Short answer: A UMPJE score can be transferred to other participating jurisdictions. An MPJE score cannot — ever. And score transfer is not the same thing as licensure transfer, which is a separate NABP program for pharmacists who already hold a license. Confusing the two is the most expensive mistake in this process.
This page covers what each one is, the 89-day window that quietly closes on people, and the traps that cost candidates an entire exam fee.
Score transfer and eLTP are different things
NABP states it plainly: the score transfer program “differs significantly from NABP’s eLTP, which is a reciprocity service that NABP provides for licensed pharmacists.”
Score transfer moves an examination result to an additional jurisdiction, so that score can be applied to that jurisdiction’s licensure requirements. It is for candidates working toward a license.
eLTP — the Electronic Licensure Transfer Program — moves an existing pharmacist license to one or more additional jurisdictions. NABP is explicit that you may only apply for license transfer through eLTP if you are already licensed in another jurisdiction. This is what most people mean when they say “reciprocity.”
Two different applications, two different fee structures, two different sets of rules. Many pharmacists adding a second state need both: eLTP for the license, and a jurisprudence exam requirement satisfied separately.
The trap worth naming first: transferring your license does not automatically satisfy the new jurisdiction’s law exam requirement. Several UMPJE jurisdictions require the UMPJE for licensure transfer, not only for initial licensure. Check the specific jurisdiction before assuming your existing license carries you.
Which scores transfer, and which never do
NABP’s candidate bulletin is unambiguous: “Score transfers pertain to NAPLEX or UMPJE results only. Because the MPJE is unique to the state/jurisdiction in which you seek licensure, it is not possible to transfer your MPJE results to another jurisdiction.”
So:
NAPLEX — transferable.
UMPJE — transferable to other participating jurisdictions. This is the entire point of the exam existing.
State-specific MPJE — not transferable, under any circumstances, because the exam was written for one jurisdiction’s law.
That last line is why a pharmacist licensed in a state that still runs its own MPJE cannot carry that result into a UMPJE jurisdiction. It is not a policy someone can waive for you; the exam form is different.
The 89-day window
NABP gives you two opportunities to purchase a score transfer through your e-Profile.
When you purchase the exam. After you are granted eligibility you are prompted to buy the exam, and you may add score transfers then. You can also log in and add them any time before you test. If you cancel the exam application, score transfers purchased before testing are refunded.
Up to 89 days after taking the exam. After you test, you can log in and purchase transfers. NABP advises doing this as soon as possible, warning that “waiting until the last day may result in the score transfer request option being no longer available.” Transfers purchased after the exam are nonrefundable.
The second window is the one people lose. The pattern is predictable: you sit the UMPJE for one state, you get licensed, and months later an opportunity appears in another participating jurisdiction. By then the window has closed and you are paying for and re-sitting an exam you already passed.
Three rules that catch people
You cannot change the destination jurisdiction after you test. Before the exam you may change a score transfer jurisdiction at no cost by emailing NABP Exam Services with your name, e-Profile ID, the original jurisdiction and the new one. After you take the exam, that option is gone — you would purchase a separate transfer instead.
Retaking means repurchasing. If you retake the exam and want to transfer the new score, you must purchase another transfer request. The old one does not follow you.
Transfers are processed whether you pass or fail. The transfer moves your result, not your success. Buying one does not lock in a passing score.
What a transfer does and does not buy you
A score transfer applies your result to the receiving jurisdiction’s requirements. It does not license you. NABP is explicit that “licensure decisions are made at the sole discretion of the boards of pharmacy.”
Three practical consequences.
Validity periods vary. NABP notes that the validity period of a score transfer differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A score that is still current in one state may be stale in another, so confirm with the receiving board rather than assuming a uniform shelf life.
Your primary jurisdiction still governs your exam requirements. If you request a transfer, you must complete all examination requirements as determined by your primary jurisdiction for licensure, including any locally administered examinations — which may mean traveling. A primary jurisdiction can refuse to allow your score to be transferred if you have not completed its requirements.
Extra fees may apply. Some jurisdictions charge additional amounts for examination materials on top of the transfer fee.
Who participates
NABP states that all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico participate in the score transfer program. That is broader than the list of UMPJE-adopting jurisdictions — participation in score transfer is not the same as having adopted the UMPJE. A jurisdiction still running its own MPJE participates in score transfer for NAPLEX purposes, but there is no UMPJE result for it to receive unless it has adopted the exam.
See which jurisdictions have adopted the UMPJE →
How to decide
If there is any realistic chance of a second jurisdiction, buy the transfer inside the window. A job you might take, a partner’s relocation, a remote role requiring multi-state licensure. The transfer fee is a fraction of an exam fee plus the weeks of preparation behind it.
If you are already licensed and adding a state, you are looking at eLTP — and separately at whether that jurisdiction requires the UMPJE for licensure transfer. Do not assume the license alone is enough.
If you hold only a state-specific MPJE pass and are moving to a UMPJE jurisdiction, there is no transfer available to you. You will sit the UMPJE. Plan for it rather than hoping for an exception.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my MPJE score? No. NABP states it is not possible, because the MPJE is unique to the jurisdiction you sat it for.
How long after the exam can I buy a UMPJE score transfer? Up to 89 days after the exam date. NABP advises not waiting until the last day, as the option may no longer be available.
Can I change which state my score goes to? Before you take the exam, yes, at no additional cost, by emailing NABP Exam Services. After you take the exam, no.
Is score transfer the same as reciprocity? No. Reciprocity is licensure transfer through eLTP, and is only open to pharmacists who already hold a license. Score transfer moves an exam result.
Does a transferred score mean I am licensed? No. It applies your result to that jurisdiction’s requirements. Licensure decisions rest with the board.
Do I still have to meet my own state’s exam requirements? Yes. Your primary jurisdiction’s requirements still apply, including any locally administered examination, and it can refuse the transfer if they are unmet.
The bottom line
UMPJE and NAPLEX scores transfer; MPJE scores never do. Score transfer moves a result and eLTP moves a license, and needing one does not mean you avoid the other. Buy a transfer when you buy the exam if you can, and within 89 days of testing if you cannot — after that the option is gone, you cannot redirect a transfer once you have tested, and a retake requires a fresh purchase. Confirm validity periods and any additional fees with the receiving board, because licensure decisions are theirs alone.
References
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. NAPLEX/MPJE Candidate Application Bulletin — Section 12, Score Transfers. nabp.pharmacy
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Licensure Transfer (eLTP). nabp.pharmacy
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. UMPJE Participating States. nabp.pharmacy
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. MPJE / Uniform MPJE program page. nabp.pharmacy
This article is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy or any state board of pharmacy. MPJE® and Uniform MPJE™ are trademarks of NABP. Licensure requirements change; always verify current requirements with your board of pharmacy and NABP before making decisions about your application or examination.
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