The True Cost of Failing the NAPLEX® or MPJE® is 30K-100K USD
Failing the NAPLEX® or MPJE® can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't reflect your ability or potential. These exams are challenging and meant to test the vast knowledge you’ve gained during your pharmacy program. Remember, failure is not uncommon—thousands of graduates face this challenge, and state boards offer opportunities for retakes (typically 3-5 times) before additional coursework is required.
To practice pharmacy in the U.S., every PharmD graduate must pass the NAPLEX® and MPJE® exams, in addition to fulfilling any state-specific requirements. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP®), the national pass rates for these exams are:
NAPLEX: 78.6% for 2023 Graduates.
MPJE: 74.4% for 2023 Graduates.
However, pass rates can vary significantly across different universities, with some schools showing pass rates as low as 53% for the NAPLEX® and 42% for the MPJE®. Among the 150+ universities offering PharmD programs, others have pass rates exceeding 90%.
What is the True Cost of Failing the NAPLEX or MPJE?
The financial and personal impact of failing these exams can be substantial, reaching over $30,000 for individuals and over $100,000 for pharmacies. Pharmacies may face significant operational disruptions, including the inability to meet non-resident pharmacy requirements, which can affect their ability to ship medications across state lines.
Here are some of the key consequences:
Lost Wages: Missed pharmacist wages for anywhere from 2 months to 6 months or more.
Employment Delays: Loss of pharmacist-level employment opportunities, such as hospital positions, or the need to explore alternative job options that may not align with your preferences.
Residency Delays: Impact on your ability to complete a residency program or get started in your desired field.
Business Revenue Loss: Pharmacies may experience revenue losses due to delays in fulfilling non-resident pharmacy requirements, affecting their ability to ship medications across state lines.
Personal Delays: Further setbacks caused by personal or family issues that arise during the time you’re preparing for your retake.
This list highlights some of the financial and personal costs, but it’s important to remember that the effects can vary based on your individual situation.
How to Prepare for Success
The key to passing the NAPLEX® and MPJE® is consistent and focused preparation. Here’s what you can do:
Review All Pharmacy Law and Practice Materials: Go over the material you’ve learned in school, and also consult additional resources to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy law and practice.
Take Practice Tests: Practice exams are essential for identifying knowledge gaps and simulating the real exam environment (e.g., time limits, question types, and unfamiliar answer choices).
Address Knowledge Gaps: After identifying areas for improvement, dedicate time to focus on those topics.
Retake Practice Tests: Reinforce your learning by retaking practice exams. A well-constructed practice test randomizes the questions and answer choices, which reduces reliance on memory and enhances your problem-solving skills.
Whether you are taking the NAPLEX® for the first time or transferring your license to a new state, it’s crucial to approach these exams with diligent practice.
How PassRXNow Can Help
At PassRXNow, we offer comprehensive NAPLEX® and MPJE® practice exams designed to help you succeed. Our practice exams provide detailed explanations for each answer, with references from authoritative sources like the BOP, DEA, and FDA. After each exam, you'll receive a breakdown of your performance by topic, helping you pinpoint areas that need improvement. Additionally, the questions and answer choices are randomized each time you retake the exam, ensuring that you can continually reinforce your learning.