FPGEC® Certification

Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee™

Includes instructions for applying to take the
FPGEE ®
Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination®

Candidate Application Bulletin

Please read the FPGEC Candidate Application Bulletin thoroughly to ensure that you understand all the policies and
procedures for taking your examination. This bulletin contains information for all FPGEC application information and
scheduling of all FPGEE appointments beginning May 2, 2018.
 FPGEC®
Candidate Application Bulletin
Copyright 2019

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee
1600 Feehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
USA
847/391-4406
www.nabp.pharmacy

Carmen A. Catizone, MS, RPh, DPh

Executive Director/Secretary

Mission Statement of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

NABP Mission Statement

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its member boards and
jurisdictions for the purpose of protecting the public health.

©2019 by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the Executive Director/Secretary of the National
Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The items “National Association of Boards of Pharmacy,” “NABP,” “Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency
Examination,” “FPGEC,” “FPGEE,” and “Pre-FPGEE” are registered trademarks of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Violation of the
copyright will lead to prosecution under federal copyright laws.

The policies and procedures specified in the FPGEC Application Bulletin are subject to change without notice.

022019

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Table of Contents

Essential Information............................................................................................................... 1
About the FPGEC..................................................................................................................... 5
The FPGEC........................................................................................................................................ 5
Definition of a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate....................................................................................... 5
FPGEC Certification........................................................................................................................... 5
Qualifications for the FPGEC Certification Program........................................................................... 6
TOEFL iBT Requirements................................................................................................................... 6
Contact Information.......................................................................................................................... 7
Your FPGEC and ECE Application............................................................................................. 10
General Information........................................................................................................................ 10
FPGEC Application Fees................................................................................................................... 11
FPGEC Application Withdrawals and Refunds...................................................................................13
ECE Application and General Evaluation Report............................................................................... 14
Pharmacist Credentials .......................................................................................................... 15
Submitting Official Supporting Documentation............................................................................... 15
Submitting Transcripts and Degree Documentation Through ECE.................................................... 15
Official Proof of Licensure and/or Registration..................................................................................17
Submitting Additional Supporting Documentation ..........................................................................17
General Information............................................................................................................... 19
Closed File....................................................................................................................................... 19
Testing Accommodations................................................................................................................ 19
Scheduling for Testing Accommodations......................................................................................... 19
FPGEE Information................................................................................................................ 20
FPGEE Overview ............................................................................................................................. 20
Testing Administration .................................................................................................................... 20
Registering for the FPGEE............................................................................................................... 20
Authorization to Test From Pearson VUE......................................................................................... 21
Scheduling Your Examination Appointment..................................................................................... 21
Canceling/Failing to Attend Your Examination Appointment............................................................ 22
FPGEE Competency Statements...................................................................................................... 22
FPGEE Sample Questions................................................................................................................ 26
FPGEE Administration............................................................................................................ 28
On the Day of the Examination........................................................................................................ 28
Examination Administration............................................................................................................ 29
Break Information............................................................................................................................ 30

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Table of Contents (cont.)
Identification Requirements ............................................................................................................ 30
Acceptable Forms of Photo Identification........................................................................................ 30
Name Changes................................................................................................................................ 31
Test Center Restrictions................................................................................................................... 32
What to Do in Case of Inclement Weather........................................................................................ 32
If Your Computer Experiences Technical Difficulties.......................................................................... 33
Security Measures........................................................................................................................... 33
Misconduct...................................................................................................................................... 33
Notification to Authorities............................................................................................................... 35
Atypical Testing Circumstances........................................................................................................ 35
FPGEE Score Withholding, Cancellation, or Invalidation................................................................... 35
Re-take Policy.................................................................................................................................. 36
Score Results......................................................................................................................... 37
Your FPGEE Score Results.................................................................................................................37
FPGEE Rescore.................................................................................................................................37
Pre-FPGEE............................................................................................................................ 38
Pre-FPGEE Overview....................................................................................................................... 38
Registering for the Pre-FPGEE......................................................................................................... 38
Minimum System Requirements to Take the Pre-FPGEE.................................................................. 39
Whom to Contact if You Experience Technical Difficulties................................................................. 39
Security Measures ........................................................................................................................... 39

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Essential Information
To obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee™ (FPGEC®) Certification, a candidate
must have their application and all submitted documents evaluated and accepted, pass the Foreign Pharmacy
Graduate Equivalency Examination® (FPGEE®), and pass the TOEFL iBT® test. The information below is
provided to guide you through the key steps in applying for FPGEC Certification, including instructions for
registering to take the FPGEE. It answers the most frequently asked questions about the FPGEC application
process. Please read this information carefully and refer to the appropriate sections of this Application Bulletin
for detailed information. If you have additional questions that are not covered in this Application Bulletin, refer
to the “Contact Information” section beginning on page 7.

Key
! Important Information or Note:
The exclamation mark icon indicates important information that should be reviewed carefully.

? Cross Reference:
The question mark icon indicates that related information is available in another section of the
Bulletin.

