Introduction

Before you schedule the NAPLEX, you need to understand exactly how much the exam costs and what steps you must complete to register successfully. The NAPLEX registration process goes through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), but your state board of pharmacy also plays a major role in approving your eligibility.

This guide breaks down:

• NAPLEX exam fees
  
• Additional state board fees
  
• Retake fees
  
• Costs for score transfers
  
• Costs for licensure applications
  
• Hidden expenses most candidates forget
  
• Step-by-step registration instructions
  
• When to apply
  
• What documents you’ll need
  
• How long approval takes
  
• How to schedule the test at Pearson VUE
  

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to budget — and exactly what steps to follow — so nothing delays your test date.

👉 Take a breath and let’s go through this step by step. Check out our NAPLEX Practice Questions — designed to strengthen your understanding of pharmacotherapy, calculations, patient safety, clinical decision-making, and real-world pharmacy scenarios. Every question comes with a clear, straightforward rationale so you can understand the reasoning behind each answer and actually learn, not just guess. Keep showing up for yourself. You’re doing great, and every question you answer is taking you one step closer to passing the NAPLEX.

1. How Much Does the NAPLEX Cost?

The current NAPLEX exam fee (as of 2025):

✔️ $620 — NAPLEX Examination Fee

This fee is paid directly to NABP when you apply for the exam.

2. Are There Additional Fees Besides the $620?

Yes — and most candidates don’t realize how many extra costs they’ll encounter.

Additional Potential Costs Include:

✔️ State Board Application Fees ($50–$300+)

Before you’re eligible, you must apply with your state board of pharmacy.
Each state sets its own fee.

✔️ Licensure Fees After You Pass ($100–$300+)

You'll need to pay your state licensing fee to officially receive your pharmacist license.

✔️ Fingerprinting / Background Check ($35–$75)

Many states require background checks before licensure.

✔️ MPJE Exam Fee ($150 per attempt)

Most states also require the MPJE — a separate exam.

✔️ Score Transfer Fee ($75 per state)

Optional but extremely popular if you want licensure eligibility in multiple states.

✔️ NAPLEX Retake Fee ($620 each attempt)

If you fail, you must pay the full fee again.

✔️ Review Materials ($100–$500 depending on resources)

Study guides, question banks, and practice exams vary in cost.

3. What Does the $620 NAPLEX Exam Fee Cover?

Your exam fee covers:

• Credential processing through NABP
  
• State eligibility confirmation
  
• Your Authorization to Test (ATT)
  
• Exam delivery at a Pearson VUE testing center
  
• Score reporting to your primary state
  
• Access to your digital score report
  

Everything else — including additional states or retakes — requires separate fees.

4. When Should You Pay the NAPLEX Fee?

You pay the $620 fee when you submit your exam application through your NABP e-Profile.

This is done before:

• Your ATT is issued
  
• The state board approves your eligibility
  
• You can schedule your exam
  
• You choose your test date
  

Once you pay, the process officially begins.

5. Do All States Charge Additional Fees to Approve Eligibility?

Almost all states charge an Application for Licensure by Examination fee.

Examples:

• California: ~$300
  
• Texas: ~$150
  
• New York: ~$143
  
• Florida: ~$100
  
• Illinois: ~$98
  
• Ohio: ~$75
  
• These fees are separate from the NABP exam fee.

Your state may also require:

• Notarized documents
  
• Passport photos
  
• Fingerprinting
  
• Intern hour verification
  
• Additional state-specific documentation
  

6. Can I Get a Refund if I Don’t Take the Exam?

No.

NABP does not issue refunds for:

• Cancellations
  
• No-shows
  
• Missed appointments
  
• Lost eligibility
  
• Incorrect scheduling
  

If you do not test during your ATT window, you must pay the full fee again.

7. Do I Have to Pay to Transfer My Score to Another State?

Yes.

✔️ Score Transfer Fee: $75 per state

You can request score transfers during registration or after testing.

A score transfer lets another state board accept your NAPLEX results without requiring a retake.

If you’re unsure where you want to practice, this fee is one of the best investments you can make.

8. What If I Fail the NAPLEX?

You must:

• Wait the required number of days (depends on state)
  
• Submit a new exam application
  
• Pay the full exam fee again ($620)
  

Some states also charge additional retake fees.

Failure is NOT a final outcome — it simply means you need a better strategy next time.

9. Full Step-by-Step Registration Process (What to Do First)

Here is the complete process, in the order you must follow it.

Step 1 — Create or Update Your NABP e-Profile

This is where all NAPLEX and MPJE applications are handled.

