
Just like you would create a training plan before running a marathon, preparing for test day requires planning to get across the finish line. Explore the benefits of NABP’s practice exams as you build a “training plan” for your pharmacy licensure exams. We sat down with NABP Director of Psychometrics and Research, Rob Brucia, PhD, PMP, ICE-CCP, to discuss the advantages of utilizing these practice exam tools.
What sets NABP’s practice exams apart from other practice tools on the market?
NABP practice exams are made up of questions that were previously used on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), or the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE). This allows NABP to score the practice exams using the same methodology that is used for the NAPLEX, MPJE, or FPGEE. This scoring method provides practice exam candidates with an accurate depiction of how they may expect to perform on the licensure or certification exam at that moment in time.
What is a “retired question”?
NABP practice exams are made up of retired questions from the NAPLEX, MPJE, and FPGEE exams. “Retired” in this case only means that the questions will no longer be used on the exams administered at the testing centers. All practice exam questions are reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy prior to use on any NABP practice exam.
Does the updated NAPLEX Content Outline have an impact on the Pre-NAPLEX or NAPLEX Advantage?
The NAPLEX, Pre-NAPLEX, and NAPLEX Advantage are now constructed using content areas from the NAPLEX Content Outline. The content outline organizes content areas into high-level content domains, while providing more specific lower-level content areas within each domain. The content outline also provides the approximate number of questions assigned to each content domain that can be expected on the NAPLEX, Pre-NAPLEX, and NAPLEX Advantage. Since these exams are all built using the NAPLEX Content Outline, the same distribution of content will be assessed on all 3 exams, which further benefits candidates taking the Pre-NAPLEX and NAPLEX Advantage to prepare for the NAPLEX. Read more about the NAPLEX Content Outline in this blog post.
What are the main differences between the Pre-NAPLEX and the NAPLEX Advantage?
The main difference between the Pre-NAPLEX and the NAPLEX Advantage is the administration method. The Pre-NAPLEX is generally taken in a non-proctored setting, which means those taking the Pre-NAPLEX are not restricted from using resources during the exam. However, some schools may choose to administer the Pre-NAPLEX in a proctored setting.
The NAPLEX Advantage is only available for purchase by colleges of pharmacy; it is not available for purchase by individual students. The NAPLEX Advantage is administered in a proctored environment, where test-takers are not allowed to use resources during the exam. This practice tool more closely simulates exam day. Additionally, the NAPLEX Advantage provides a score report for all examinees with a breakdown of performance in each content domain. This report contains additional details not found in the Pre-NAPLEX report, which can be beneficial for future exam preparation.
Can it be beneficial to take the Pre-NAPLEX even if you have taken the NAPLEX Advantage?
Yes! It is beneficial for students to take both the Pre-NAPLEX and the NAPLEX Advantage because both exams are made up of different retired NAPLEX questions. This allows examinees to maximize their exposure to question content that is similar to what can be expected on the NAPLEX. Also, both practice exams provide examinees with a score that reflects how they may expect to perform on the NAPLEX.
Will a practice uniform MPJE be offered in the future?
Yes, NABP plans to follow the established exam development process to create a practice exam for the uniform version of the MPJE. The Pre-uniform MPJE is expected to be available in early 2026. The pre-uniform MPJE can be used to gain an understanding of the format and content that should be expected on the uniform MPJE. In 2026, the Pre-uniform MPJE will only provide a raw/percentage correct result and will not provide a scaled score result. It is expected that the pre-uniform MPJE will begin to provide scaled score results in 2027. Read more about the uniform MPJE in this blog post.
What are the best practices when taking a practice exam?
Candidates should approach the practice exam as they would the NAPLEX, MPJE, or FPGEE exam.
- Take the exam in a quiet environment.
- Use the time allotted to answer all the questions.
- Try your best on every question that is administered.
For the Pre-NAPLEX, Pre-MPJE, and Pre-FPGEE, the use of resources is not restricted. This allows examinees to approach these practice exams in one of 2 beneficial ways. Examinees may choose to use resources on questions where they are uncertain of the correct answer to gain knowledge on the question’s content. Conversely, examinees may choose not to use resources, which will more closely mirror what they can expect when taking the NAPLEX, MPJE, or FPGEE, where resources are not allowed.
While restricting the use of resources when taking these practice exams will provide the examinee with a more accurate depiction of future performance on the high-stakes version of the exam, the use of resources may be beneficial to some examinees who are prioritizing increasing their knowledge on question content.
When taking the NAPLEX Advantage, students should prepare and approach the exam as they would the NAPLEX.
What are the best practices when school administrators use practice exams?
The best practice for school administrators using the NAPLEX Advantage is to administer the exam in a quiet environment while monitoring students to ensure resources are not being accessed. For example, administrators will prohibit cell phone use and will not allow materials to be brought into the testing room. These recommendations extend to the Pre-NAPLEX and Pre-MPJE if schools opt to administer the practice test in a group setting.
Whether you’re interested in the Pre-NAPLEX, NAPLEX Advantage, Pre-MPJE, or Pre-FPGEE, we can help you meet your pharmacy exam goals. Find more information about our practice exams on our website.