Your FPGEC Application

To begin the FPGEC Certification process, you will need an NABP e-Profile and e-Profile ID. If you need to
create an e-Profile, instructions for doing so are on page 3.
Do not create a new e-Profile if you applied to the FPGEC prior to May 2018. See page 3 for more
information.
After you are logged in to your e-Profile, you will be able to access the application to the FPGEC program.
The application and evaluation fees (see page 12) are part of the online application submission process.
To ensure a timely review, please submit the following documentation via mail to FPGEC before or shortly
after completing your online application. FPGEC applications are evaluated once all required documentation to
support the application is received by NABP. The following documents are required:
•• FPGEC Attestation. The completed attestation and two identical, passport-size, full-face photographs must
be sent. See “FPGEC Attestation” on page 11 for more information.
•• Licensing and/or Registration Documentation. Proof of licensure and/or registration to practice pharmacy
in the country or jurisdiction where you earned a degree is required. See “Official Proof of Licensure and/or
Registration” on page 17.
•• Certified Copy of ID. You must submit certified photocopy of a current form of photo identification to the
FPGEC. See “Submitting Additional Supporting Documentation” on page 17.
•• ECE Report/Documentation. See page 2 for more information.
Once an application and all appropriate documentation is received by NABP, the review process may take
at least six to eight weeks. Incomplete applications, deficient documentation or receipt of documentation that
do not follow the requirements as described in the FPGEC Application Bulletin, are cause for additional review
time and will significantly delay the review of your application. Any documents with names that do not match
the name as stated on the application will also require supporting documentation as described in the FPGEC
Application Bulletin. Time frames are not guaranteed and may fluctuate during high application time periods. See
page 18 for more information on name changes.
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 About the FPGEC

FPGEC Certification Status. All status information related to the progress of your FPGEC application
and receipt of your documentation is posted in your e-Profile. As the status changes, the new status will be
posted online in your e-Profile. Due to high volume, FPGEC and NABP Customer Service cannot provide status
information that is available in your e-Profile. For more information on the questions that FPGEC and NABP
Customer Service can answer, see the Contact Information section on page 7.

Your ECE Application

Additionally, you must submit an application and documentation to Educational Credentials Evaluators
(ECE), the organization that will verify your degree credentials. ECE requires you to submit the following:
•• ECE Application. The ECE application can be accessed online at www.ece.org/nabp. More information on the
ECE Application and General Evaluation Report can be found on page 14.
•• Official Transcripts. Pharmacy school transcripts, including any qualifying pre-pharmacy, bachelor’s degree,
or post-baccalaureate coursework. See “Official Transcript(s)” on page 15.
•• Official Proof of Degree. Proof of a degree in pharmacy must indicate the title of the degree and the date of
issuance. See “Official Proof of Degree” on page 16 for more information.
All official documentation submitted to ECE must comply with the requirements under “Submitting
Additional Supporting Documentation” on page 17.

TOEFL iBT
•• TOEFL iBT. You must complete the TOEFL iBT to receive certification. There are no waivers for the TOEFL iBT
requirement. See page 6 for the minimum passing standards and other details on the TOEFL iBT requirement.

Registering for the FPGEE

•• Register with NABP. Once your FPGEC application has been evaluated and accepted, you will be eligible to
register for the FPGEE. Your status changing to “accepted” under Active Applications in your NABP e-Profile
will be your notification that you have been accepted to the FPGEC program. You may then register for the
next exam. When you are notified via your e-Profile status change that you are accepted, FPGEC will also
send your FPGEE Identification Card (FIC) via mail. To register for the FPGEE, you will need to log in to your
e-Profile, click on the FPGEC tile, and click the “Purchase FPGEE” link. Follow the instructions to complete
and pay for the exam registration. Evaluations continue year-round and you have two years from your FPGEC
accepted date to take the FPGEE examination.
•• FPGEE Identification Card (FIC). After you are accepted to take the FPGEE, you will be sent a FIC, which will
serve as your primary identification for the exam. It can take two to four weeks to receive your FIC depending
on your location and allowing for postal delivery time. If you do not receive the FIC within two to four weeks
of your FPGEE accepted status, please email [email protected] to verify your mailing address and, if
necessary, request a new card. FPGEC advises you not to wait until the exam nears to request another card
as, depending on your location, we cannot guarantee delivery prior to the exam date. In addition, when
registering for the FPGEE, be aware of the time it will take to receive your FIC and when you need to make
travel arrangements.
•• Testing Appointment. Once you register with NABP and purchase the examination through your e-Profile,
Pearson VUE (NABP’s testing vendor) will email you an Authorization to Test (ATT). You may not schedule your
testing appointment with Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com/nabp) until you have your ATT. See page 21 for
additional scheduling information.

Before You Take the FGPEE

•• Consider Taking the Pre-FPGEE. See 38 for information about the Pre-FPGEE practice exam and how to
register.
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 About the FPGEC

Creating a New e-Profile

! If you applied to the FPGEC prior to May 2018 and obtained an EE number, you do not need to
create an e-Profile. An e-Profile ID has already been assigned to you. If you need your e-Profile
ID instructions, email [email protected]. For all other candidates, please create an e-Profile by
following the steps below.
1. Click on the e-Profile link found on the FPGEC or FPGEE program page at www.nabp.pharmacy/programs.
Select the Customers tile on the e-Profile landing page.
2. Create a Login
Click on “Create a login” and enter your email address. Next, an email will be sent to you that includes a
verification code. Enter the verification code and create a password. Once a password has been created, you
may sign in with your email and new password.
•• The email address you use for your login is the only email address that the FPGEC will use to
correspond with you. Therefore, if you wish to correspond via email with the FPGEC, you must do so
with this email.
3. Create an e-Profile
Select Create an e-Profile from the available options.
Name
Review the information regarding providing your legal name in your e-Profile before you enter your name.
Important: Your name – including last, first, middle name or initial, and suffixes – must match
the name that appears on your supporting documentation. The FPGEC understands the
! naming conventions in most countries. If a candidate uses their father’s and/or grandfather’s
names or patronymic names as part of their name as shown on their transcripts, please enter
in the space provided for middle names. The family, tribe, or surname is to be indicated in the
space provided for “last name.”

