If you hold a California pharmacist license, the California State Board of Pharmacy requires 30 hours of continuing education in the prior 24 months, at least 2 of which must be a Board-provided Law and Ethics course. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
30 hours / 2 years
Thirty CE hours completed in the 24 months before renewal.
Law and Ethics (2 hrs)
At least 2 hours via a Board-provided Law and Ethics course.
Keep records 4 years
Retain your CE documentation for at least four years.
First-renewal exemption
New licensees are exempt from CE for their first renewal.
How many CE hours California pharmacists need
California requires 30 hours of CE every two years, completed in the 24 months preceding renewal.
Law and Ethics requirement
- Law and Ethics: at least 2 of the 30 hours must be a Board-provided CE course in Law and Ethics (operative July 1, 2019).
Renewal cycle and deadlines
California pharmacist licenses renew biennially. Complete and document your 30 hours, including the Law and Ethics course, before your expiration date, and keep records for four years.
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View pricingCalifornia Pharmacists CME at a glance
- Law and Ethics2 hrs
At least 2 of the 30 hours must be completed through a Board-provided CE course in Law and Ethics each renewal cycle.
Always confirm with your licensing board
California pharmacists must complete 30 hours of CE in the prior 24 months, of which at least 2 hours must be a Board-provided Law and Ethics course (operative July 1, 2019). Records must be kept for at least four years.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the California State Board of Pharmacy before relying on these figures.
Source: California State Board of Pharmacy. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
California Pharmacist CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do California pharmacists need?
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30 hours of CE every two years.
Is a Law and Ethics course required in California?
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Yes — at least 2 of the 30 hours must be a Board-provided Law and Ethics course.
Are new California pharmacists exempt from CE?
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Yes — all new licensees are exempt from CE during their first renewal period.
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