify NABP about your eligibility. NABP will then email you, allowing you to purchase the exams. After purchasing, you will receive the ATT from the testing center, typically via email within 24 hours. The ATT authorizes you to schedule and take the exams.

Supplemental documentation

The following items can be attached to the online License by Exam application:

• Copy of an Official Identification containing a Photograph and Signature (e.g. Driver’s License or State ID Card)
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card, Naturalization Papers, or US Passport

If any of the above documents list a different name from the one on the application, the applicant must submit a legal document of a court-ordered name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

After graduation, submit the following items:

• Graduation Affidavit completed and submitted by the applicant's College of Pharmacy or Copy of the FPGEC Certification
• Graduation Affidavit
• Certification of the minimum number of Pharmacist Internship Hours (1,740), which may be reported on the Graduation Affidavit

All supplemental documentation should be attached to the online application. If you are unable to attach the documents, you can mail them to the following address:

> ATTN: Pharmacist Licensing Specialist

> Texas State Board of Pharmacy

> 1801 Congress Avenue Suite 13.100

> Austin, TX 78701

If you are applying for licensure by reciprocity (license transfer), you may also need to attach the following to the online application:

Copy of the FPGEC Certification – required for any applicant who graduated from a college whose degree program is not accredited by the ACPE

Additional Information

Once you have completed your online application, you will receive an automated email with a link and service code to complete your fingerprinting. Ensure that you complete the Fingerprint Session as soon as possible if you have not been fingerprinted for another TSBP application.

You should receive your ATT within 45 days from the date you mail your application, provided that it is complete and you have submitted the registration forms and fees to NABP.

Review process

The review process for the pharmacy law exam application is a crucial step in ensuring that candidates meet the eligibility requirements. Here is a detailed overview of the review process:

Step One: Submission of Application and Supplemental Documentation:

Candidates must submit their application and all required supplemental documentation to the relevant state board of pharmacy, such as the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) or the Florida Board of Pharmacy. This typically includes identification, proof of education, and other supporting materials.

Step Two: Allow Time for Review:

The state board of pharmacy will review the application and supporting documentation. This process can take at least eight weeks. During this time, the board will verify the candidate's eligibility and ensure that all requirements are met.

Step Three: Addressing Deficiencies:

If there are any deficiencies or missing documents in the application, the candidate will be notified in writing via email. It is important for candidates to provide complete and accurate information to avoid delays in the review process.

Step Four: Criminal History Background Check:

In some cases, an additional review step may be required if the candidate has a criminal history. The application and background check results will be reviewed by an in-house Enforcement Officer. This review process can take a significant amount of time, possibly several months.

Step Five: Determination of Eligibility:

Once the board of pharmacy has reviewed all the submitted materials and addressed any concerns, they will determine the candidate's eligibility for the exam. If the candidate is determined to be eligible, the process moves to the next step.

Step Six: Notification of Eligibility and ATT Issuance:

Upon confirmation of eligibility, the state board of pharmacy will notify the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or a designated testing center. NABP will then email the candidate, informing them that they are eligible to purchase the exam. After purchasing the exam, the candidate will receive their Authorization to Test (ATT) via email, typically within 24 hours.

The ATT is a crucial document that allows candidates to schedule their exam. It is important to note that the ATT may have an expiration date, and candidates should be mindful of any time constraints associated with it.

The review process ensures that only qualified candidates are approved to take the pharmacy law exam. It is important for applicants to carefully follow the instructions, provide accurate information, and stay updated on the status of their application to ensure a smooth and timely review process.

Receiving ATT

Receiving your ATT is the penultimate step in the process of applying for the pharmacy law exam. Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps leading up to receiving the ATT:

Step 1: Apply with the State Board of Pharmacy

Submit the appropriate application and fee online through the Online Licensing System. This can be done as early as six months before the expected graduation date.

Step 2: Attach Supplemental Documentation

While completing the online application, attach the following items:

• Copy of an Official Identification containing a Photograph and Signature (e.g., Driver’s License or State ID Card)
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card, Naturalization Papers, or US Passport
• Graduation Affidavit completed and submitted by the applicant's College of Pharmacy or Copy of the FPGEC Certification
• Certification of the minimum number of Pharmacist Internship Hours, which may be reported on the Graduation Affidavit

Step 3: Register with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

Register with the NABP to take the required exams. Pay the non-refundable fee(s) for each exam.

Step 4: Application Review by State Board of Pharmacy

Allow at least eight weeks for the application and supplemental documentation to be reviewed. If there are any deficiencies, the applicant will be notified via email. If the applicant has a criminal history, an additional review by an in-house Enforcement Officer is required, which can take several months.

Step 5: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)

Once the applicant is determined eligible, the State Board of Pharmacy will notify NABP. NABP will email the applicant to confirm their eligibility and provide instructions to purchase the exams. After purchasing the exams, the applicant will receive the ATT from the testing center, typically via email within 24 hours. The ATT allows the applicant to schedule their exams.

It is important to note that the entire process may vary depending on the specific state and its requirements. Additionally, international candidates or those with a criminal history may have additional steps and requirements to fulfill.

Frequently asked questions