Demographic Information
Provide your profession, school information, and birthdate.
4. Contact Information
Enter your home or business address, phone number(s), and other contact information.
At this time, you will not be able to enter international phone numbers. Please enter all zeros
! in this field if your contact number is not a United States phone number. Once the issue is
fixed, FPGEC will contact you so that you can update your phone number.
•• Enter a mailing address where you wish to receive documents by mail. The mailing address
you enter here will be the address that will appear on your documents and any documents
that must be mailed to you will be sent to this address.
5. Review Information and Receive e-Profile ID Number.
Please review information carefully and use the back buttons or the link provided to correct any
information entered erroneously.

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 About the FPGEC

On Examination Day
•• Arrive Early. Arrive at the Pearson Professional Center at least 30 minutes prior to your testing appointment.
•• Bring Acceptable Identification. Bring your FPGEE Identification Card (FIC) and two forms of acceptable
identification. Acceptable identification is defined and examples are provided beginning on page 30 of this
Bulletin.
•• Do Not Bring Prohibited Items into Test Room. Be aware of items that are prohibited from the testing
room at the Pearson Professional Center. You may wish to leave these items at home. See page 32 for a list of
prohibited items.

After the Examination

•• Review Your Score. Your examination score will be available via your e-Profile approximately eight weeks
after the examination administration. See page 37 for more information about your results.

This Bulletin
•• Contains Important Exam Policies and Procedures. Please read the Bulletin thoroughly to ensure that you
understand all the policies and procedures for taking your examination.
•• Is Not a Contract. The Bulletin and its policies and procedures are not a contract between you and NABP.
•• Terms May Change. The policies and procedures specified in the FPGEC Candidate Application Bulletin are
subject to change without notice.

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About the FPGEC

The FPGEC
The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee™ (FPGEC®) oversees the FPGEC certification
process and grants FPGEC Certification. The FPGEC operates under the auspices of the National Association
of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®). Established in recognition and fulfillment of responsibilities for public health
care and education, the FPGEC’s goals are to:
•• Evaluate the qualifications of foreign pharmacy graduates who apply for FPGEC Certification.
•• Oversee the development of the FPGEE.
•• Inform foreign pharmacy graduates about the FPGEC Certification Program and the Foreign Pharmacy
Graduate Equivalency Examination® (FPGEE®).
•• Cooperate with other agencies concerned with foreign pharmacy graduates.

Definition of a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate

The FPGEC defines a “foreign pharmacy graduate” as a pharmacist whose pharmacy degree was conferred
by a recognized school of pharmacy that is not ACPE-accredited and is typically outside of the 50 United States,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. US citizens who have completed their pharmacy education outside
the US are considered to be “foreign pharmacy graduates,” while foreign nationals who have graduated from
ACPE-accredited schools in the US are not.

FPGEC Certification
NABP provides the FPGEC Certification Program to document the educational equivalency of a candidate’s
foreign pharmacy education, as well as their license and/or registration to practice pharmacy. To achieve
FPGEC Certification, candidates must:
•• Provide documents that verify their education background.
•• Provide documents that verify licensure and/or registration to practice pharmacy.
•• Pass the FPGEE and the Test of English as a Foreign Language™ (TOEFL®) Internet-based Test (iBT).
Candidates who receive an FPGEC Certificate may be qualified to take the pharmacy licensing
examination in jurisdictions that accept this Certification. All 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Guam,
and Puerto Rico require foreign-trained pharmacists to achieve FPGEC Certification before applying for a
license from a state board of pharmacy.

! Important: The FPGEC Certificate is not a license to practice pharmacy. In order to practice in the
US, you must be licensed by the state in which you wish to practice.

! Note: Because licensure requirements vary by state, NABP encourages you to directly contact
the board(s) of pharmacy for the state(s) in which you are seeking licensure. Contacting the
board(s) directly will also allow you to obtain the most up-to-date information on state laws and
requirements. A listing of board of pharmacy contact information is available in the Boards of
Pharmacy section of the NABP website, located at www.nabp.pharmacy.

As a candidate for FPGEC Certification, you are responsible for being knowledgeable of all policies and
procedures contained within this Bulletin.
5
 About the FPGEC

The FPGEC reserves the right to change the requirements for FPGEC Certification published in this
Application Bulletin without notice to any candidate or prospective candidates. Such changes will take effect
when adopted by the FPGEC. The FPGEC further reserves the right to discontinue the program at any time
without advance notice to any candidate or prospective candidate.
NABP reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse to accept any application, registration form,
documentation, or payment that does not conform to applicable US laws and regulations and FPGEC program
requirements.

