3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for the MPJE (and How to Overcome Them)

Posted By : Rph Buddy

The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) is a significant hurdle for anyone pursuing a pharmacy license. With a passing rate of about 75%, it’s clear that thorough preparation is crucial. However, many candidates make common mistakes during their study process that can hinder their chances of success. To help you prepare effectively, here are three key mistakes to avoid—and how you can overcome them.

1. Neglecting Challenging Topics

We all have certain areas of pharmacy law that feel less familiar or even uncomfortable. Whether it’s compounding or understanding the scope of practice for prescribers, it’s tempting to focus on the topics you feel most confident in. However, this approach can leave you unprepared for important areas that will definitely appear on the MPJE.

For example, even if you don’t plan to work in compounding, you still need to understand the differences between non-sterile, sterile, and hazardous compounding. These areas are part of the NABP Competency Statements and could show up on your exam. Similarly, even if you’re focused on hospital pharmacy, knowing which prescribers can issue outpatient prescriptions is a must. These details are crucial for the MPJE and can’t be overlooked.

Solution: Identify your weak spots early and make a plan to tackle them. Break down these topics into manageable chunks and dedicate time to mastering them. Remember, understanding the “uncomfortable” areas will not only improve your chances on the exam but also make you a more well-rounded pharmacist.

2. Misunderstanding the Question’s Intent

MPJE questions often present complex scenarios and ask you to select the “best” answer. These questions aren’t just testing your recall of facts; they’re designed to assess your ability to apply multiple concepts to real-world situations. Many questions require you to think critically about what the exam is really asking.

Take, for example, a question about transferring a prescription for alprazolam. The question might seem simple, but it could test your knowledge of the transfer rules for controlled substances, the expiration of prescriptions, and state-specific regulations. Do you know that Schedule IV controlled substances can only be transferred once? Or that prescriptions expire after six months? It’s critical to pause and think about what the question is really assessing—this will help you avoid common traps.

Solution: When you encounter a question, take a moment to understand its intent. Ask yourself what the key concept is that the question is testing. This deeper analysis will help you connect various pieces of knowledge and select the most accurate answer.

3. Insufficient Preparation

Let’s face it: the MPJE is tough. With about 25% of candidates failing, it’s clear that this exam requires serious preparation. If you think you can breeze through it, you’re in for a surprise. To pass the MPJE, you need to be as prepared as possible—ideally, you should treat it like the high-stakes exam it is.

Solution: Prioritize practice questions. It’s not enough to simply review notes or textbooks. The best way to prepare is by taking quizzes and mock exams, repeatedly practicing until you’re consistently scoring high. Focus on understanding why your answer is right or wrong, as this will help reinforce your knowledge. Consider using study guides for initial review, but ultimately, hands-on practice is the key to success.

Conclusion

The MPJE is undoubtedly challenging, but avoiding these common mistakes can set you up for success. By addressing uncomfortable topics, carefully analyzing each question, and committing to intensive practice, you’ll be well on your way to passing the exam on your first try. Stay focused, stay organized, and most importantly—don’t rush the preparation process. Good luck!