Pharmacists · Kentucky · Continuing education
Kentucky Pharmacist CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- Pharmacist: 15 contact hours every year, including 1 h substance use disorders (DEA MATE Act); renewal by February 28.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Kentucky Pharmacist CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 15contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 1 year
- Deadline
- Feb 28
- Reporting
- Other
- Renewal deadline
- By February 28
- Accepted credit
- ACPE-approved or Kentucky Board of Pharmacy-approved CE, relevant to pharmacy practice; IPCE (joint accreditation) credit reported to CPE Monitor is accepted; individually obtained non-ACPE CE needs Board approval (application within 30 days)
- Renewal fee
- $95
- Carryover
- Not allowed: excess hours or units cannot be applied to future years.
- New licensees
- Pharmacists first licensed within the 12 months before the annual renewal date are exempt for that year.
- Audits & records
- Do not submit CE proof with the renewal; the Board audits through NABP CPE Monitor. Keep records 3 years.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Substance use disorders (DEA MATE Act)All pharmacists, licensing years 2023 through 2028: opioid epidemic or opioid use disorder (part of the 15 hours) | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Year-to-year deferral at the Board's discretion for illness, incapacity or other extenuating circumstances. CEU from another state transferable if that state recognizes Kentucky CEU.
Good to know. 15 contact hours (1.5 CEU) earned each year between March 1 and February 28, before renewal. Reporting: CE audits use NABP CPE Monitor data. Late renewal: 15 hours per missed year, max 75.
Source: pharmacy.ky.gov · 201 KAR 2:015 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Kentucky
05 Questions
How many CE hours do pharmacists need in Kentucky?
15 contact hours every year.
Which CE courses count for pharmacists in Kentucky?
ACPE-approved or Kentucky Board of Pharmacy-approved CE, relevant to pharmacy practice; IPCE (joint accreditation) credit reported to CPE Monitor is accepted; individually obtained non-ACPE CE needs Board approval (application within 30 days).
How do I verify a pharmacist license in Kentucky?
Use the license lookup of the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy (pharmacy.ky.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
Which CE topics are mandatory for pharmacists in Kentucky?
Substance use disorders (DEA MATE Act) — 1 h (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for pharmacists in Kentucky?
Licenses renew by February 28 (1 year cycle).