For many P4 students, the final months of the school year are an exciting and hectic time. After all these years of preparing to become a licensed pharmacist, the finish line is in sight, but there is one more major milestone to pass: The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
Taking the NAPLEX is one of the final steps you need to take to start your pharmacy career, and we’re here to help you get to the finish line. We created an email series full of useful tips and information you’ll need to simplify the exam process. After signing up, you’ll receive weekly messages covering the 3 main components of the test-taking process: readying your application, gearing up for test day, and getting your exam results.
This blog post covers introductory information on these 3 main components.
1. Readying Your Application
NAPLEX candidates are more likely to pass if they take the exam right after graduating, so it’s important to apply for your exam as soon as possible. The perfect place to start is to explore the NAPLEX/MPJE Candidate Application Bulletin, your survival guide for applying to and registering for the NAPLEX. It’s mobile-friendly and contains essential guidance and requirements for every step of the examination process.
Next, if you haven’t already, create your NABP e-Profile. This is where you’ll apply for eligibility to take the exam, receive your authorization to test (ATT), request ADA accommodations, and more. Make sure your government ID matches the name listed in your e-Profile, as this is required to be admitted to the testing center.
For more information, read our detailed blog on applying for eligibility and scheduling your exam, and check out this infographic to understand the steps to apply for pharmacy exams.
2. Preparing for the Test and Test Day
After you have been granted eligibility and purchased your exam, it’s time to buckle down and study! The NAPLEX Content Outline provides a blueprint of the topics covered in the examination. Use these to guide your study sessions. After hitting the books, see what information stuck by taking the Pre-NAPLEX. This NAPLEX practice exam features 100 questions that were used on previous NAPLEX exams, and it can be conveniently taken from home.
Your school might also use our newest practice tool, the NAPLEX Advantage, a practice exam proctored by your school. This exam is not for individual purchase, but it has demonstrated a moderately strong relationship between NAPLEX Advantage test takers and their future NAPLEX performance. Read more about the Pre-NAPLEX and the NAPLEX Advantage in this blog post.
After all your preparation, you’ll be ready for the big day. The Bulletin contains a great run-down of test-day logistics, including what you can and cannot bring with you, the break structure, acceptable forms of ID, and more.
3. Exam Results and Next Steps
After taking your exam, try to take it easy for the rest of the week. If the jurisdiction for which you are testing participates in NABP’s online exam result interface, you will receive exam results within 14 business days of taking the exam. However, in some jurisdictions, you’ll need to check with the board directly to get your results.
Results will be posted as either Pass or Fail in your e-Profile. You will only see a detailed performance report if you receive a Fail result. In the performance report, you’ll be able to see a ranking of how well you did in the competency domains, and you can use this information to help you study for next time.
To get NAPLEX information and tips sent straight to your inbox, sign up for the email series. Whether you are readying your application, preparing for the test, or waiting for your results, keep the Bulletin nearby. Seriously, it’s comprehensive and can answer a lot of questions you might have. Bookmark the Bulletin on your browser today.
This blog has been adapted from the former blog post Taking the NAPLEX: A Basic Guide, published in April 2022.
