Task Force to Examine the Use of the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) as a Requirement for Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification (Resolution 121-5-25)

RESOLUTION NO: 121-5-25
TITLE: Task Force to Examine the Use of the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) as a Requirement for Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee^TM (FPGEC^®) Certification
ACTION: PASS

WHEREAS, pharmacists educated outside of the United States are required to achieve FPGEC certification before applying for state pharmacy licensure examinations and state board of pharmacy licensure; and

WHEREAS, candidates must pass the TOEFL iBT before they can apply for FPGEC certification; and

WHEREAS, the TOEFL iBT is intended to measure English proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing for the purpose of assessing eligibility for pharmacist licensure; and

WHEREAS, questions have been raised as to whether the TOEFL iBT effectively measures English proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing for this purpose; and

WHEREAS, pharmacists educated in the US are not required to show English proficiency, regardless of whether English is their first language; and

WHEREAS, some boards of pharmacy have waived the requirement for the TOEFL iBT based on an in-person board appearance or have implemented a variance process; and

WHEREAS, concerns have been raised regarding whether this requirement may be a potential barrier to licensure;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NABP convene a task force to review the use of the TOEFL iBT as a requirement for FPGEC certification.

(Resolution passed at the 121^st Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, FL.)