1. Read through NABP’s MPJE competency statements
NABP has essentially given you a blueprint for what you will be tested on. As you can see, there are certain things that you just absolutely have to know well: a pharmacist’s CE requirements for renewal of licensure, labeling dispensed drugs, etc.
Do you also see some areas that you’re more unfamiliar with? For example, you have to know laws surrounding Central Fill pharmacies in your state, the inability to practice with skill and safety, and you simply cannot ignore Hazardous Compounding. Knowing these areas are what separates those who pass from those who fail.
Luckily for you, PharmLaw has created a state-specific Study Guide that directly addresses these competency areas for you!
2. Focus on Controlled Substances
Thorough knowledge surrounding Controlled Substances is paramount to passing the MPJE. These laws are very important not only for the MPJE but also for practicing in the real world, and you absolutely must know nuances about these laws.
For example, how confident are you that you know the schedules of each controlled substance? Is pseudoephedrine a controlled substance in your state? What about gabapentin? Does dispensing either of these drugs have to be reported to your state PMP?
Do C-V prescriptions expire earlier than other prescriptions? How often does inventory need to be taken? Does a copy of the inventory need to be saved? If so, for how long? These are crucial elements that PharmLaw will ensure you know confidently.
3. Familiarize yourself with the exam structure
NABP has a nice outline of the exam structure. It is a 2.5 hour exam with 120 questions. However, did you know that when taking the exam you cannot go backward to review previous questions? You must proceed forward sequentially. Did you know that there are no scheduled breaks? Any breaks that you take count against your overall time.
Knowing subtle topics like this will give you an advantage, and being prepared with this knowledge will set you up for success. PharmLaw’s MPJE Prep for your state is designed to mimic the real MPJE format. You cannot go backwards in our quiz questions, and we include many k-type questions which are a staple of the MPJE.
4. Take quiz questions!
Practice makes perfect! To pass the MPJE, you are not asked to write out responses to Competency Statements. You are asked to answer Quiz Questions. Are you familiar with K-type questions? Get ready to see many of them! How about “Select all that apply” questions? You will face many of those too.
For each question, you need to ask yourself, what concept are they trying to test me on here? What do I need to show them that I fully understand in answering this question.
Prepare for scenarios! Many quiz questions will place you in a tricky scenario where you have to make the “best” choice. When is it acceptable to return drugs? Even if they are “returned,” can they be re-dispensed?
PharmLaw’s Quiz Questions are designed to mirror the MPJE in this way. We’ve created plenty of scenarios that force you to make a choice. This gives you the practice you need to be successful on the real exam.
5. Review and Restart
After having spent some time studying, review your progress. What areas are your strengths? What areas are your weaknesses? Where do you need to spend more time studying with the remaining time until test day?
How did you do with the compounding sections? What about more federal-related topics like DEA regulations? PharmLaw has a distinct compounding section and a federal section to help you work on these areas.
PharmLaw allows you to review the content over and over until you know it and are ready to answer questions about it. Then, re-take PharmLaw’s quiz questions again. Are you getting a passing score? If not, you need to review and restart.
Good luck with your studying!