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.
