Overview

The NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) is a standardized exam administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). It is one of the key requirements for obtaining a pharmacist license in the United States.PurposeThe NAPLEX is designed to evaluate whether a candidate has the knowledge and skills needed to practice pharmacy competently and safely.EligibilityYou must have graduated from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school or hold a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification.Each state board of pharmacy may have additional requirements.Approval to test must be obtained from your respective state board of pharmacy before registering with NABP.Exam Format (as of 2025)Number of questions: 225 (only 200 are scored; 25 are pretest items)Time allowed: 6 hoursType of questions: Mostly multiple-choice, with K-type, select all that apply, and ordered response formats.Computer-based test (CBT) administered at Pearson VUE centers.Exam Content Areas (Competency Statements)Area 1: Optimize therapeutic outcomes through safe and effective medication use (55%)Patient assessmentDrug regimen reviewMonitoring and adjusting therapyArea 2: Ensure safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications (33%)CompoundingDispensingPreventing medication errorsArea 3: Provide health care information and promote public health (12%)CounsellingDrug informationHealth promotionScoringScores range from 0 to 150Passing score: 75This is not a percentage but a scaled score.Results are typically available within 7 business dayHow to RegisterApply with your state board of pharmacy.Create an account and register for NAPLEX via NABP's e-Profile.Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT).Retake PolicyYou must wait 45 days between attempts.Maximum of 5 attempts (with some states limiting this further).Additional state-specific requirements may apply for retakes.

Skills

Reviews