I found it really helpful to read how others studied for the NAPLEX so I am happy to share my experience! Please know that you should find a study method/plan that works for you, but this is how I approached it.
This post will only cover the NAPLEX. For MPJE advice, definitely reach out to recent alumni, current/past residents, and/or other people who have recently taken the MPJE for the state you are trying to become licensed in.
What is the NAPLEX?
The NAPLEX is a 6- hour licensure exam with 225 questions. 200 are used to calculate your score and the remaining 25 test questions are considered for future exams.
In order to become a licensed pharmacist in the US, you must pass both the NAPLEX and MPJE (additional requirements for foreign grads). Passing score for the NAPLEX is 75 out of 150 but it is a scaled score that changes based on the grading algorithm used.
I highly suggest you first read the entire NABP Candidate Application Bulletin for helpful information on NAPLEX and MPJE testing format, how to apply for the exam, and more.
I also would suggest you read the NAPLEX Competency Statements to understand what the exam covers.
Registering and Taking the Exam
Registering for the exam can be VERY confusing. Again, please read the NABP bulletin that explains it fully. Double and triple check your IDs are correct, especially your listed first name, middle, and last name.
Basic steps for registering:
- apply for the exam in your NABP e-profile
- pay application fee
- ensure school sends transcript (after graduating and before purchasing exam)
- ensure following state board of pharmacy instructions to verify eligibility (see their website)
- receive ATT via email, needed to schedule exam date
- pay exam fee
- schedule exam through Pearson VUE website (instructions in ATT email)
Taking the exam:
- The exam is computer-based, usually at an approved Pearson testing facility. You can take the exam anywhere you want, in any state, as long as it is an option.
- You have two 10 minute breaks. In my experience, it was based on time but it wasn’t clear exactly when it would pop up as a break. You don’t have to take it but I highly suggest you do to eat and drink something and use the bathroom. The clock pauses during these 10 minutes. I did only use one of my breaks, by the time my second one popped up I only had 10 questions left.
- You have to answer each question at a time, and you cannot go back. If you don’t know an answer, try your best and move on. But also don’t rush through things. Take your time to read the question fully.
- Dress in layers! You don’t know if it will be cold or hot at your testing facility
Timeline
I graduated on 5/7/21 and didn’t get my ATT until 5/25/21. With this delay, I had some trouble scheduling my exam dates exactly when I wanted to.
My main goal was to A) pass and B) finish both the NAPLEX and MPJE before residency started.
Since I was moving very far for residency, I basically had to take my exams before 6/19.
I actually ended up scheduling both my exams, then rescheduling them both for a better date closer to 6/19 to give me more time to study.
Just be aware that each time you reschedule, it does cost $50 so try to get the best date that works for you right away if you can. If you can’t find any good dates, keep checking multiple times per day since different dates and times pop up constantly.
Study Materials
1. RxPrep Book – $188 on Amazon or at RxPrep.com. This is probably the most recommended resource for NAPLEX studying because it is the most comprehensive and well put together. I also split up my book into 3 spiral-bound books to make it easier to study.
2. RxPrep Test Bank – 2 month access on RxPrep.com is $149. Pricey but in my opinion worth it. I learn best by testing my knowledge, so this was an easy decision for me.
There are questions for each section of RxPrep and a practice exam. You can retake them as many times as you want, with the option to only retake the missed questions from prior. You can also “heart” questions and it will autogenerate flashcards. I don’t like the flashcards because sadly it doesn’t show all the options, only the correct answers which doesn’t make much sense sometimes to study from.
Pro Tip: Consider splitting the cost with some friends, the only downside is only 1 person can be logged in at 1 time.
My school does not provide us with any NAPLEX review sessions or resources, other than 1 free official online practice exam. If your school provides you with additional resources I highly suggest you try those out!
There are many other resources out there as well.
Study Schedule
I created a simple calendar in Word and wrote out each chapter I wanted to work on for what date. This way I could map out my progress through RxPrep to ensure I didn’t fall behind. I crossed off chapters from the calendar as I finished them. Some days I was able to get a little ahead, other days I didn’t finish everything I wanted – it all evened out in the end.
