Frequently Asked QuestionsEverything About the NAPLEX Exam
Find answers to common questions about the NAPLEX exam, preparation strategies, our platform, and more.
NAPLEX Exam Basics
What is the NAPLEX exam?
The NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) is a mandatory assessment that pharmacy graduates must pass to become licensed pharmacists in the United States. It is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and tests competency across all areas of pharmacy practice.
What is the NAPLEX exam format?
The NAPLEX consists of 225 questions to be completed in 5 hours. It uses a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format, meaning question difficulty adjusts based on your performance. Of the 225 questions, 200 are scored and 25 are pretest questions that do not count toward your score.
What is the NAPLEX pass rate?
The national first-time pass rate for NAPLEX is typically around 85% for US pharmacy graduates. Students who use comprehensive preparation platforms like ours achieve significantly higher pass rates - our students have a 94% first-time pass rate.
When can I take the NAPLEX?
You can take NAPLEX after graduating from an accredited PharmD program and receiving eligibility from your state board of pharmacy. Most states allow you to take NAPLEX year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. You must schedule your exam within 45 days of receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT).
How much does the NAPLEX exam cost?
The NAPLEX exam fee is $575 per attempt, paid directly to NABP. Additional state licensure fees vary by state. If you fail, you must wait 45 days before retaking and pay the full fee again, making proper preparation a worthwhile investment.
What topics are covered on the NAPLEX?
NAPLEX covers four competency areas: Area 1 - Obtain, Interpret, or Assess Data (18%); Area 2 - Identify Drug-Related Problems (34%); Area 3 - Develop or Manage Treatment Plans (34%); and Area 4 - Perform Calculations (14%). Questions cover pharmacotherapy, calculations, federal law, and clinical decision-making.
Exam Preparation
How long should I study for NAPLEX?
We recommend starting your preparation at least 8-12 weeks (2-3 months) before your exam date. Most successful students study 2-4 hours daily, combining practice questions, mock exams, and content review. Starting earlier gives you more time to identify and address weak areas.
What is the best way to prepare for NAPLEX?
The most effective preparation combines: (1) consistent daily practice with quality questions, (2) full-length 225-question mock exams under timed conditions, (3) thorough review of explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, (4) focused work on weak competency areas identified through analytics, and (5) regular calculation practice. Our platform supports all these activities.
How many practice questions should I complete?
We recommend completing at least 1,500-2,000 practice questions before your exam, spread over your preparation period. Start with 30-50 questions daily and increase as your exam approaches. Quality matters more than quantity - always review explanations thoroughly.
When should I start taking mock exams?
Take your first full-length mock exam after 2-3 weeks of study to establish a baseline. Then take regular mocks every 1-2 weeks to track progress. In the final 2 weeks before your exam, take 2-3 full 225-question mock exams under strict timed conditions to build stamina and confidence.
How can I improve my pharmaceutical calculations?
Practice calculations daily, even if just for 15-20 minutes. Calculations are 14% of NAPLEX and are often considered high-yield because they have clear right answers. Learn common formulas, practice compounding and IV admixture calculations, and time yourself to improve speed. Our platform includes step-by-step solutions to help you understand methodology.
How do I manage exam anxiety?
Regular mock exam practice under timed conditions is the best way to reduce anxiety - familiarity breeds confidence. Also: maintain a consistent study schedule, get adequate sleep, practice relaxation techniques, and trust your preparation. The CAT format means everyone gets different questions, so focus on your own preparation.
Failed Exam / Retake
What happens if I fail NAPLEX?
If you fail NAPLEX, you must wait at least 45 days before your next attempt and pay the $575 fee again. You can take NAPLEX up to 5 times total. Use the waiting period productively to address your weak competency areas with focused, targeted preparation.
How many times can you retake NAPLEX?
You can take NAPLEX a maximum of 5 times total. Each attempt requires a 45-day wait and payment of the $575 sitting fee. After 5 attempts, you may need to complete additional requirements determined by your state board of pharmacy. Comprehensive preparation for your retake is essential.
How should I prepare differently for a retake?
Analyze what went wrong in your first attempt - was it time management, specific competency areas, calculations, or exam anxiety? Focus your preparation on these areas. Take more mock exams to build confidence. Consider using a structured preparation platform to ensure comprehensive coverage. Our retake success rate is 96%.
Will I know which questions I got wrong?
NABP provides your scaled score (passing is 75) and whether you passed or failed, but does not provide a breakdown of which specific questions you got wrong. However, your score can give you a sense of how close you were. Use practice exam analytics to identify weak areas for your retake preparation.
International Graduates
Can international pharmacy graduates take NAPLEX?
Yes, international pharmacy graduates can take NAPLEX after obtaining FPGEC (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee) certification. This process involves credential evaluation, passing the FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination), and completing other NABP requirements.
What is FPGEC certification?
FPGEC (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee) certification is required for pharmacists who graduated from pharmacy schools outside the US. It involves credential evaluation by NABP, passing the FPGEE exam, English proficiency testing (TOEFL), and verification of your pharmacy degree.
Is NAPLEX different for international graduates?
The NAPLEX exam itself is identical for all candidates. However, international graduates may need additional focus on US-specific content such as federal pharmacy law, US drug names and dosing conventions, and FDA regulations. Our platform includes content specifically helpful for international graduates.
Our Platform
How similar are your questions to the actual NAPLEX exam?
Our questions are written by licensed pharmacists who have recently taken the exam. We regularly update our question bank based on student feedback and NABP competency statement changes. Many students report our questions are slightly harder than the real NAPLEX, which helps them feel more prepared.
How much does the platform cost?
Our platform costs $49 per month with no hidden fees. You get full access to 2000+ practice questions, full-length 225-question mock exams, detailed explanations, and progress analytics by competency area. Most students subscribe for 2-3 months, making total preparation cost $98-147.
Can I access the platform on mobile devices?
Yes! Our platform is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and computers. Your progress syncs across all devices. For full-length mock exams, we recommend using a larger screen to simulate exam conditions.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, when you sign up you get access to 50 free practice questions to experience our platform before subscribing. No credit card required for the free trial.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Absolutely. You can cancel anytime from your account dashboard. Your access continues until the end of your billing period. We also offer a 7-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers.
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Still Have Questions?
Our support team is here to help with any questions about the NAPLEX exam or our platform.