Introduction

How to Use This Book

This book covers a wide range of topics relevant to the practice of

pharmacy and to preparation for the NAPLEX

exam. It summarizes

key concepts compiled from NAPLEX

competency statements, the

author’s academic experience teaching math concepts, editorial experi-

ence garnered by the American Pharmacists Association, practitioners’

review, and student input. The book is intended not as a replacement

to pharmacy math textbooks but as a useful tool to assist students and

graduates in preparing for licensure and practice.

The introduction provides information about the NAPLEX

exam’s

structure to help the graduate focus his or her preparation on content

relevant to the exam. The NAPLEX

exam taker must thoroughly under-

stand the NAPLEX

competency statements, which serve as the blueprint

for the topics on the exam.

The best way to use this book is as follows:

1. Work through the chapters in sequence starting from the beginning.

2. Review the background material presented under a particular

topic, work through the sample problems for that topic, and then

work on the practice problems related to the topic.

3. Check your answers after working through all the practice

questions related to a particular topic.

4. If you have any wrong answers, check the solutions for an

explanation.

5. If needed, refer to one or more of the reference sources listed

under “References” for an in-depth explanation of a topic.

You should aim to correctly complete all the sample and practice

problems in this book to be confident about your level of preparation

for NAPLEX

math.

Introduction

3RD PAGES

Information about the NAPLEX

The NAPLEX

is a computerized fixed-form examination comprising 250 items. Of the 250 questions,

200 are included in your NAPLEX

test score. The remaining 50 items are pretest questions whose utility is

being assessed for future NAPLEX

examinations. The 50 pretest items that are not part of your NAPLEX

score are dispersed throughout the exam and cannot be differentiated from other exam items. You have

6 hours total to complete the exam. Once an item is attempted and your final answer is submitted, you

cannot go back to review or change your answer. An item cannot be skipped during the exam. A majority

of the questions are in a scenario-based (case-based) format; very few are stand-alone questions. The

scenarios (cases) and information relevant to them may be scrolled through and reviewed when answering

case-based questions. A scaled score of 75 is required to pass the exam successfully. The maximum scaled

score possible from a NAPLEX

examination is 150.

Approved Calculator

The examination provides the option of activating an on-screen calculator, which can be switched

between scientific and five-function modes as needed. If you request a handheld calculator, the exam

center may provide a five-function calculator. Personal calculators, other writing materials, and acces-

sories of any kind are strictly prohibited at the exam seat. When preparing for the exam, practicing on a

TI 30X II or an equivalent calculator will be sufficient to familiarize you with the functions needed during

the NAPLEX

. An erasable notepad and pen will be provided for use during the exam. No exam materials

may be removed from the examination site at any time.

3RD PAGES

THE APHA COMPLETE REVIEW FOR PHARMACY MATH