Any blank days on the calendar were rest days. Definitely highly encourage you to take at least ONE rest day a week so you don’t burn out! You can see I started studying on the weekend as my test dates got closer. I didn’t mind because I was very anxious anyways so it felt better to study. But I also made sure to take an entire day off to recharge.
If it is helpful, here is a blank version of the calendar I made myself. Feel free to fill it out with your own study schedule.
Study Method
I studied in a similar way to how I studied during pharmacy school, because I know this works best for me.
- Create a simple “study guide” in Word for each clinical chapter, focusing on key info (bold, underline, drug charts, etc)
- Take test bank questions after each chapter, focus on what I miss
- Go through calculations and nonclinical chapters, practice problems from the chapters (I prefer my iPad but pen and paper work well too), and the RxTest bank questions
- Create a folder in Quizlet and make sets of flashcards for brand/generics (add to flashcards as I review RxPrep)
Cost
NAPLEX
- $100 application fee
- $475 exam fee
- $50 per each rescheduling fee (optional)
MPJE
- $100 application fee
- $150 exam fee per jurisdiction
- my state – board of pharmacy pharmacist exam application fee $100 (can vary by state)
- $50 per each rescheduling fee (optional)
In total I spent $1287.50 including study materials. So keep this in mind as the costs can quickly add up.
FAQ
Do you really need to study everything? Yes. I know it seems impossible but the NAPLEX can ask you questions about how to use an inhaler, how to dose a medication, and so on. Remember, it is a minimum competency exam so you don’t need to get the best score like you are conditioned to think from pharmacy school. It’s not about getting an A, it’s about passing. Focus on the bolded and underlined concepts in RxPrep but do try to skim/read everything because you never know what random question you can remember just from reading that chapter.
How to study calculations? My original goal was to practice calculations daily but I often ran out of time getting through the clinical chapters so I ended up not going through the math fully until the end. This actually worked out well for me because I was able to practice closer to the exam and keep it fresh in my mind. My best tip is to do as many practice problems as you can!
How many weeks do you need to study? This depends on the person. I studied for ~5 weeks but the last week overlapped with at least 3-4 days when I only studied for the MPJE. In hindsight, I likely could have passed if I only studied for 2-3 weeks but I would have been WAY more anxious and stressed. Spending more time studying made me feel much better about passing and it was a good way for me to review basics before residency.
When should I schedule my exams? Again, this depends on the person. I originally wanted to take my NAPLEX first and then my MPJE a week later so I didn’t have to study for both at the same time but based on testing availability that was not an option for me. I ended up taking my NAPLEX and MPJE back to back, and actually didn’t mind this at all! It was very doable to study them both simultaneously. I studied NAPLEX during the day and read law in the evening. Then spent a few full days reviewing law and taking practice questions after I already finished all my NAPLEX material.
What was your score? My NAPLEX score was 103. My PreNAPLEX was 113 and my RxPrep practice exam was 65%.
Which was more realistic/helpful, the PreNAPELX or RxPrep practice exam? The PreNAPLEX was more realistic since the format was almost identical to the real exam. I felt a lot more comfortable with the testing format when I took the real thing. However, the questions were really hard in my opinion, which kind of scared me for the real exam.
RxPrep was also difficult, but not as hard. It was helpful to review all the different clinical concepts in one sitting that way. It also helped me realize what topics I should review again.
The downside of both practice tests is that you are not provided feedback on what the correct answer is.
Overall, the real exam felt easier in comparison to both exams.
Do you need to study during APPE year? When to start studying?
Some people recommend this but I did not. I do recommend you purchase your RxPrep book sometime in the Fall as I found it handy for reviewing prior to residency interviews. However, it was not a good resource for me during rotations so I did not use it much until after graduation. I started studying seriously a few days after graduation.
Final Thoughts
I was so nervous to take my exam.
Despite my planning, I still had thoughts in my head like “how did my preceptors let me pass through rotations?” or “I really don’t know anything” and “Infectious Disease will make me fail”…
If you are struggling with this too, remember this is just the imposter syndrome talking. I constantly work on redirecting my thoughts and take time to recognize all that I DO know!
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Think of all the pharmacists that have gone through this before you. You can do this!
If you have additional questions, PLEASE feel welcome to reach out to me via DM on Instagram or email me. I will also update the FAQ section above based on additional questions I get, so please reach out!
