Pharmacist License Renewal in Kentucky (2026)

Pharmacist license renewal in Kentucky is handled by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy, which requires Pharmacist (RPh)s to renew every 12 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Kentucky Pharmacist renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle12 months
Deadline ruleAn active pharmacist (RPh) license is renewed annually and expires on February 28 each year. Renewal opens early in January, and the required CE must be completed/certified before renewing. Failure to renew on time triggers a delinquent penalty.
CE hours required15 hours
Renewal fee$95.00
Online renewalYes
CE tracking systemCPE Monitor (NABP)
Governing bodyKentucky Board of Pharmacy

Go to the official Kentucky Board of Pharmacy renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. automated research workflow (official kentucky Board of Pharmacy), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Pharmacists in Kentucky

Pharmacists must complete 15 contact hours of general pharmacy continuing education each licensing year (the CE earning period runs March 1 through February 28), certified by February 28 prior to renewal. For licensing years 2023 through 2028, at least 1 of the 15 hours must address the opioid epidemic or opioid use disorder. All courses/providers must be ACPE-accredited or Kentucky Board of Pharmacy-approved; non-ACPE courses can be submitted for board approval within 30 days via the Licensure Gateway. Records/certifications must be kept for 3 years. No explicit separate pharmacy law/jurisprudence, immunization, or patient-safety CE hour mandate beyond the general 15 hours and the opioid hour was found. A pharmacist first licensed within the 12 months immediately preceding the annual renewal date is exempt from CE for that year.

Need approved hours? Compare Kentucky Pharmacist CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your Pharmacist license in Kentucky

  1. Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy portal.
  2. Complete the required 15 CE hours and confirm they appear in CPE Monitor (NABP).
  3. Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
  4. Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.
Good to know: Renewal cycle is annual (not biennial). The official board renewal fee per 201 KAR 2:050 Section 1 is $95, and the delinquent renewal penalty is also $95 (added on top of the renewal fee); third-party sites quote ~$105, which appears to include a portal/service surcharge rather than the statutory board fee. Inactive-status renewal is $10/year. The Board uses NABP CPE Monitor for CE audits. Renewal is filed online through the Licensure Gateway (gateway.pharmacy.ky.gov) or by mailed paper application. Fees are non-refundable.

Pharmacist license renewal in Kentucky: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Pharmacist license in Kentucky?

Kentucky Pharmacist licenses renew every 12 months. An active pharmacist (RPh) license is renewed annually and expires on February 28 each year. Renewal opens early in January, and the required CE must be completed/certified before renewing. Failure to renew on time triggers a delinquent penalty.

How many CE hours are required to renew an Pharmacist license in Kentucky?

Approximately 15 continuing-education hours per cycle. Pharmacists must complete 15 contact hours of general pharmacy continuing education each licensing year (the CE earning period runs March 1 through February 28), certified by February 28 prior to renewal. For licensing years 2023 through 2028, at least 1 of the 15 hours must address the opioid epidemic or opioid use disorder. All courses/providers must be ACPE-accredited or Kentucky Board of Pharmacy-approved; non-ACPE courses can be submitted for board approval within 30 days via the Licensure Gateway. Records/certifications must be kept for 3 years. No explicit separate pharmacy law/jurisprudence, immunization, or patient-safety CE hour mandate beyond the general 15 hours and the opioid hour was found. A pharmacist first licensed within the 12 months immediately preceding the annual renewal date is exempt from CE for that year. Confirm the current requirement with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.

Can I renew my Kentucky Pharmacist license online?

Yes — Kentucky offers online renewal through the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Kentucky Pharmacist license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $95 may apply. Contact the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy promptly if your license has lapsed.

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