Which States Require the MPJE or UMPJE?
Trying to figure out which pharmacy law exam your jurisdiction requires? This page explains when candidates need the MPJE, when a jurisdiction uses the UMPJE, and when a board uses its own separate law exam.
Quick Answer
Most jurisdictions still require the MPJE. A growing group of jurisdictions are adopting the UMPJE, while a few boards use their own law exam. Always verify the requirement with the board of pharmacy before you apply.
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How to know which exam your jurisdiction requires
The law exam requirement depends on the board of pharmacy where you are seeking licensure. Some boards still use the MPJE, some are adopting the UMPJE, and some use a separate board-specific jurisprudence exam.
MPJE
A jurisdiction-specific pharmacy law exam used by many boards of pharmacy.
UMPJE
A more uniform version of the pharmacy law exam used by participating jurisdictions.
Before you submit an application, confirm the current exam requirement directly with the board of pharmacy or in your NABP e-Profile. Adoption timelines can change.
State List
Current jurisdictions and exam type
Use this as a practical guide. If your board updates its process, the board’s own instructions should control.
| Jurisdiction | Exam Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | UMPJE | Early UMPJE adopter. |
| Iowa | UMPJE | Early UMPJE adopter. |
| Kansas | UMPJE | Early UMPJE adopter. |
| North Carolina | UMPJE | Early UMPJE adopter. |
| Ohio | UMPJE | Early UMPJE adopter. |
| Rhode Island | UMPJE | Early UMPJE adopter. |
| Arkansas | Own law exam | Uses a board-specific jurisprudence exam. |
| California | Own law exam | Uses CPJE rather than NABP’s law exam. |
| Nevada | Own law exam | Uses a separate board law exam. |
| Puerto Rico | Own law exam | Uses a separate board law exam. |
| Most other participating NABP law-exam jurisdictions | MPJE | Most jurisdictions still use the MPJE unless they have specifically adopted the UMPJE or use their own law exam. |
Comparison
MPJE vs UMPJE
The MPJE is the traditional NABP pharmacy law exam tied to a specific jurisdiction. The UMPJE is a newer, more uniform version intended for participating jurisdictions. If your board has moved to the UMPJE, you should follow that route rather than the older MPJE path.
For a full side-by-side comparison, see the MPJE vs UMPJE page. You can also review the individual MPJE Exam Info and UMPJE Exam Info pages.
Board-Specific Exams
Jurisdictions that use their own law exam
Some boards do not use NABP’s law exam at all. That means you should not assume the MPJE or UMPJE applies in every state or territory. California is the most common example because candidates take the CPJE, not the MPJE or UMPJE.
- Arkansas
- California
- Nevada
- Puerto Rico
If you are applying in one of these jurisdictions, review the board’s own exam instructions before purchasing a law product or submitting an NABP law-exam application.
What Candidates Ask Most
Common questions about state law exam requirements
Can more states move to the UMPJE?
Yes. Additional jurisdictions can adopt the UMPJE, so always verify the latest requirement before you apply.
Can I assume my state uses the MPJE?
No. Some states now use the UMPJE and some use their own board exam.
FAQ