Qualifications for the FPGEC Certification Program

Education
To be considered as a candidate for the FPGEC Certification Program, you must have graduated from a
recognized or accredited school of pharmacy in a non-US country or jurisdiction or a US school that is not ACPE-
accredited. Specifically, the school of pharmacy must be accredited by a competent organization that accredits
or certifies professional degree programs in pharmacy or the school must be regionally recognized, meaning
nations in the geographical region of the school must recognize the professional degree program of the school
as meeting regionally adopted standards.
The FPGEC requires that if you graduated prior to January 1, 2003, you must have completed at least a
four-year pharmacy curriculum at the time of graduation. If you graduated on or after January 1, 2003, you
must have completed at least a five-year pharmacy curriculum at the time of graduation. The change from a
four-year to five-year educational curriculum requirement has enabled the FPGEC Certification Program to be
consistent with the revised standards of US pharmacy school curriculum.

? See “Official Transcript(s)” and “Minimum Curriculum Length” on pages 15 and 16 for important
information about submitting your qualifications.

Licensure
All candidates must also provide documentation that they are licensed and/or registered for the unrestricted
practice of pharmacy in the country or jurisdiction where the pharmacy degree was earned or in the
country where you were a practicing pharmacist. Please refer to page 15 for complete details on providing
documentation.

TOEFL iBT Requirements

The TOEFL iBT is the sole English language proficiency examination accepted for candidates seeking FPGEC
Certification. The TOEFL iBT must be completed by all foreign pharmacy graduates, even those who are native
English speakers. There are no exceptions or waivers to these requirements.
The minimum score requirements for the TOEFL iBT are as follows:
•• Reading – 22
•• Listening – 21
•• Speaking – 26
•• Writing – 24
You must complete all four sections in one testing session; scores for the four sections must be reported on
one official score report. If you score less than the minimum score in any section, you will not be considered for
FPGEC Certification. The FPGEC will not consider a total score on the TOEFL iBT for certification purposes.
You must pass the TOEFL within five years of receiving a passing FPGEE score. Passing TOEFL scores are
valid for the FPGEC program for five years. You may take the TOEFL at any time during the FPGEC process.

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 About the FPGEC

Test Center Restrictions

TOEFL iBT score reports from international educational testing service (ETS) test site locations are not
accepted for candidates seeking FPGEC Certification. TOEFL iBT score reports are only accepted from ETS test
centers located in NABP member and associate member jurisdictions, including the 50 United States, District of
Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Australia, Bahamas, and ten Canadian provinces (Alberta, British
Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,
Quebec, and Saskatchewan).
TOEFL iBT Reports
As a candidate for FPGEC Certification you must request that TOEFL Services submit an official report of
TOEFL iBT scores directly to the FPGEC. Use the FPGEC identification number 9103. FPGEC will only accept
official score reports received directly from TOEFL Services.

! Note: TOEFL Services reports TOEFL iBT scores for two years after a test. Contact TOEFL Services
for further details.

Your name on the TOEFL iBT score report must match your name as it appears on your e-Profile. In addition,
the date of birth on the official score report must also be exactly the same as it appears in your e-Profile.
Score reports with discrepancies in the name, photo identification, or date of birth will not be accepted for
certification. If you have changed your name since applying for FPGEC Certification, you must notify the FPGEC
in writing and submit appropriate documentation of the name change.

? See “Candidate’s Name” on page 18 for more information on name changes.

Contact Information
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE)
For additional information regarding foreign transcript evaluation, contact:
Mail: ECE
PO Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
USA

Phone: 414/289-3400

Website: www.ece.org

ETS
For additional information and instructions regarding the TOEFL iBT, contact:
Mail: TOEFL Services
PO Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
USA
Phone: 609/771-7100

Website: www.toefl.org

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 About the FPGEC

Pearson VUE
For additional information about scheduling a testing appointment, contact:
Mail: Pearson VUE
5601 Green Valley Dr
Bloomington, MN 55437-1099
USA

Phone: 952/681-3000

Website: www.pearsonvue.com

FPGEC
The status of your FPGEC application and the status of your supporting documentation is available by
logging in to your e-Profile. Review the timelines for NABP review of documentation stated on page 1. After
reviewing your e-Profile, if you still have questions, you may contact the FPGEC for the following:
•• Questions regarding your FPGEC application.
•• Appealing an FPGEC decision regarding your application or documents.
•• General inquiries regarding your documents.
Use your full name as it appears in your e-Profile in all communications with the FPGEC and your e-Profile ID.
A response will be posted to your e-Profile in approximately six weeks.

! Important: If your email or mailing address changes, you must update the address(es) in your
e-Profile. The FPGEC will only respond to the email and/or mailing address that is in your e-Profile.

Send official inquiries and submissions to:

Email: [email protected]

Mail: NABP
Attn: FPGEC
1600 Feehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
USA

Fax: 1-847/391-4502

If you would like to receive a receipt of mail delivery, NABP recommends sending your communication via
private courier service or United States Certified Mail, return receipt requested. The FPGEC is not responsible
for delayed, lost, or misdirected mail. It may take an additional 30 business days for international mail to be
delivered and 10 business days for mail sent within the US.
Due to the high volume of received correspondence, the FPGEC cannot confirm receipt of email, faxes, or
mail.

NABP Customer Service

Customer Service can only assist you with basic program information.
All status information related to the progress of your FPGEC Certification are posted in your e-Profile. As
the status changes, the new status will be posted online in your e-Profile. In addition, all program processes
and procedures are included in this Bulletin and many can also be found on our website. Please review both the
Bulletin and the website thoroughly before contacting Customer Service.

