5 Tips for Studying for the NAPLEX Exam
For those taking the NAPLEX Exam (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) this year, here are my top 5 tips for studying effectively for it. Please note that I successfully took and passed this exam in 2013. I have no relationship with NABP and do not sponsor or endorse components mentioned in this post.
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1. Plan It
Use a calendar and plan out what you are going to study each day and goals for each week. I highly recommend making this a WRITTEN PAPER calendar because research shows that the mere act of writing on paper increases your chances of achieving your goal.
In terms of a timeline, I recommend a 3-4-week study schedule. This should ideally include weekdays only (weekends are for rejuvenation and family time) and a list of topics to cover each day with estimated times for each topic. Don’t forget to schedule in time for fitness, meals and study breaks!
2. Accountability
Having an accountability partner or small group is so valuable in this process. I recommend a study group of 3-4 people. These peers will serve as accountability partners for you. Ideally, you’ll share the same calendar for your study schedule and hold weekly meetings (in-person or via video chat) to check-in, ask each other questions, and make sure everyone is staying on-track with their weekly goals.
3. Study Resources
In terms of what study resources to use, I highly recommend RxPrep. I used this Course Book when I took my NAPLEX back in 2013 and it was a great resource that covers each topic area. If your school does not provide the book or online course materials, you can pick up the RxPrep book at a great price on Amazon – purchase here.
Of course, I didn’t just use RxPrep for studying. I created TONS of medication and disease state charts to study from. This condensed information from hundreds of pages down to a handful of pages. It also saved me from studying from PowerPoint slides. I’ve included bundle packs and a dedicated NAPLEX study pack over on my SHOP – click here to learn more.
4. Create an Ideal Study Environment
The place you study is an important factor to ensure you stay productive, focused and on-track with your goals. Your ideal study environment will be custom to you as an individual and may include a home office, local library, local coffee shop or a combination of these.
My recommendation when setting up your study environment is to free it of clutter (read more about this here), remove distractions including your phone and internet access and keep hydrated. I prefer to keep my phone in a different room and turn off Wi-Fi access to prevent access to social media and web-browsing. You can use your phone and internet access during scheduled study breaks.
5. Practice Calculations
As you probably have heard, calculations are a significant portion of the NAPLEX exam. I recommend reviewing this topic in full and then scheduling in regular and consistent practice times for it throughout your study schedule. This could include 30-60 minutes of practice questions per day during your 3-4-week schedule. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with different questions in this topic area. Remember to use the same calculator type that will be provided at your NAPLEX test location when you’re practicing- this is typically a basic scientific calculator.
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You may also Enjoy Reading:
- 5 Ways to Improve Study Habits
- 5 Tips for Staying Focused while Studying
- How to Use Medication Charts to Study Drugs
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Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.