How to Study for and Pass the NAPLEX

By Business & Finance Last updated Wednesday, January/15/2025

Applying for the Exam

1). Apply for the NAPLEX by using the application process on the Internet site of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (nabp.net). The board does not accept paper applications.
2). Contact your state's board of pharmacy to determine its eligibility requirements for licensure. Be certain you are eligible. Once you apply to take the NAPLEX, your application goes to your state's pharmacy board to affirm eligibility. If your state declares your qualifications inadequate, you may not take the exam.
3). Set up an appointment time to take the exam when you receive an "authorization to test" letter. Call the test provider, Pearson VUE at 888-709-2679 or visit its Internet site to schedule your appointment (pearsonvue.com/nabp). Set your exam date well enough in advance to give yourself time to study.
4). Keep the letter advising you of your exam location in a safe place. Mark the exam time and place on your calendar.

1). Review the NAPLEX brochure, paying special attention to the competency statements regarding the skills and procedures with which an entry-level pharmacist must be familiar. Although most students preparing for the NAPLEX have had six years of university schooling and experience as an intern, brush up on any areas in which you feel you require additional study.
2). Ask your school for recommendations for study guides or preparatory courses if your current level of knowledge is inadequate. Select a comprehensive study guide; it must cover all categories and variations of question covered on the NAPLEX. Look for a course that explains each answer and covers each of the compulsory exam sections.
3). Sign up for a Pre-NAPLEX examination to evaluate your level of knowledge. Go to the NAPB Internet site to register (nabp.net). At the time of publication, the test costs $50 and you complete it on your home computer. It contains 50 questions that were part of previous NAPLEX exams, and graders use the same scoring criteria. Your score on the Pre-NAPLEX approximates the score you will receive on the NAPLEX.