NAPLEX - The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination
Introduction
The NAPLEX, or North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination is developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). NAPLEX is a five-option, 185-question, multiple choice, computerized examination. Out of these 185 questions, 150 questions will be used to calculate your test scores. This exam has been designed to assess how well candidates can apply their knowledge, learning, and skills to actual practice situations and to evaluate their ability to meet the responsibilities of the practice of pharmacy at entry-level competence .
Test Structure
Many of the questions on the examination are associated with "scenarios" or patient profiles, while others are "stand-alone" items in which no reference to a scenario or patient profile is required. The NAPLEX questions have only one correct answer, candidates cannot omit or skip a question, go back and review a question, change an answer to a question after confirming an answer. The exam tests three fundamental areas of competence:
|
Fundamental Areas |
Description |
Percentage of Test |
|
Manage Drug Therapy to Optimize Patient Outcomes |
Evaluate the patient and/or patient information to determine the presence of a disease or medical condition, to determine the need for treatment and/or referral, and to identify patient-specific factors that affect health, pharmacotherapy, and/or disease management. Assure the appropriateness of the patient's specific pharmacotherapeutic agents, dosing regimens, dosage forms, routes of administration, and delivery systems. Monitor the patient and/or patient information and manage the drug regimen to promote health and assure safe and effective pharmacotherapy. |
Approximately 50% of test |
|
Assure the Safe and Accurate Preparation and Dispensing of Medications |
Perform calculations required to compound, dispense, and administer medication. Select and dispense medications. | Approximately 25% of test |
| Provide Drug Information and Promote Public Health | Access, evaluate, and apply information to promote optimal health care. Educate patients and health care professionals regarding prescription medications, nonprescription medications, and medical devices. Educate patients and the public regarding wellness, disease states, and medical conditions. | Approximately 25% of test |
Test Registration
For registration candidates must contact the board of pharmacy in the state in which they want licensure. The state board will issue paperwork and instructions. NABP will report candidates NAPLEX score to their respective board of pharmacy that conferred their eligibility approximately five days after the scheduled test day. The board of pharmacy will report each candidate score to them. Candidates must check with their board of pharmacy for an estimation of when they may expect to receive their scores after having taken the examination.
The computer-adaptive NAPLEX is available for administration on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, through the Prometric Testing Center. Consult the Prometric Thomson Learning Web site located at www.2test.com for a complete list of Prometric Testing Centers.
Scoring
The minimum acceptable passing score on the NAPLEX scale is 75. The passing score reported is NOT a percentage value, but rather an independent value based on measures such as the number of questions candidate answered correctly and the difficulty of the questions they were asked. To receive a test score, candidates must have completed at least 162 questions on the examination. Candidates completing less than 162 questions will NOT have their score reported.