Key Study Tips and Resources for Passing the NAPLEX
The NAPLEX is the longest exam that Doctor of Pharmacy graduates must pass to become licensed. For context, the PCAT is about four and a half hours, while the NAPLEX is six. Full disclosure, I did have some test anxiety and took the MPJE first. I saved one of my vacation blocks and spent about eight weeks studying in total. If you are planning to take the exam and/or would like to find out how I studied, keep reading. You can find my post on the state-specific MPJE, or law exam, here.
I did not study during rotations due to assignments and other commitments. I spent most of my free time writing SOAP notes, reading clinical guidelines, and/or working on research. However, you will learn much more than you realize as an intern. For example, many of my clinical rotations had a focus on infectious diseases and HIV. This was helpful since I was already familiar with a lot of the concepts. If you are confident or knowledgeable in a particular clinical area, you can likely spend less time on that topic. Also, working will cut into your study time. It is not a bad idea to reduce your work hours if possible.
RxPrep and the Pre-NAPLEX
My pharmacy school provided the RxPrep book and online access at no cost. The book is comprehensive and has over 1,000 pages. I found it much easier to deconstruct it into three smaller books. To see a preview of the chapters or how I did this, check out my IGTV video here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFLh8n0nXtm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link. I recommended using RxPrep and making your own notes/flashcards for reference. I find that writing things down helps me to retain information better. But, it is best to adapt your approach to accommodate your lifestyle and learning style.
I did find all the RxPrep videos useful and watched them all. You should have the option of speeding them up as well. I recommend doing all the quizzes at least once. They are a great way to reinforce what you know after studying the chapters. RxPrep does include a four-hour practice exam as well. Although I did take it, Pre-NAPLEX from the NABP website will give you the best feel for the test format. In particular, I found it helpful for practicing how to use the on-screen calculator. My test site did provide a basic four-function calculator as well. I would recommend that you become comfortable with using both calculators, just in case.
It can be helpful to take the Pre-NAPLEX one to two weeks before the exam. However, the timing is up to you. I chose to take it two days before. Keep in mind that you can only reschedule up to two business days before your scheduled exam date (at the time of writing this). The best time is whenever you feel ready, but not too late that you cannot postpone the exam if needed.
RxPrep does have sample study schedules on its website. I rearranged and adapted their 6-8 week schedule. During my first vacation block, I watched all the RxPrep videos and read the chapters. The remaining 4 weeks leading up to the exam, I rewatched the videos on fast forward speed. Also, I made my own flash cards to reinforce the information. In particular, the tip gal boxes were useful for important concepts.
Although you can review all the topics in thirty days, that would not allow for rest days. I recommend studying for at least 6-8 weeks and incorporating rest days if possible. For example, you can reference the sample study schedule below. If you’re studying full-time, you should expect to study around seven to eight hours per day. If you would like to study less due to work or personal obligations, you can also change and extend the schedule. It is best not to skip any chapters.
Sample Study Schedule (one rest day/week)
| Day | Chapters |
| 1 | Migraines, thyroid disorders, compounding I (non-sterile) |
| 2 | Biostats, lab values & monitoring, calculations I |
| 3 | Lab values, hepatitis & liver disease |
| 4 | Ischemic heart disease, calculations II, medication safety & quality improvement |
| 5 | Schizophrenia, compounding II |
| 6 | Anemia, pharmacogenomics, tobacco cessation |
| 7 | Rest day |
| 8 | Drug allergies/ADRs, drug interactions, drug formulations/counseling |
| 9 | Dietary supplements, conditions of the eyes & ears, compouding III |
| 10 | Chronic heart failure, travelers diarrhea, drug references |
| 11 | Critical care, emergency preparedness, BPH |
| 12 | Drug use in pregnancy, pediatric conditions, immunizations |
| 13 | Pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, calculations III |
| 14 | Rest day |
| 15 | Transplant, allergic rhinitis, cough & cold |
| 16 | Asthma, COPD, infectious diseases I-II |
| 17 | Oncology I |
| 18 | Sickle Cell, Oncology II |
| 19 | Pain, diabetes, gout |
| 20 | Arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, constipation/diarrhea |
| 21 | Rest Day |
| 22 | Urinary incontinence, dyslipidemia, hypertension |
| 23 | Depression, bipolar disorder, HIV |
| 24 | Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, ADHD |
| 25 | Contraception, osteoporosis & menopause, systemic steroids/autoimmune |
| 26 | Sleep, GERD, Stroke, Calculations IV |
| 27 | Rest day |
| 28 | Weight loss, sexual dysfunction, glaucoma |
| 29 | Motion sickness, anxiety, infectious diseases III-IV |
| 30 | HIV, Skin conditions |
| 31 | Anticoagulation, IBD, epilepsy/seizures |
| 32 | Take Pre-NAPLEX, required formulas practice test |
| 33 | Take RxPrep practice exam |
| 34 | Rest day |
| 35 | Calculations V |
| 36 | Review biostats and pharmacokinetics |
| 37 | Review formulas, flashcards, and any areas of weakness |
| 38 | Review formulas, flashcards, and any areas of weakness |
| 39 | Review formulas, flashcards, and any areas of weakness |
Additional Resources for NAPLEX Practice Questions
NAPLEX Practice Question Workbook: 1,000+ Questions
General Testing Tips
Make sure to follow the testing guidelines and instructions from your testing site. Prepare all your required forms of ID in advance. Double-check that both your photo and secondary identification include your full legal name. If not, you will have to update your name, which can take some time. Be sure to review the NABP website for specific requirements.
Night Before and Day of NAPLEX exam
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but resist the urge to cram the night before! It is best to get a full eight hours of sleep before the exam. I know that is easier said than done, especially during pharmacy school. But, finishing the exam on time is likely the most important thing you can do to increase your likelihood of passing. Try not to let nerves get the best of you. It is more difficult to finish all the questions and focus while tired. Also, it is impossible to guess what concepts will appear on the exam. So, it won’t do you much good to stay up late.
I recommend eating breakfast the day of the exam, even if you normally do not. It is best to get there at least thirty minutes before your test time to check-in. This way, you will also have more time to use the bathroom if needed. When I first began the exam, my heart did start racing. My heart rate felt noticeably higher for at least an hour. Due to this, I recommend avoiding caffeine to minimize your pulse and stress response. It is normal to have some test anxiety. It may help to wear the noise-canceling headphones provided and take deep breaths. Do not hesitate to look into different management strategies and find the methods that work best for you.
It is a good idea to bring a protein bar or snack with you. You will have the option of taking two 10-minute breaks during the exam. I did eat during this time to avoid dips in blood sugar and improve mental focus. Bring a hoodie or sweatshirt in case it gets cold. You will have to show that all your pockets are empty, so it’s a good idea to clean them out beforehand.
Remember to breathe, you can do this! Good luck 🙂