How many CE hours does a North Carolina Pharmacist need?

15 CE contact hours every year, per the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP). 15 contact hours per YEAR (annual renewal), 5 of them live. Always confirm with the board.

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CE requirements › North Carolina Pharmacist

North Carolina Pharmacist: CE & renewal requirements

15 CE contact hours every year

ANNUAL — renewal opens Nov 1, closes Dec 31, with about a 60-day grace period to early March.

Source: North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP) · confirmed 2026-06. Requirements change — always verify with the board.

Required topics

At least 5 of 15 hours must be live
Immunizing pharmacists: 3 hours every 2 years (counts toward the 15)

First renewal & exemptions

No general exemption; precepting 160+ hours of an NC pharmacy student can substitute as an approved pathway.

If your license lapses

Renewing into the grace window is penalty-free into early March; after that the license lapses.

How CE is tracked

Self-report at annual renewal; ACPE/NCAP providers; keep records 3 years.

Watch out: North Carolina is ANNUAL — 15 hours every year — with no mandated law/opioid topic for general pharmacists; up to 5 surplus hours carry forward one year.

Are you on track? Check free

Enter your license expiration and CE hours completed — see what you still owe, the pace to finish, and your reminder schedule. No signup.

Informational only, based on the numbers you enter — not legal or licensing advice, and not an official record. Confirm your exact requirement and current status with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP).