General Information:
FAQ#1: What is the Guam Board of Examiners for Pharmacy (GBEP)?
Response: The GBEP is the regulatory authority responsible for licensing, regulating, promulgating, and overseeing the practice of pharmacy in Guam. Our mission is to protect public health and safety by ensuring that pharmacy professionals adhere to established standards, laws, and ethical practices.
FAQ #2: Who does the GBME regulate?
Response: GBEP licenses and regulates: Pharmacists, Pharmacy Interns, and Pharmacy Technicians, as well as Pharmacies, Facilities, and Wholesalers conducting business within Guam.
FAQ #3 : How often does the GBME meet?
Response: Board meetings are regularly scheduled for the third (3rd) Thursday of each month. Meeting dates are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts or unforeseen circumstances.
Licensing:
FAQ #1: How do I apply for licensure in Guam?
Response: There are two pathways to obtain licensure in Guam: by endorsement or by examination. If you have already passed the NAPLEX and currently hold an active license in another state or jurisdiction, you may apply for licensure in Guam via endorsement. If you have not yet taken the NAPLEX, you may apply for licensure via examination through the GBEP. Please note the following: In addition to completing the NAPLEX, Guam also requires all applicants to complete the Guam Multistate Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Registration for either exam can be done via the NABP website.
FAQ #2: How do I apply for licensure in Guam if I’m a foreign applicant?
Response: Foreign pharmacists need to complete three different examinations, FPGEE, NAPLEX, and Guam MPJE. Application by examination will also need to be submitted to the GBEP office.
FAQ #3: How do I get an application?
Response: You can download the PDF fillable application from our Forms tab - https://guamhplo.org/gbep/forms
FAQ #4: How should I pay the application, license, renewal, or other fee?
Response: Payments can be made online - https://guamhplo.org/gbep/pay
FAQ #5: How long does the licensing process take?
Response: Applications typically undergo a preliminary review within 5–7 business days of receipt. Applicants will be notified by email if additional information is needed or if the application is incomplete. Once deemed complete, applications are forwarded to the GBEP for formal review at its monthly meeting. The entire process usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the completeness of the submission and the volume of applications.
FAQ #6: When can I get a status update on my application?
Response: Once the preliminary review is completed, the GBEP staff will notify you of any deficiencies. If there are no deficiencies, the application will move forward to the next phase of the application process.
FAQ #7: I previously submitted supplemental documents, but did not submit the application. Do you still have them?
Response: The Board holds received documents for one year. Documents are destroyed after one year if no application is received.
FAQ #8: How long is my license valid?
Response: Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician licenses expire on September 30th of every odd- numbered year. Pharmacy, Facility, and Wholesaler licenses expire annually on September 30th. Pharmacy Intern licenses expire annually on July 1st.
FAQ #9: Why do I have to provide you with my Social Security Number (SSN)?
Response: Federal legislation mandates that any government entity that issues a license (driver’s license, business license, professional license) must collect a SSN. Compliance is mandatory for the issuance of a license.
FAQ #10: Can my application be expedited if I have an employment opportunity pending the approval of my application?
Response: No. Applications are reviewed and considered in the order they are received. To help ensure your application is complete and processed promptly, we recommend obtaining any required documents from external organizations or third parties prior to submission.
Verification:
FAQ #1: What is the difference between a Primary Source Verification vs a License Verification?
Response: Primary Source Verification provides minimal information such as; license number, licensee name, status, and specialty. This verification is free of charge. License Verification provides extended information regarding a licensee such as; license number, licensee name, statues, effective date, expiration date, specialty, and disciplinary information (if any).
FAQ #2: How do I obtain a license verification from the Guam Board of Examiners for Pharmacy?
Response: Active primary source verification may be found by visiting: www.guamhplo.org/gbep and clicking the “Providers” tab. You may search a licensee status by FIRST &/or LAST NAME. (If you are unable to locate a licensee, please contact the Health Professional Licensing Office via email: [email protected] cc: [email protected] with the subject line: Primary Source Verification: Licensee Name) For License Verification, please refer to the steps below & required documents;
Required Documents:
a. An updated authorization to release information signed by the licensee
Please note the following:
** Please include in the request, an address or email to where the verification will be sent. Verification requests with no address/email, will be sent to the last known address of the licensee on file. **
Incomplete requests will not be processed
Renewal:
FAQ #1: How often do I need to renew my license?
Response: The following licenses expire on the 1st of July and must be renewed annually:
- Pharmacy Interns The following licenses expire on the 30th of September and must be renewed annually:
- Pharmacies (Local and Non-Resident)
- Wholesale/Distributors (Local and Non-Resident) The following licenses expire on the 30th of September and must be renewed bi-annually:
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
FAQ #2:What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
Response: Renewal License – A minimum of 15 credit hours of CE over the past (2) years for Pharmacists; A minimum of 20 credit hours of CE over the past (2) years for Pharmacy Technicians; None for Pharmacy Interns.
FAQ #3: How early can I submit my renewal application during a renewal year?
Response: Renewal applications may be submitted three (3) months prior to expiration.
FAQ #4: What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
Response: Renewal applications submitted after the expiration date will incur a late penalty fee of $40.