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The NAPLEX – the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination – is an exam administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to measure a person’s competency and knowledge level in the field of pharmacy. It is part of the NABP’s process in determining whether the candidate is qualified to have a license to practice.

Background

The NABP was founded in 1904 as a professional organization supporting the boards of pharmacy across the country. Part of its main aim is to make sure that pharmacists are competent in their chosen profession, in a general effort to ensure public health. The NAPLEX is one of the assessment programs it established for that purpose.

Registration

Candidates register for the NAPLEX by filling out an application, and the NABP requires them to check with their state board of pharmacy to make sure they fulfill its requirements. If the board deems a candidate eligible, Pearson VUE–the NABP’s test vendor–sends an email containing an “authorization to test (ATT),” so that the candidate can schedule the exam day. As of July 2010, it costs $485 to take the NAPLEX. The NABP provides the NAPLEX/MPJE Registration Bulletin, which contains detailed information about the exam, the registration and test scheduling processes, and test day requirements.

Components

A computer-based exam, the NAPLEX is made up of 185 multiple-choice questions. Each question falls into either of two categories: a question with five possible answers; or a question with three options bearing the Roman numerals I, II and III, and five possible answers using combinations of the aforementioned options. The NAPLEX has a time limit of four hours and 15 minutes, with an optional 10-minute break inserted in the middle of the testing period. Only 150 questions are used to calculate the candidate’s score; the remaining 35 questions act as trial questions under consideration by the NABP for inclusion on future NAPLEX exams. The NABP does not distinguish between the real questions and the trial ones.

Pre-NAPLEX

Candidates can choose to prepare for the exam–or at least anticipate the kind of questions it will pose–by taking the Pre-NAPLEX. This practice examination consists of 50 questions, and it is timed for 70 minutes. Pre-NAPLEX takers must complete it in its entirety once they begin; they cannot review questions or change an answer once they confirm an answer’s choice, and they will receive their score once they have answered all questions. With a cost of $50 as of July 2010, people can take the Pre-NAPLEX up to two times.

Significance

The NAPLEX functions as an assessment tool for aspiring pharmacists in three aspects. Candidates must be able to identify practice standards for the safe and effective treatment of disease through the administration of drugs, safe and accurate methods of dispensing them, and provide and apply information so that they can promote the best health care possible.

Have you ever felt like you could pass a final exam without even showing up for any of the classes? If so, you might want to look into CLEP. The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) is an excellent way to receive college credit without investing the time and expense involved in taking a college course. CLEP allows students to take knowledge gleaned from life experiences, independent study or professional development and apply that knowledge toward a college degree.

What is a CLEP Test?

The 34 available CLEP exams cover subjects that are required courses in many colleges. A college usually gives the same number of credits for a satisfactory CLEP score as it gives to students who pass the corresponding course. CLEP exams are generally 90 minutes long. Nearly all CLEP exams are presented in a multiple-choice format except for English Composition with Essay which, as the name suggests, requires an essay. The tests are computer-based and you will know your score instantly upon completion – again, with the exception of the English Composition and Essay exam.

Who Takes CLEP Tests?

Many people can benefit from taking CLEP exams. A college student could use CLEP to speed up the process of earning a diploma. CLEP tests can shave a year or more off a bachelor degree program. People who work full time or are busy raising a family can use CLEP to chip away at their college degree without investing time and money in classes. Career-switchers looking to establish themselves in a new field can use CLEP to earn quick education credentials. CLEP is a valuable resource for newcomers to this country who were educated abroad but whose degree is not accepted here. Students who are fluent in French, German or Spanish can earn easy credit with one of CLEP’s foreign language exams.

Do All Colleges Accept CLEP?

Not all colleges give credit for CLEP tests, but most do. Each of the 2,900 colleges and universities that grant credit for CLEP has its own rules stating which of the CLEP exams it accepts, how well a student must score on the exam in order to receive credit and how much credit will be given for an acceptable score. In addition, some colleges limit the number of CLEP credits they will grant. Check your school’s catalogue for their CLEP policy. It might be found under one of the following headings: Credit-by-Examination, Advanced Standing, Advanced Placement, or External Degree Program.

Where to Take a Clep Test

CLEP test centers are located on college campuses across the country. To register for a CLEP exam, contact a test center near you. (See link below.) Contact that test center directly to learn about its registration procedure, fees and schedule. Next, complete a registration form and mail it to the test center with your payment. Each CLEP test costs $70. Most test centers also charge a nonrefundable administration fee which varies by location.

Preparing for a CLEP Test

Begin preparing for your CLEP by carefully reading the description of the exam you plan to take. (See link below.) These descriptions give very specific information about the subject matter to be covered and the percentage of the exam devoted to each area. This will help you determine what and how much you need to study. The College Board, the body which offers the exams, suggests that students use a text book from their college’s corresponding course to study for a CLEP exam. The Board also sells an official comprehensive study guide as well as an individual study guide for each CLEP exam. The individual guides are downloadable from its website at a cost of $10 each.

To get admission in a top business school, a GMAT exam is essential. A high score, however, is required as places can be very competitive and taken up quickly. The exam comprises three parts: GMAT Verbal, GMAT Math and Analytical Writing. Most students will usually have a lot of training in both verbal and analytical parts but less so on the mathematics part.

1. Download the test preparation GMAT software at the GMAT site. You need an account, which is free, to get access to the account and download the software. To gain the core knowledge you need for the exam, study consistently the comprehensive math review in the software, which should be able to improve your scores.
2. Use the downloaded GMAT prep software to practice the questions. Study the answers and explanations for the questions. The software will give you GMAT practice questions and answers. When you take the Quantitative test under the 75-minute time frame, it will give you an understanding of what to expect and the speed at which you need to work to finish the exam on time without any rush. (It helps know how much time to spend on each question so that you are well prepared for the final exam).
3. Purchase the 2nd edition of “The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review.” This guide has approximately 300 questions and answer explanations. The guide is a good source for reviews of algebra, arithmetic and word problems.
4. Purchase the 12th edition of the “Official Guide for GMAT Review” from which you will be able to practice and get hands-on experience. The guide has reviews and comprehensive answers that are useful for the student who needs lessons but can learn on his or her own.
5. Access the Admissions Consultants website, which specifically deals with helping and guiding students gain acceptance into high-profile business schools. Make adequate use of the free test and problem-solving questions that are practical enough to help you improve your GMAT score. Taking these tests will ensure you are able to manage the pressure, your time, your strengths and weaknesses so that you know where to channel your efforts to develop yourself more fully before the exam day.
6. Stop studying for the exam at least a day before the exam as this can take away the nervousness and the stress. If you keep studying until the exam hour, you may be doing yourself more harm than good.