Starting Your NAPLEX Journey: Essential First Steps

Written By Claire Meredith-Gelin

Hey there, future pharmacist! 👋🏾

Embarking on your NAPLEX journey is a thrilling step towards your dream career. But, let's face it, it can be a bit overwhelming too. Don't worry, I've got your back! Let's dive into the essential first steps to get you started on this exciting path.

Creating Your NABP e-Profile: Your Gateway to the NAPLEX

The first thing on your checklist is to create your NABP e-Profile, if you haven’t already. Be sure to use a personal email since your school email may expire in the midst of your NAPLEX preparation. This is your command center, and here’s what you can do with it:

  1. Apply for Exam Eligibility: It's your ticket to the big show.

  2. Receive Your Authorization to Test: This is the green light saying you're ready to go!

  3. Request ADA Accommodations: If needed, they’ve got you covered.

  4. And More: It’s the hub for all your licensure-related needs.

Remember, the name on your ID must match your e-Profile. No match, no entry. Simple as that! Corrections or updates to legal name, date of birth, or Social Security number will require submission of documentation. If you make a mistake with the IDs, you can only change it before the exam — more on that later.

Understanding the NAPLEX

You might be wondering, "What exactly is the NAPLEX?" Great question!

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, or NAPLEX, is the big-league exam developed by NABP. It's the gatekeeper to ensure you have the skills to be a top-notch pharmacist. The big crescendo of all your pharmacy exams and skills you’ve learned. It is THEEE test for recent pharmacy grads like you and foreign-educated pharmacists who've earned their FPGEC® Certification.

The Exam Lowdown

  • Duration: 6 hours of brain power.

  • Questions: 225, but only 200 count towards your score (phew!)

  • Format: Mostly scenario-based questions. Think of it as solving real-world patient cases like APPEs.

  • Breaks: Two 10-minute breather breaks. Take them but use them wisely!

  • Total Appointment Time: 6 hours and 40 minutes — NDA, tutorial, and a post-exam survey included.

NAPLEX Resources: Your Arsenal

  • NAPLEX Competency Statements: Read BEFORE you start studying and know what you need to master — I'll help you decode these later.

  • Question Banks: Get a feel for the question formats.

  • Pre-NAPLEX®: The official practice exam. It’s like a scrimmage before the big game.

Retakes: Bouncing Back

Obviously, I hope this doesn’t happen. BUT, being aware of the retake process (if you never need it) could save you some headache during your comeback. Shake it off! Here's the deal:

  • Waiting Period: 45 days. Use this time to regroup and strategize.

  • 3-Attempt Limit: Within a 12-month period.

  • 5-Attempt Max: Lifetime, unless your state board of pharmacy makes an exception.

Wrapping Up

Starting your NAPLEX journey is like prepping for a grand adventure. It's about more than just passing an exam; it’s about paving the path to your future in pharmacy. Remember, the first step is creating your NABP e-Profile. It’s your control panel for this journey.

And remember, you’re not alone in this. I'm here to guide you every step of the way with personalized coaching and resources tailored just for you. Together, we'll turn your dreams into achievements.

Are you ready to start this journey? Let’s do this!🚀

Claire Meredith-Gelin