NAPLEX

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX®) is designed to evaluate general practice knowledge and is taken by recent college of pharmacy graduates shortly after they receive their degree. The exam is also taken by foreign-educated pharmacists who have earned FPGEC Certification.

The NAPLEX is just one component of the licensure process and is used by the boards of pharmacy to assess a candidate’s competence to practice as a pharmacist.

NAPLEX/MPJE Bulletin Cover Artwork

Explore the Candidate Application Bulletin

The Bulletin provides guidance and requirements for every step of the examination process.

Steps to Apply for the NAPLEX Apply for the NAPLEX

You must complete the process outlined below when applying for the NAPLEX. A thorough breakdown of the application steps, including answers to common questions, can also be found in the Bulletin.

  • Read the Candidate Application Bulletin and Learn State Licensure Requirements

    Fully understand the process and expectations for examination candidates and check your board of pharmacy’s website to see if there are unique requirements in the jurisdiction where you are seeking licensure.

  • Apply for Exam Eligibility

    Apply in the Exam Services section of your NABP e-Profile and pay the application fee. See the information below regarding eligibility. Timelines and fees may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

    • If applicable, request ADA accommodations.
      • If you need test day accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), complete and follow the submission instructions on the Request for Testing Accommodations form. The form should be submitted with your online application.
    • Submit transcript upon degree conferral.
      • Transcripts are required if you have never taken the NAPLEX, regardless of your graduation year, are not licensed in the US, or have never submitted an official transcript to NABP. You must have an official transcript sent from your college of pharmacy to NABP in order to purchase the exam and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). Learn more about how to submit your transcripts.

  • Purchase the Exam

    Once eligibility is granted, the purchase exam link will appear in your NABP e-Profile.

    After purchasing the exam, you will receive an ATT via email.

    • Purchase a score transfer.
      • You may also purchase score transfers at this time, or you may wait until after you have taken the exam. You may purchase score transfers up to 89 days after your exam date. Candidates are advised to purchase score transfer requests as soon as possible. Waiting until the last day may result in the score transfer request option being unavailable.
  • Schedule the Exam With Pearson VUE

    After receiving an ATT via email, you can then schedule your appointment with Pearson VUE. You will receive a confirmation email from Pearson VUE confirming the details of your appointment once it has been scheduled.

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Steps to Apply

Infographic detailing steps to apply for the NAPLEX and MPJE exams.

Click to review the application steps.

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Avoid Examination Roadblocks

NAPLEX/MPJE Student Supplemental Resource Flyer

Click to review common exam roadblocks.

Eligibility to Test

We confirm eligibility to test for Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wisconsin. There is an additional $85 fee for these jurisdictions during the application process, and candidates may be approved to purchase the exam after meeting all application requirements.

Jurisdictions not listed above have their own processes for confirming eligibility. The processing time varies per board. Check the board’s website for timelines.

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Updates on your eligibility status will be noted in the Exam Services section of your NABP e-Profile.

Score Transfer

The score transfer program saves time and allows you to move ahead with licensure in more than one jurisdiction as soon as you pass the NAPLEX.

Score transfer can be added to your NAPLEX application in your e-Profile. You may select jurisdictions in addition to the primary jurisdiction where you are seeking licensure, and we will transmit your score to those boards of pharmacy. 

Score Transfer Tips

  • Score transfer requests can be submitted via your NABP e-Profile up to 89 days after sitting for the NAPLEX.
  • The cost is $75 per jurisdiction.
  • Purchase score transfer requests as soon as possible; waiting until the last day may result in the score transfer request option being unavailable.

NAPLEX Resources

Sign Up for Application Tips & Reminders

Sign up for our NAPLEX email series to receive helpful information about applying and preparing for the NAPLEX. You will learn more about the following:

  • Creating an NABP e-Profile
  • Applying for eligibility
  • Registering for the exam
  • Test day tips
  • What to expect after the exam
Examination Interest Form

Explore the NABP Exams YouTube Playlist

Read the Latest Exam Blogs

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Taking the NAPLEX: A Basic Guide

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Tips to Successfully Schedule Your Pharmacist Licensure Exams

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Top 10 Things to Do After Pharmacy School Graduation

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Pharmacists, Here’s How we Develop the Exams You Take

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The Science Behind the Score: The New NAPLEX Candidate Performance Report

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Initial Results Demonstrate Moderately Strong Relationship Between NAPLEX Advantage and Future NAPLEX Performance