The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX®) is a standardized, computer-based exam developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) to assist state Boards of Pharmacy in evaluating a candidate's pharmacy skills and knowledge for licensure as an entry-level pharmacist in the United States. Passing the NAPLEX is one of the many challenging steps required to become a licensed pharmacist.
This article provides information on the NAPLEX scoring process, NAPLEX and Pre-NAPLEX results, including performance reporting, and other commonly asked questions about how the exam is scored. This information is important and emphasizes why it is essential to create an efficient and effective NAPLEX study plan.
As of January 2021, exam results are reported as "Pass" or "Fail," with no numerical score provided. The "pass" threshold is based on the exam's long-standing, validated scaled score cut point of 75, which indicates that the minimum competency to practice pharmacy independently has been met.
The NABP provides a performance report with additional information on all competency areas when a candidate receives a "fail" result.
The NABP stopped reporting numerical scores after their last standard-setting exercise (i.e., competency statement revisions and determination of passing standards). The rationale is that the test determines whether a candidate is “competent” or “not competent” for entry-level practice. Therefore, a “pass” (competent) or “fail” (not competent) result is valid, while a numerical score is not (numerical scores are not supported by the evidence when analyzing the purpose of the exam).
Currently, the NABP releases results, including a numerical score, to the board of pharmacy for the state designated on the candidate's NAPLEX application. It is up to each state board whether or not to share numerical results with test-takers in their state; most states do not share their candidates' numerical scores. Candidates from some areas will still receive a numerical score, but this is much less common than the “pass” or “fail” result.
The NAPLEX Competency Statements outline the general practice areas that will be covered on the 225-item exam. They provide crucial information about the knowledge, judgment, and skills that an entry-level pharmacist is expected to demonstrate. A solid understanding of the competency statements and their distribution on the exam will help you prepare. The following table gives you a broad overview of the six competency areas tested and the proportion of questions to expect in each area.
| Area | Topic | % of Test |
|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | Obtain, Interpret, or Assess Data, Medical, or Patient Information | ~ 18% |
| Area 2 | Identify Drug Characteristics | ~ 14% |
| Area 3 | Develop or Manage Treatment Plans | ~ 35% |
| Area 4 | Perform Calculations | ~ 14% |
| Area 5 | Compound, Dispense, or Administer Drugs, or Manage Delivery Systems | ~ 11% |
| Area 6 | Develop or Manage Practice or Medication -Use Systems to Ensure Safety and Quality | ~ 7% |
NABP publishes annual pass rates for the NAPLEX on its website. Following are the pass rates for graduates of programs that have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education® (ACPE®) between 2019 and 2022.