The NAPLEX

At a Glance

The NAPLEX^® is a 185-question, multiple choice, computerized examination designed to determine whether candidates have the knowledge, judgment and skill necessary to practice pharmacy at entry-level competence. The exam tests three fundamental areas of competence: managing drug therapy, safely and accurately preparing and dispensing medications, and providing drug information and promoting public health. For a complete list of NAPLEX competency areas and statements, visit NABP.

Many NAPLEX questions refer to specific patient profiles, so called "scenario" questions. These questions require both a fundamental knowledge of pharmacy as well as the ability to interpret patient information. Most other questions are standard, so-called "stand-alone" multiple-choice items in which a question is asked and answer choices are offered but no patient profiles are given.

The NAPLEX follows the one-best-answer rule, in which several choices may be plausible, but only one answer choice is the best. You will encounter both single-answer and combined-response questions. In single-answer questions, you must choose the best option for completing a statement or answering a question. In combined-response questions, you must choose among several combinations of answer components.

What to Expect

You will have approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete 185 questions on a computer. After about 2 hours, there is a mandatory 10-minute break. Thirty-five of the questions on the exam are pretest questions and will not affect the student's score. However, there is no way of knowing which items are pretest questions so students should answer each question as though it counts.

The NAPLEX is adaptive, meaning that your performance on each question determines which question the computer asks next. If you answer a question correctly, the next question that the computer asks will be more difficult. If you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will be easier. In this way, the test program tracks your number of correct and incorrect responses as well as the difficulty of the questions you are asked.

Updated NAPLEX Blueprint and New Passing Standard

The NAPLEX exam is changing after May 1, 2005. After May 1, 2005 all candidates who attempt the NAPLEX will receive an examination based on the revised blueprint and a score based on the new passing standard, regardless of when they registered or were approved by the board of pharmacy.

The most significant changes include:

Increasing the emphasis on communication skills
Treating over-the-counter and prescription products equally
Adding a competency specifically addressing dietary supplements
A higher passing standard, although the minimum passing score will remain 75

For more information, or to view the NAPLEX Competency Statements, visit NABP.

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	The NAPLEX At a Glance The NAPLEX^® is a 185-question, multiple choice, computerized examination designed to determine whether candidates have the knowledge, judgment and skill necessary to practice pharmacy at entry-level competence. The exam tests three fundamental areas of competence: managing drug therapy, safely and accurately preparing and dispensing medications, and providing drug information and promoting public health. For a complete list of NAPLEX competency areas and statements, visit NABP. Many NAPLEX questions refer to specific patient profiles, so called "scenario" questions. These questions require both a fundamental knowledge of pharmacy as well as the ability to interpret patient information. Most other questions are standard, so-called "stand-alone" multiple-choice items in which a question is asked and answer choices are offered but no patient profiles are given. The NAPLEX follows the one-best-answer rule, in which several choices may be plausible, but only one answer choice is the best. You will encounter both single-answer and combined-response questions. In single-answer questions, you must choose the best option for completing a statement or answering a question. In combined-response questions, you must choose among several combinations of answer components. What to Expect You will have approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete 185 questions on a computer. After about 2 hours, there is a mandatory 10-minute break. Thirty-five of the questions on the exam are pretest questions and will not affect the student's score. However, there is no way of knowing which items are pretest questions so students should answer each question as though it counts. The NAPLEX is adaptive, meaning that your performance on each question determines which question the computer asks next. If you answer a question correctly, the next question that the computer asks will be more difficult. If you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will be easier. In this way, the test program tracks your number of correct and incorrect responses as well as the difficulty of the questions you are asked. Updated NAPLEX Blueprint and New Passing Standard The NAPLEX exam is changing after May 1, 2005. After May 1, 2005 all candidates who attempt the NAPLEX will receive an examination based on the revised blueprint and a score based on the new passing standard, regardless of when they registered or were approved by the board of pharmacy. The most significant changes include: Increasing the emphasis on communication skills Treating over-the-counter and prescription products equally Adding a competency specifically addressing dietary supplements A higher passing standard, although the minimum passing score will remain 75 For more information, or to view the NAPLEX Competency Statements, visit NABP.	COMMUNITY THE BUZZ Thinking About Pharmacy School? Well, you're in luck! With advances in science, technology, and medicine growing by leaps and bounds, it's a great time to join this growing profession. Learn more. Join the Kaplan Community and get more features. It's FREE! Steps to Pharmacy School—Learn what you need to get in!