Isabella Blankenship, PharmD, is a 2022–2023 APhA executive resident in Washington, DC.
Preparing for the NAPLEX and MPJE is a daunting task given the importance of passing those exams and the difficulty of studying while on rotations, working full-time, and/or preparing for postgraduate life. As I was in your shoes not too long ago, I want to share some advice for when it’s your time to take the big exams.
Where to start
It’s important to be aware of your job or residency’s deadline for getting licensed, which can vary greatly between practice sites. The licensure process looks different depending on your state, so refer to your state’s board of pharmacy website for state-specific instructions. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) also provides an updated application bulletin each year to guide you through the process.
Generally speaking, the steps to follow are:
- Apply for licensure through your state’s board of pharmacy.
- Graduate from your school of pharmacy.
- Apply for each test through NABP.
- Receive your attestation to test from NABP.
- Schedule and pass your exams.
My story
I chose to get licensed in Iowa, where I went to pharmacy school. I prepared for the NAPLEX and MPJE using RxPrep’s prep books, online test banks, and APhA’s NAPLEX Quick Review Guide. I prepared for the tests while finishing rotations and after graduation. My state pharmacy association held a review session right before graduation, which was very beneficial. I made my own study plan with the goal to pass both exams before I moved from Iowa to Washington, DC for my residency but ended up rescheduling my NAPLEX for September because I didn’t feel prepared to sit for the exam. After long months of studying, I passed both my exams and received my Iowa license in September!
Tips for success
While everyone will have a different experience with the exams, here are some important tips to consider that helped me succeed throughout the process.
- Just like in pharmacy school, every student studies differently. Keep this in mind as you make your plan to pass the exams, as everyone’s journey does not look the same. Your content areas of strength will be different than your peers, and study schedules will be unique to you. As difficult as it may be, try not to compare yourself to your peers throughout this process.
- Start early. Your school will likely begin providing guidance for the preparation and licensing processes at the beginning of your final year in pharmacy school; start thinking about your general timeline then. It’s perfectly okay to be unsure of which state(s) you’re going to be licensed in, but you can always make a study plan and adjust it as needed.
- Take breaks. One of the best things I did while preparing for my exams was to take a study break the day before my NAPLEX. After months of intense studying, I decided to treat myself to a coffee and long hike to clear my headspace. It’s so important not to push yourself in the months leading up to the tests as well, as you won’t retain information you study while exhausted or burned out.
- Relax, you got this! While it’s easier said than done, try to focus on all the successes you’ve had so far in your pharmacy school journey as you near your exam dates. Going into the exams with a full night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and a positive mindset will set you up for success. Be sure to check your testing facility’s website for which items you can bring with you to access during breaks, too.