MPJE® Scoring Guide
Most states require that pharmacist licensure candidates pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination® (MPJE®), in addition to passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX®). The MPJE is designed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) to assess a candidate's knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable to the states and jurisdictions in which they intend to practice. This article breaks down MPJE scoring and results, score transfers, and other topics.
How Is the MPJE Scored?
The MPJE score results are published as either “Pass” or “Fail”; you do not receive a numerical score. You must complete at least 107 questions on the exam to receive your exam results. If you answer fewer than 107 questions, your exam result will not be reported. Those who answer at least 107 questions but fewer than 120 will incur a penalty for each unanswered question, affecting the final exam result. Therefore, it is in your best interest to attempt all questions on the MPJE.
A panel of pharmacy experts is responsible for setting the MPJE passing standard. The ability level that is used to determine this standard is the same for all administrations of the MPJE.
You can obtain your MPJE results or an official exam report directly from the boards of pharmacy. Because of the MPJE's secure nature, you are not allowed to review the test questions after completing your exam.
What is the average MPJE score?
Information on “average” scores has not been available since January 2021, after which time MPJE scores changed to “Pass” or “Fail.” Since most individuals who take the MPJE no longer receive a numerical score, there is no current information on "average" scores.
Annual national pass rates for the MPJE can be found on the NABP website. The pass rates for students who graduated from programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education® (ACPE®) between 2019 and 2022 are listed below.
Graduates of ACPE-Accredited Programs
Pass Rates (%)
| MPJE Passing Rates for 2019 – 2022 Graduates of ACPE-Accredited Programs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | First-time Attempts | Pass Rate | All Attempts | Pass Rate |
| 2019 | 9,696 | 83% | 11,846 | 80% |
| 2020 | 9,227 | 83% | 10,965 | 81% |
| 2021 | 8,270 | 80% | 9,668 | 79% |
| 2022 | 7,827 | 77% | 9,279 | 76% |
If you want to increase your chances of passing the MPJE, you need to familiarize yourself with MPJE-style content. The UWorld RxPrep MPJE Online Course is an integrated product that contains a course manual, question bank, video lectures, and a state-specific flashcard deck. The UWorld RxPrep question bank is a great resource with over 235+ federal questions and a 90-item practice exam to test your knowledge.
Each chapter of the course manual corresponds to a video lecture, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding by learning through different modalities. A fill-in-the-blank study guide included in the course manual can help you navigate your state laws and regulations before testing yourself with state-specific flashcards. The state-specific flashcards can help you review and memorize the most recent laws of your state in preparation for the exam.
What topics are covered on the MPJE and how are they distributed?
The MPJE Competency Statements (e.g., blueprint) provide an outline of the exam and are divided into four “areas” or topics. The following table gives you an overview of these competency areas and the proportion of questions to expect in each area.
| Principal Topic Areas of the MPJE Competency Statements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Area | Topic | % of Test |
| Area 1 | Licensure/Personnel | 22% |
| Area 2 | Pharmacist Practice | 33% |
| Area 3 | Dispensing Requirements | 24% |
| Area 4 | Pharmacy Operations | 21% |
How Long Does it Take to Get Your MPJE Score and How to Check Your MPJE Score Results
If your state or jurisdiction participates in NABP’s online exam results interface, your MPJE result will be available in your NABP e-Profile within approximately 7 business days after your exam appointment. For all other states and jurisdictions, check the state’s board of pharmacy website for details about when to expect your score.
What is the MPJE rescore process?
If you think your MPJE result is inaccurate, you can purchase a rescore for a non-refundable $200 within 60 days of your exam date to ask for a review of your exam. It is uncommon for NABP to change an exam result based on an exam rescore as there is a stringent procedure that includes a parallel scoring method with independent scoring systems. The rescore process involves verifying that the exam was delivered as intended, and no technological issue occurred. Item content is not reviewed. The candidate's score is then recalculated using an independent scoring tool after confirming that the exam was administered as planned. Within four weeks, you will be notified via email if the initial result is determined to be accurate.
When are exam results withheld or invalidated?
NABP has the right to decide at any time, before, during, or after the MPJE, whether or not to report a test result or invalidate one or more test results for a specific person or group of people. NABP may invalidate or withhold an exam result for any reason, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Unusual testing conditions
- Inappropriate behavior by one or more individuals
- Testing discrepancies
- One or more candidates' failure to comply with policies
- Observed unusual conduct by one or more candidates
- Identification discrepancy or falsification by an exam candidate
- Impersonating a candidate or allowing an unauthorized individual to take an exam
- Atypical response patterns
- Unusual or substantial variations in exam results among candidates
- Unusually poor exam performance
- Psychometric evaluation of a test
- Leaving an examination facility
- Having access to exam content before the exam
- Stealing exam material
- Interaction with other test-takers during an examination session
Can a candidate retake the MPJE if they fail?
Yes. If you fail the MPJE on your first attempt, you may apply to retake it after a minimum 30-day waiting period. You may take the MPJE up to five times per jurisdiction, unless the board of pharmacy rules otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long are MPJE scores good for?
Can MPJE scores be transferred?
Your MPJE score is not eligible to be transferred from one jurisdiction to another under any circumstances. The MPJE is a state-specific exam, so it is imperative to pass the MPJE in each state or jurisdiction where you are seeking licensure.
Some states do not require the MPJE for new graduates or when obtaining a license via reciprocity but may have other requirements. For example, California requires the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination (CPJE) for pharmacists, and Arkansas has the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam. If seeking licensure in Ohio and you are already licensed as a pharmacist in another state, applicants are not required to take the Ohio MPJE; instead, applicants are required to attend a reciprocity hearing. Check with your board of pharmacy for licensure requirements.