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The Daily Insight

How do I prepare for Naplex

Author

Emily Carr

Updated on May 05, 2026

Practice calculations, and practice them often. Practice them by the hundreds. Remember, the NAPLEX is a minimum competency exam. If you cannot demonstrate basic math skills (used to calculate doses, drip rates, and all sorts of stuff) in the time allowed, you will not pass the test.

What is the best way to study for NAPLEX?

  1. Get the right study materials that’ll help you the most. …
  2. Make a study schedule that you can stick with. …
  3. Learn your brand and generic drug names. …
  4. Break up your study material into smaller books. …
  5. Practice math daily even if you’re good at math.

How many hours a day should you study for NAPLEX?

Yes, you can pass NAPLEX with only four weeks of constantly studying 6-8 hours daily. However, I do not recommend the cram study method. You are going to be dependent on as a licensed pharmacist and should understand the material until the day you decide to hang up your white coat.

How long should I study for NAPLEX?

It is estimated that a period of about three to four weeks would be sufficient for one to prepare for the NAPLEX. This figure is really dependent on your initial capabilities, ie. if you go through the free questions on this site and get only around 30% correct then you will need a lot longer – possibly a month or two.

What is a good score on pre-NAPLEX?

Mean NAPLEX total scaled score was 104.7 (13.9), with scores ranging from 67 to 135. Mean Pre-NAPLEX score was 68.6 (15.0), with scores ranging from 31 to 110.

How long does it take to get NAPLEX results?

Exam results are available approximately seven business days after your exam.

Is the NAPLEX easy?

The NAPLEX is NOT easy, and a lot of really great pharmacists have failed it a time or two. Don’t let your ego convince you that you don’t need to study that much. You need to prep for this exam like it’s the most important one you’ll take in your life (because quite possibly, it is).

How do I study for NAPLEX in 2 weeks?

  1. Avoid reading books like DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy, APHA, and RxPrep word for word. …
  2. Develop a schedule. …
  3. I would consider a study partner if that option is available. …
  4. I would get at least 7.5-8.5 hours of sleep and try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise.

Which is harder NAPLEX or MPJE?

If you are going to take them back-to-back like I did, I would highly recommend taking the MPJE first just since it’s a shorter test and probably better to be “fresher” for since it’s definitely harder than the NAPLEX.

What should I do the day before NAPLEX?
  • Keep calm, carry on – do not worry about the exam. …
  • Use flashcards – make sure you have your flashcards handy so that you can refresh your knowledge when needed. …
  • Get to sleep early – make sure you get enough sleep, but don’t go too early otherwise you will be tossing and turning.
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How many times can I take NAPLEX exam?

About the Exam And in terms of how often you can sit for the exam, test takers are allowed a maximum of 5 attempts to pass the NAPLEX – but after each failed attempt, you must wait 45 days to next attempt the NAPLEX.

How many questions are on the pre NAPLEX?

Exam Format: Although the exam questions are similar in structure to those in the actual examination, Pre-NAPLEX is not as long. As a matter of fact, it only comprises fifty questions (our Gold Course has over 1,000!), which are allocated a maximum of one hour and ten minutes.

How many questions is NAPLEX?

Take the NAPLEX The NAPLEX is a six-hour exam composed of 225 questions that are delivered in a computerized, fixed form. The exam results will be reported as pass or fail, and candidates are allowed five attempts to pass the exam.

Is there a curve on the NAPLEX?

The passing scores on both the California Pharmacist Jurisprudence Examination (CPJE) and the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) are set by criterion-referenced methods. … Also, the examination is NOT graded “on a curve” so that 75 percent of the candidates will pass it.

How are NAPLEX questions weighted?

The NAPLEX is scored using item response theory and a mathematically based weighted scoring model with a range of 0 to 150. The minimum passing scale score is 75 and does not reflect a percent of correct answers.

What percentage do you need to pass NAPLEX?

Candidates must achieve a score of 75 or greater to pass the NAPLEX.

Is NAPLEX 2021 adaptive?

The NAPLEX is no longer adaptive, meaning all questions must be answered in order. Test takers cannot return to a question once they have submitted the answer.

How soon after graduation can I take the NAPLEX?

You may apply for the NAPLEX or MPJE prior to graduating, but you will not able to schedule your exam until you meet all graduation requirements and your state board of pharmacy confirms your eligibility to test.

What happens if you fail Naplex?

If you fail the NAPLEX, you must reapply with the NABP and pay the necessary fees in order to retake the exam as well as submit a Retake Application (17A-1A) to the Board. If you fail the CPJE, you must reapply with the Board by submitting a Retake Application (17A-1A) and paying the required CPJE fee.

Can you use a calculator on the Naplex?

Personal calculators are not permitted during the NAPLEX. … On nabp.net all they say about a calculator is that, “an on-screen calculator can be activated during the examination for your use”.

Should I take MPJE or NAPLEX first?

The Argument for Taking the NAPLEX First Because of this reason, it does make sense to take the NAPLEX before the MPJE. Another reason for taking the NAPLEX prior to the MPJE is that you have likely just finished up clinical rotations.

What are K type questions?

K-Type questions, also known as complex items, require students to select combinations of individual response options. Response options are typically a series of true/ false statements, followed by options such as “A and B” or “two of the above” [22] .

Is the NAPLEX adaptive?

The NAPLEX is developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) for use by the state boards of pharmacy as part of their assessment of competence to practice pharmacy. It is a computer-adaptive test that provides the most precise measurement of your knowledge and ability in pharmacy.

Do you need to know lab values for Naplex?

I cannot stress how important lab values are on the exam. … Which means, regardless of who you are and how lucky you are with your exam, I absolutely guarantee you will get some type of lab based question(s) on your NAPLEX. Period. You have to know how most drugs impact labs, and how labs are impacted by drugs.

Should you study the day before the Naplex?

Many of the exam questions will involve calculations or statistics which require a sharp mind to answer correctly. These are questions that you can easily get right as long as you are mentally sharp. Don’t study the night before. I advise relaxing the night before and doing something other than studying.

How often is Naplex?

The NAPLEX is administered year-round on business days. There are several steps in registering for the exam. As of this printing, the fee for the exam is $575. (Also, be sure to check with your local board of pharmacy for its fees.)

What if I fail the NAPLEX 5 times?

NAPLEX retake limit: You can take the NAPLEX up to 5 times after failed attempts (if permitted by the board of pharmacy). However, after failing 3 times, there is a 1-year waiting period which starts from the first attempt date.

What should I bring to Naplex?

Arrive Early and Bring ID Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow for check-in procedures. You will be required to present two forms of ID or you will not be admitted to the testing center: A photo ID that includes your signature. A second form of ID with a signature.

Is Naplex multiple choice math?

NAPLEX Content and Structure. The NAPLEX is a linear form exam that consists of 250 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 200 questions will be used to calculate your test score. The remaining 50 items serve as experimental questions and do not affect your score.

How do I read my NAPLEX score?

You must score a 75 or above to pass; an unsatisfactory score comes with a diagnostic report indicating your performance in major competency areas. Scoreless NAPLEX® results mean that you failed to complete the exam. A minimum score of 75 is required to pass the NAPLEX exam.