Understanding MPJE® Scoring and Results
The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination® or MPJE®, is a pharmacy law examination developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP®) in the United States to help individual state boards of pharmacy assess competency and knowledge of pharmacy law. Pharmacy graduates who plan to practice pharmacy in most jurisdictions must pass both the NAPLEX® and MPJE (exceptions include Arkansas, Idaho, and California).
As of 2021, the MPJE moved from numerical scoring to “Pass/Fail.” Still, many students want to know how their performance on the MPJE translates into a pass or fail result. To that end, this article will answer some commonly asked questions about how the exam is scored.
What is the MPJE?
The MPJE exam is the formal assessment of a candidate’s understanding of the statutes and laws governing the jurisdiction in which the candidate is applying to practice pharmacy. The MPJE is a 2.5-hour exam that uses adaptive technology to deliver 120 selected-response questions unique to each state’s pharmacy laws. The exam results are calculated from 100 questions, and the remaining 20 questions are pretest questions (i.e., potential future test questions).
Hour Exam
Questions
How is the MPJE scored, and what is a passing score for the MPJE?
While researching the MPJE, you may come across the question, “how is the MPJE scaled?” Previously, MPJE results were reported numerically via a scaled score (0 – 100), with the passing score set at 75.
Effective January 2021, NABP no longer discloses scaled numerical scores to applicants. Now, results are reported as either pass or fail, with a panel of pharmacy experts determining the passing standard. To have an exam result reported, you must answer a minimum of 107 questions and will typically incur a penalty if you answer less than 120 questions.
What is the average MPJE score?
MPJE Passing Rates for 2018 - 2020
Graduates of ACPE-Accredited Programs
| Year | First-time Attempts | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8,705 | 83.76% |
| 2019 | 8,871 | 83.58% |
| 2020 | 8,470 | 84.59% |
Why did the NABP stop reporting numerical scores?
What happens to the actual MPJE score?
How long does it take to get MPJE results?
How do you know if you passed the MPJE? Where are MPJE results found?
When you log into your NABP e-profile, head to ‘Exam Services’ then click ‘Results.’ On this screen, you should be able to see all the exams you have taken and your results. At the top of the page, you should see your most recent ‘MPJE’ attempt. If it shows a “Pass,” then you have met the minimum threshold and have passed the MPJE.
The results are reported online for most states except Guam, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin. Candidates seeking licensure in the states mentioned above or territories will receive their results directly from the board of pharmacy or governing body in that jurisdiction (typically via mail).
Why do some candidates still receive a numerical MPJE score while others do not?
Currently, the NABP releases results, including a numerical score, to the board of pharmacy designated on a candidate’s MPJE application. It is entirely up to each state board of pharmacy if these results are shared with test-takers in their state. Therefore, candidates from some areas will still receive a numerical score, which is less common than the “pass-fail” result.
Will candidates receive details about their performance on the MPJE?
How long are MPJE scores good for?
Can MPJE scores be transferred?
Can I retake the MPJE if I fail?
What do you need to pass the MPJE?
In addition to discipline, dedication, and a robust study plan, having the right preparation resources will set you up for success. In our experience, the most successful candidates supplement their pharmacy school notes and lectures with a third-party provider. To get started, you may review materials (laws, regulations, statutes) from the state board of pharmacy in which you are attempting licensure.
Now that you know more about the MPJE, we encourage you to maximize your chances of achieving an MPJE passing result by preparing with the UWorld RxPrep MPJE Online Course. Our experienced pharmacy team emphasizes the “must-know” information by simplifying the learning experience in our course manual (which includes a 9-page study guide to help you navigate your state laws), test bank, video lectures, and state-specific flashcards.
Our learning platform offers you a one-stop-shop to watch videos, use and create flashcards, take notes, monitor your progress, and identify areas of improvement for focused study. Once you have mastered the content, evaluate your readiness with our practice exam, and prepare to ace your pharmacy exams with a provider trusted by pharmacy graduates for 20 years.