FPGEC certification is a credentialing pathway for pharmacists who completed their pharmacy education outside the United States and want to become licensed to practice as a pharmacist in a U.S. state. Administered through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the process involves submitting academic transcripts and credentials for evaluation, demonstrating English language proficiency, and passing an equivalency examination that assesses whether the applicant’s foreign education aligns with the scope of a U.S. pharmacy degree.
Earning FPGEC certification does not by itself grant a pharmacy license. It is generally treated as a prerequisite that opens the door to the same subsequent steps a U.S. pharmacy graduate would take — sitting for the NAPLEX and the relevant state-specific law exam, and often completing a period of supervised intern hours.
Why it matters
For internationally trained pharmacists, FPGEC is usually the first major milestone on the path to U.S. licensure, and it can take considerable time to complete given the credential evaluation and testing involved. Understanding that FPGEC is a separate, earlier step from state licensure itself helps candidates plan a realistic timeline rather than assuming certification and licensure happen together.
Because what happens after FPGEC certification — exam requirements, intern hours, and application steps — differs by state, RxByState tracks how these post-certification pathways vary so candidates can see what’s still ahead of them. Learn more at https://app.rxbystate.com/signup.