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 About the FPGEC

To ensure the privacy and protection of all candidates, Customer Service can only assist candidates directly,
and is unable to speak or correspond with anyone calling or writing on a candidate’s behalf, including third
parties on the phone or on speaker phone.
Contact Customer service using one of the following methods:

E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 1-847/391-4406

When contacting Customer Service, please provide the following information as listed on your e-Profile:
•• e-Profile ID (provided to you at registration)
•• Full name
•• Email or Mailing address
•• Last four digits of your Social Security number (if you have one)
•• Date of birth

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Your FPGEC and ECE Application

General Information
This Application Bulletin explains exactly what materials and documents are required for your FPGEC
Certification application. The FPGEC processes all applications and materials as quickly as possible after
they are received. The FPGEC evaluates each application and all supporting documentation for accuracy,
authenticity, and fulfillment of program requirements. The FPGEC will notify you of the status of your
application, including any deficiencies, online in your e-Profile. You will have the opportunity to correct
any deficiencies identified by the FPGEC. You are responsible for ensuring all supporting documentation is
submitted to FPGEC in a timely manner.
To begin the FPGEC Certification process, you must apply online via your e-Profile and submit hard copies of
the following information via mail to FPGEC for evaluation:
•• Your licensing and/or registration documentation.
•• A certified copy of FPGEC Attestation (see page 11 for details).
•• A notarized copy of the photo identification (see page 11 for details).
In addition, you are required to submit the following information to the Educational Credential Evaluators,
Inc (ECE):
•• The ECE application for verification and evaluation
•• Your educational credentials including:
»» Proof of degree (credential or degree earned)
»» Your pharmacy school transcript
When submitted, your ECE application is used to create an ECE evaluation report that is sent directly to
NABP. The ECE evaluation report does not confirm acceptance to sit for the FPGEE.
A link to the ECE application can be found in the Education Evaluation Application section of the FPGEC
section at www.nabp.pharmacy. Documentation must be submitted to ECE.

? See page 15 for more information on submitting supporting documentation, and page 14 for more
information on applying to ECE.

! Note: The FPGEC may request additional information as determined necessary to establish your
eligibility requirements for the program.

Candidates have two years from the application date to meet all requirements for acceptance into the
FPGEC program. When all requirements have been met, you will be notified via your e-Profile that your
application has been accepted and you will be eligible to purchase and register for the FPGEE. You have two
years from the date of acceptance to take and pass the FPGEE, and you have five years from passing the FPGEE
to take and pass the TOEFL iBT. If you do not meet the required timelines you will need to purchase/submit
a new FPGEC application to become eligible for the FPGEE. Candidates who were eligible to take the FPGEE
in previous years are not guaranteed acceptance upon reapplying to take the examination and must meet all
current requirements.

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 Your FPGEC and ECE Application

Prohibited Activities
The FPGEC reserves the right to bar a candidate from sitting for the FPGEE, to terminate a candidate’s
examination session, to invalidate the results of the candidate’s examination, to disqualify the candidate from
the FPGEC Certification Program, to withhold an FPGEC Certificate, to revoke a Certificate, and/or to take other
appropriate actions. Activities that may prompt the preceding actions include, but are not limited to:
•• Providing false information on any application required for the FPGEC Program.
•• Submitting falsified documentation, including but not limited to, educational documents to the FPGEC or
ECE.
•• Submitting any falsified FPGEC documents to other organizations or agencies.
•• Giving or receiving aid, or engaging in any misconduct as defined in this Bulletin (see page 33), in
connection with the FPGEE, or any other examination required for FPGEC Certification.
•• Violating any examination or program policies of the FPGEC Certification Program.

FPGEC Application and Fees

Application Form
The FPGEC application is available online. If you already have an NABP e-Profile you may click on NABP
e-Profile Login in the upper right-hand corner of the NABP website to begin your application. If you do not have
an e-Profile, see page 3 for instructions on how to create your account.
Once you complete all the required fields you will pay the applicable fees and submit your application. You
are also required to submit your FPGEC Attestation, photograph, license and/or registration, and a photocopy
of your current ID by mail to:
NABP
Attn: FPGEC
1600 Feehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6014

Photographs
Two identical, full-face photographs of passport size (51 x 51 mm) and quality must be submitted by mail for
consideration of with your application. One of the photographs will be adhered (glued or taped -do not staple)
to the FPGEC Attestation and the other will be uploaded into your e-Profile and the FPGEC Certificate and must
not be signed, notarized, or marked in any way. Photographs must have been taken no more than three months
before the application is mailed to NABP. Computer-generated, digital, or photocopies of photographs will not
be accepted.

! Important: The entire notarial seal, stamp, or signature of the official who affirms the FPGEC
Attestation must be legible, in English (FPGEC requires a translation from a credentialed translator),
and must overlap a portion of both the attached photograph and the application form. The seal or
signature must not cover the face in the photograph.