You’ll need:

• Legal name (must match your ID)
  
• Date of birth
  
• Email address
  
• Pharmacy school information
  
• Graduation date
  
• Passport-style photo
  

Make sure your profile information is accurate — even small errors may delay approval.

Step 2 — Apply for Eligibility Through Your State Board of Pharmacy

This is where you submit:

• Intern hours documentation
  
• Proof of graduation (or anticipated graduation letter)
  
• State application fee
  
• Background checks, fingerprinting, etc.
  
• Additional forms depending on your state
  
• Your state board must approve you before NABP can issue your ATT.

Step 3 — Submit Your NAPLEX Application Through NABP

This includes:

• Selecting your primary state
  
• Paying the $620 NAPLEX fee
  
• Adding optional score transfers
  
• Submitting required documentation
  

Once this is submitted, NABP waits for your state board to authorize you.

 

Step 4 — Wait for Your ATT (Authorization to Test)

This is typically issued when:

✔️ Your school confirms your graduation

✔️ Your state board confirms eligibility

✔️ NABP completes internal processing

ATT issuance can take:

3–14 days

(longer in busy seasons)

Step 5 — Schedule Your Exam at Pearson VUE

Once you receive your ATT:

• Log into Pearson VUE
  
• Choose your test center
  
• Select your preferred date
  
• Confirm your appointment
  

The ATT window is usually 90 days, but state rules vary.

Step 6 — Prepare, Study, and Sit for the Exam

Once scheduled:

• Begin intensive review
  
• Complete practice questions
  
• Take full-length mock exams
  
• Review clinical guidelines
  
• Strengthen calculation skills
  
• Build your pacing and stamina
  

10. Hidden Costs You Should Budget For

Many candidates underestimate the total investment required.

Here are the hidden costs:

✔️ Photo ID renewal

✔️ Travel to test centers (gas, hotel, Uber)

✔️ Rescheduling fees (if applicable)

✔️ Study materials

✔️ Printing or notary services

✔️ Background checks

✔️ Post-exam licensing fees

It’s better to plan for these ahead of time so nothing catches you off guard.

11. How to Save Money During the NAPLEX Process

You can reduce costs by:

✔️ Avoiding retakes

(Have a structured study plan early.)

✔️ Applying for score transfers upfront

(It’s cheaper than doing it later.)

✔️ Using targeted study resources instead of overpriced courses

(Internal link cue: “See recommended resources in the NAPLEX Study Guide.”)

✔️ Keeping your ATT window realistic

(Don’t schedule too early before you’re ready.)

✔️ Avoiding last-minute travel or rescheduling fees

Passing on the first attempt is the most cost-effective outcome.

12. How Long Should You Wait to Apply for the NAPLEX?

Most candidates apply:

✔️ 4–8 weeks before graduation

✔️ During the final semester of pharmacy school

✔️ After verifying intern hours

✔️ Once confident in their timeline

Avoid applying too early or too late.

13. Common Application Mistakes That Delay Eligibility

Avoid these costly errors:

❌ Mismatched names across documents

❌ Wrong graduation date

❌ Missing fees

❌ Missing school transcripts

❌ Incorrect photo ID

❌ Not completing fingerprinting

❌ Not updating address or email

❌ Applying for the wrong jurisdiction

Double-check everything before hitting “Submit.”

👉 Take a breath and let’s go through this step by step. Check out our NAPLEX Practice Questions — designed to strengthen your understanding of pharmacotherapy, calculations, patient safety, clinical decision-making, and real-world pharmacy scenarios. Every question comes with a clear, straightforward rationale so you can understand the reasoning behind each answer and actually learn, not just guess. Keep showing up for yourself. You’re doing great, and every question you answer is taking you one step closer to passing the NAPLEX.

Final Thoughts

The NAPLEX process comes with real costs — financially, mentally, and logistically. But when you understand every step ahead of time, you avoid delays, extra fees, and unnecessary stress. Now you know:

• The NAPLEX costs $620
  
• State boards have separate eligibility fees
  
• Licensure fees come after you pass
  
• Score transfers cost $75 per state
  
• Retakes also cost $620
  
• There are additional fees for background checks and MPJE
  
• You must apply through both your state board and NABP
  
• ATT approval is required before scheduling
  
• The process follows a predictable timeline
  

With this clarity, you can move forward confidently, stay organized, and budget wisely. You’re building a foundation for your pharmacy career — and every step you’re taking is a step closer to becoming a licensed pharmacist.

You’re doing great. Keep going. You've absolutely got this.