Countries > USA for Pharmacists > NAPLEX
USA for Pharmacists — Licensure exam
NAPLEX
The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is the clinical pharmacy exam used by U.S. boards of pharmacy (and some other NABP members) to determine whether a candidate is competent to practise as a pharmacist. It is developed by NABP and delivered at Pearson VUE centres. Passing NAPLEX is necessary but not sufficient — you still need jurisprudence, intern hours, and a licence from your chosen board.
Pathway Snapshot
Obtain board eligibility (via ACPE graduation or FPGEC), create or update your NABP e-Profile, apply for authorization to test, sit NAPLEX at Pearson VUE, then complete MPJE/UMPJE and remaining state requirements.
Complete Journey: Eligible pharmacy degree or FPGEC → State board / NABP Gateway ATT → NAPLEX (Pearson VUE) → MPJE or UMPJE → Intern hours & background checks → State pharmacist licence.
Main Links
Eligibility
U.S. and ACPE-accredited PharmD graduates apply through their school and the state board where they want to licence. Internationally trained pharmacists usually need FPGEC certification first, then board approval.
Each board sets intern-hour, background-check, and jurisprudence rules. You cannot sit NAPLEX until the board (or NABP Gateway on the board’s behalf) issues authorization to test (ATT).
Application & ATT
Most candidates apply using NABP e-Profile and, where adopted, NABP Gateway. You pay the NAPLEX fee to NABP and any separate application fee to the board. After ATT is issued, you schedule with Pearson VUE within the ATT window.
Name on your ID must match your NABP profile exactly. Bring the identification listed in the current NAPLEX/MPJE Candidate Registration Bulletin.
NAPLEX Exam Details
NAPLEX is a computer-based exam that tests ability to practise pharmacy, including ensuring safe and effective pharmacotherapy, compounding and calculation skills, and preparing/dispensing medications. NABP publishes the official competency statements, exam length, number of scored and unscored items, and scaled passing standard in the current candidate bulletin.
Results are reported to your e-Profile and the boards you designated. Do not rely on unofficial recall of the passing score — NABP uses a scaled score and may adjust the bulletin.
What we offer
MCIQ will open a NAPLEX question bank mapped to the official NABP competency statements, with calculation sets and clinical cases. Register to be notified when prep is available.
Notify me when NAPLEX Prep is available →Retake Policy
NABP and individual boards limit how soon you may reschedule after an unsuccessful attempt and how many attempts you may make in a period. Waiting periods and lifetime attempt caps are published in the candidate bulletin and by your board. Confirm both before you reapply.
After the Exam
A passing NAPLEX does not let you practise until the state issues a licence. Complete MPJE or Uniform MPJE if required, intern affidavits, fingerprinting, and any jurisprudence or law exam unique to that board.
Score transfer to additional jurisdictions is handled through NABP for a fee and is subject to each receiving board’s rules.
Fees
All figures are approximate and based on 2026 public information. Always confirm exact fees on the official portals before payment.
| Item | Approx. Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
NAPLEX examination (NABP) |
Confirm on nabp.pharmacy | Paid to NABP when you apply to test |
State board application |
Set by each board | Separate from the NAPLEX fee |
Pearson VUE international surcharge |
If testing outside the U.S. | Confirm at scheduling |
Score transfer |
Confirm on nabp.pharmacy | Optional, per additional board |