Submitting the Attestation and Photograph (See sample pg 12)

•• Read the certification statement.
•• Sign (do not print) your full name (in English) on the first line indicated in the presence of a Consular
Official, First-Class Magistrate, or Notary Public. You may sign your name in pencil or ink.
•• Ask the official to complete the last two lines of the Attestation Form.
•• Attach one of the required photographs in the box provided using tape or glue. Do not use a staple.
•• Ask the official to apply his or her stamp, seal, or signature attesting to your signature. The official’s

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 Your FPGEC and ECE Application

 FPGEC Attestation 

I hereby certify that the information I have provided to NABP related to this Attestation is true, accurate, and complete to the best 
of my knowledge, and that I have enclosed a recent photograph of myself consistent with the requirements in the Foreign Pharmacy 
Graduate Education Committee (FPGEC) Candidate Application Bulletin (Bulletin). 

I hereby acknowledge that this Attestation is part of my FPGEC application. 

 I agree to separately submit the following FPGEC application documents as further described in the Bulletin: 

1. An online FPGEC application;
2. A copy of my license and/or registration from the country where I am currently licensed; and
3. An application and required fees to Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

I acknowledge that if I do not timely submit a complete FPGEC application, NABP may close my FPGEC application without issuing a 
refund.  If NABP closes my FPGEC application because it is incomplete and I still wish to achieve FPGEC certification, I acknowledge 
that will have to submit a new, complete FPGEC application and pay the then applicable application fee. Please see the Bulletin for 
further details. 

I hereby certify that I have not and will not engage in any prohibited activities or misconduct as described in this Attestation, the 
online application, or the Bulletin, such as fraud or cheating, related to my FPGEC application, the FPGEC Certification program, or 
FPGEE. 
ATTACH ONE PHOTOGRAPH 
I hereby authorize NABP to share with pharmacy regulatory or law enforcement authorities  
HERE 
any information regarding my FPGEC application, including this Attestation and photograph(s), 
my participation in or disqualification from the FPGEC Certification program, or my TOEFL iBT  
or FPGEE test(s) including, without limitation, scores, status, or misconduct.  Use glue or tape to attach
the photo. DO NOT STAPLE
I further authorize the FPGEC to provide any information related to my FPGEC application,  
including this Attestation and photograph(s), or information that may otherwise become available   One additional identical 
to the FPGEC, to any organization or individual who may assist NABP in reviewing my FPGEC  photograph must 
application, evaluating the validity of FPGEC application‐related information, determining my  accompany this application.  
eligibility for FPGEC Certification, or who has or had a relationship or connection to me and, in the 
reasonable judgment of the FPGEC, may have a legitimate interest in such information including,  
Seal, stamp, or signature of 
without limitation, a school of pharmacy that I attended or a testing organization that administered 
a test to me that is required by the FPGEC Certification program.   official must cover a portion 
of the attached photograph 
I hereby attest that I read this Attestation and the Bulletin and I hereby agree with their terms     and the application. 
and requirements.  

I further attest that I have and, to the best of my ability will continue to, comply with the Attestation and Bulletin terms and 
requirements. 

Applicant must print and sign his/her full name in English on the first lines below, but only in the presence of one of the following 
individuals: a Notary Public, Consular Official, or First‐Class Magistrate. 

______________________________________________    ____________________________________________ 
Signature of Applicant  Printed Name 

The following is to be completed by a Notary Public, Consular Official, or First‐Class Magistrate in English: 

Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me this _______________day of _______________                      _____ , 20______. 

Signature of Notary Public, Consular Official, or First‐Class Magistrate: 

____________________________________________________ Official Title __________________________________ 

If official title and/or seal is not in English, FPGEC requires an official translation. Alterations or erasures of any kind on this page will 
void the Attestation. 

12
 Your FPGEC and ECE Application

stamp, seal, or signature must be legible and must overlap a portion of both the attached photograph
and the Attestation Form. The face of the photograph must not be covered. If the official title and/or seal
of the official is not in English, the FPGEC requires a translation from a credentialed translator.

! Important: The absence of the appropriate signatures, or any alterations or erasures of any kind, will
void your application.

Application and Examination Fees

You must submit your payment online using a credit or debit card at the time you submit your application.
Personal checks, bank drafts, and cash or other unapproved forms of payment are not accepted.

Fees to NABP

Total Fee Fee Application

FPGEC Application Fee $550 (non-refundable) Includes $100 administrative
fee and $450 document
evaluation fee
FPGEE Fee $650* 1st examination

FPGEE Re-take Fee $750** Additional examinations; $100

non-refundable administrative
fee and $650 examination fee

*The first examination scheduled/attempted under a newly approved FPGEC application does not include a
$100 administration fee.

**Additional examinations scheduled and/or attempted within the two-year acceptance period will include a
$100 non-refundable administrative fee.

Registering to Re-take the FPGEE

If you wish to re-take the FPGEE, you must log into your e-Profile and purchase a new FPGEE registration.
You will be required to pay the FPGEE re-take fees if you took the exam, did not pass, and there is still time
left in the two-year acceptance period. You have two years from your acceptance date to take and pass the
FPGEE. If you have not passed the FPGEE within two years of application acceptance, your FPGEC application
will be closed and you will be required to submit a new application to the FPGEC.
You are permitted a lifetime total of five attempts to take the FPGEE. Your FPGEC application will be closed
permanently if you exhaust all allotted attempts for the FPGEE.

! Note: Candidates who have been granted eligibility to take the FPGEE in past years are not
guaranteed eligibility upon reapplying to take the examination.

