Effective April 1, 2026, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy will require passage of the uniform version of the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence ExaminationĀ® (MPJEĀ®) as a condition for pharmacist licensure and will no longer offer or require the Iowa MPJE for all licensure applicants. For additional information regarding the new Uniform MPJEā¢ (UMPJE) application process, visit the Examination section of the NABP website.
The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has elected to be an āEarly Adopterā of the UMPJE. Beginning April 1, 2026, students at Iowa Colleges of Pharmacy who are expected to graduate in 2026 may sit for the UMPJE. NABP will begin accepting applications for the UMPJE on March 13, 2026. Clear communication will be sent to the schools and candidates about the application process for this cohortās early UMPJE administration.
Impact on Licensure in Iowa
- New & Future Graduates
- Graduates from Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education-accredited schools as well as foreign-educated pharmacists who have earned their Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committeeā¢ (FPGECĀ®) certification must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure ExaminationĀ® and the UMPJE after transition.
- The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has elected to use the Early UMPJE program, which will be available beginning July 1, 2026. Students who have completed the didactic portion of the PharmD curriculum will be able to submit one (1) eligibility application for the UMPJE prior to or during their required Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). Clear communication will be provided to schools and candidates regarding the application process for the early UMPJE option.
- Licensure Transfer Applicants
- As of April 1, 2026, licensed pharmacists seeking licensure in Iowa will be required to pass the UMPJE and submit an Electronic Licensure Transfer ProgramĀ® application. Applicants for license transfer who have already taken and passed the UMPJE will not be required to take the exam again.
6200 Park Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50321