Nonpresciption medicines and the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is currently used by all 50 state boards of pharmacy to aid in determining whether a candidate for licensure possesses the minimal knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively practice pharmacy. The blueprint for this examination periodically undergoes revision so that it remains current with the demands and trends of modern-day pharmacy practice. During the most recent revision, which occurred between 2002 and 2004, several substantial content changes were incorporated. One of the most notable changes was the elimination of any distinction of importance between prescription and nonprescription medications. This change was in response to several factors, including the growing variety of conditions for which nonprescription medications are available and the recent switching of several pharmaceutical products from prescription-only to nonprescription status. The previous example is indicative of how the practice of pharmacy is continually evolving and the need for periodic changes to the examination used in the licensure process. As such, the NAPLEX blueprint is continually reviewed and revised to ensure it includes the most current knowledge and skills required of entry-level practitioners.