FPGEC Application Withdrawals and Refunds

If you withdraw from the program once the application process has begun, you must log in to your e-Profile
to submit a withdrawal request. The FPGEC application fee (includes administration and evaluation fees) is
non-refundable. Your application materials will be returned to you upon your request.
If you withdraw from the program and you are scheduled to take the FPGEE, you must also cancel your
scheduled examination to receive a refund for the test. See “Canceling/Failing to Attend Your Examination
Appointment” on page 22 for details.

13
 Your FPGEC and ECE Application

ECE Application and General Evaluation Report

FPGEC candidates are required to submit an application to ECE with the appropriate fees. The online ECE
application may be accessed from ECE’s website, www.ece.org/nabp. Questions about the ECE application may
be directed to ECE by calling 1-414/289-3400.

ECE Application Fees

You should request the General Evaluation Report from ECE. You must order an extra copy of the report to
be submitted to the FPGEC. Please see the ECE website for current fees. (See page 7 for contact information.)

Refund or Withdrawal of ECE Application

Inquiries regarding refunds and withdrawals from ECE must be submitted to ECE directly.

14
Pharmacist Credentials

Submitting Official Supporting Documentation

All candidates are required to submit supporting documentation, including sending to ECE an official
transcript and proof of degree (credential or degree earned), and proof of license and/or registration to practice
pharmacy. All official documentation must:
•• Include an inked or impressed seal or stamp of the issuing body.
•• Include an inked signature of the individual from the issuing body authorized to certify the document.
•• Be sealed in an envelope by the issuing body. A seal, stamp, or signature of an official must overlap the
flap closure and the envelope.
The sealed envelope may be submitted to the FPGEC by you or the issuing body.
Official documentation that is not in English, or that contains non-English stamps or seals, must be
accompanied with a word-for-word English translation from a credentialed translator.

? See the “Translation of Non-English Documents” section on page 18.

The FPGEC, at its discretion, may require further documentation to qualify you for certification. Faxed
documents will not be accepted.
! Please note that ECE General Evaluation Reports are retained for only two years.

Submitting Transcripts and Degree Documentation Through ECE

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc, (ECE) is a not-for-profit public service organization specializing in the
evaluation of foreign educational credentials. As a candidate for the FPGEC Certification Program, you must
have your official pharmacy school transcripts and proof of degree (credential or degree earned) evaluated by
ECE. Additionally, ECE will verify the applicable accreditation or recognition status of your school of pharmacy.
You are required to submit your pharmacy education documentation, the official transcript and official proof
of degree, directly to ECE according to the instructions and requirements indicated in this section.

? See page 14 for details on submitting an application to ECE.

You must request that ECE submit the General Evaluation Report directly to the FPGEC along with your
supporting documentation. The FPGEC will not accept General Evaluation Reports submitted by candidates.
Please note that ECE General Evaluation Reports are retained for only two years. Upon receipt of the General
Evaluation Report from ECE, the FPGEC will continue the evaluation process and advise you regarding the
status of your program file.
! Note: ECE does not make any determination of eligibility for the FPGEC Certification Program.
Official Transcript(s)
To be considered for certification, you must submit official transcripts of all pre-pharmacy, bachelor of
science, and post-baccalaureate pharmacy studies to ECE. If there were additional coursework requirements for
graduation, an official transcript is also required.

15
 Pharmacist Credentials

Official transcripts must include:

•• An original inked or dry school seal/stamp
•• Signature (in ink) of a pharmacy school official
•• Dates you attended pharmacy school
•• The title (name) of each course taken
•• The number of hours of study
•• Grades or other documentation proving completion
Unofficial photocopies of transcripts will not be accepted.
After reviewing your transcripts, ECE will forward them to FPGEC for its own records. Transcripts are not
returned.

Minimum Curriculum Length

•• Four-Year Degree: If you were issued a pharmacy degree prior to January 1, 2003, you must have
completed a minimum four-year pharmacy curriculum at the time of graduation.
•• Five-Year Degree: If you were issued a pharmacy degree on or after January 1, 2003, you must have
completed a minimum five-year pharmacy curriculum at the time of graduation.
Pre-pharmacy coursework, completed at the equivalent of a US college or university and required of all
students for admission, may be considered in determining minimum curriculum length requirements.
The following completed after graduation cannot be considered for determining the minimum required
curriculum length:
•• Coursework
•• Internships
•• Continuing education certificates
•• Work experience
Post-baccalaureate pharmacy degrees will only be considered when the degree obtained and the coursework
completed to obtain the degree satisfactorily shows that the candidate obtained patient care experience in a
clinical pharmacy practice setting.
At the sole discretion of the FPGEC, post-baccalaureate degrees will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to
determine whether they may be applied to the minimum required curriculum length.

Official Proof of Degree

Official proof of the pharmacy degree, indicating the title of the degree and the date of issuance, must
also be submitted to ECE. If you are submitting information about another credential or degree earned from
a pharmacy school, it must indicate the title of the credential or degree earned and the date of issuance.
The pharmacy degree or credential you received must be the professional degree leading to licensure and/or
registration to practice pharmacy.

16
 Pharmacist Credentials

Official Proof of Licensure and/or Registration

To qualify for the FPGEC program, you must demonstrate that you have the required license and/or
registration to practice pharmacy in a country outside the US, typically in the country or jurisdiction where you
attended pharmacy school. Some countries require registration as a pharmacist in that country or jurisdiction;
some countries require a license; some countries require both a license and a registration; and some countries
do not require either.
If the country or jurisdiction where you earned a pharmacy degree requires a license and/or a registration
to practice pharmacy, then you must obtain the license and/or registration in that country or jurisdiction and
submit official documentation of such to be considered for FPGEC Certification.
Each license and/or registration must be unrestricted and certified by the appropriate government official
of the jurisdiction issuing the license or registration. The documentation must include the date that the license
and/or registration was issued, and must contain the official stamp and signature from the issuing body. This
document must be received in a properly sealed envelope.
If you were not a citizen of the country or jurisdiction where your pharmacy degree was earned, and
therefore were unable to obtain licensure and/or registration to practice pharmacy in that country or
jurisdiction where you attended school, you must submit:
•• Official proof of licensure and/or registration in whichever country or jurisdiction the license and/or
registration was obtained; AND
•• An official statement, issued by the appropriate government official of the country or jurisdiction where
your degree was earned, confirming that you would be eligible for licensure and/or registration if you
were a citizen.
If neither a license or registration are required to practice pharmacy in the country or jurisdiction where you
earned a pharmacy degree, you must submit with the application materials:
•• A request for an “Affidavit for Failure to Obtain Licensure in a Foreign Jurisdiction” (the FPGEC will
provide further information concerning this procedure to eligible candidates); AND
•• Official documentation in a properly sealed envelope by the issuing body, verified by the pharmacy
school or the applicable government agency that neither licensure nor registration was required to
practice pharmacy.

Submitting Additional Supporting Documentation

! All non-English supporting documents must be accompanied by a word-for-word English translation
from a credentialed translator.

Photo Identification
You must also submit to the FPGEC a certified photocopy of a current photo identification–for example, a
driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, or a passport. Refer to “Photocopies of Documents” (below)
for details on certifying copies of photo identification. Your name on the identification must match your name
on your FPGEC application and supporting documentation.

Photocopies of Documents
Certified photocopies of documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, court orders approving
a name change, or state-issued identification cards, may be submitted to the FPGEC for review. Certified
photocopies of the documents are those that include the attestation statement “I have reviewed the
original document and attest that this is a true and exact copy of the original” is are written directly on
the photocopy by a notary public, Consular Official, or First-Class Magistrate and includes the official’s seal
and signature. If a document is longer than one page, each page must be certified. Present both the original

17
 Pharmacist Credentials

document and a photocopy to the notary public for proper certification. The FPGEC will not accept photocopies
of documents that have been certified by you or that are not properly certified. In addition, the FPGEC will not
accept “True Copy,” “Certified True Copy,” or “Attested Copy” in lieu of the attestation statement indicated
above.
If you are unable to submit properly certified photocopies of your additional supporting documentation,
the original documents must be submitted directly to the FPGEC. You must request, in writing to the FPGEC, to
have original documents returned.

Translation of Non-English Documents

Any document, including all seals and/or stamps, not in English must be accompanied by an official word-
for-word English translation, prepared and certified as correct by an official translator. The FPGEC considers an
official translator to be a certified translator, a certified court interpreter, an authorized government official, or
an official from the pharmacy school where you obtained your pharmacy degree. You may also obtain an official
translation from a professional translation service or an appropriate language department at any university.
The FPGEC must be able to identify the name of the translator. Each page of the translation must be
signed and dated by the translator and must appear on official stationery. The translator must provide an
attestation statement regarding the accuracy of each translation. Proof of the translator’s credentials must
accompany each translation. You may not prepare your own translations.

Candidate’s Name
Your name on the FPGEC application must match the name that appears on your supporting
documentation. If you have changed your name, you must send a properly certified photocopy of a marriage
certificate or other legal document, such as a court order, that indicates the full former and current names.
If you change your name after receiving your FIC, you must ensure there is enough time to update your
name with NABP in order to receive a new FIC for your FPGEE date. Supporting documentation for the name
change must be submitted to the FPGEC (see page 8 for contact information). Questions on this process may
be sent to [email protected].
Note: Identification such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, or permanent resident card
! cannot be considered as legal documentation of a name change. Be sure that the information
submitted on the application form matches the information on all supporting documentation.

! Note: The FPGEC understands the naming conventions in most countries. If a candidate uses their
father’s and/or grandfather’s names or patronymic names as part of their name as shown on their
transcripts, please enter in the space provided in the online application for middle names. The
family, tribe, or surname is to be indicated in the space provided for “last name.”

18
General Information
Closed File
Your file will be closed and fees surrendered to the FPGEC in the following situations:
•• If, after evaluation of submitted documentation, it is determined that your credentials do not meet the
criteria for eligibility for the FPGEC Certification Program.
•• If after repeated requests for appropriate documentation you remain unable to comply with the
requirements in order to qualify for the FPGEC Certification Program.
•• If you fail to pass the FPGEE within two years of being accepted to the FPGEC program.
•• If you fail to pass the TOEFL within five years of passing the FPGEE.

! Note: You do not need to wait to be accepted to the FPGEC program to take the TOEFL.
The FPGEC will post a notification of file closure in the candidate’s e-Profile. Candidates will have 30 days to
appeal the file closure decision of the FPGEC. The FPGEC will review each appeal on a case-by-case basis.
If you wish to pursue FPGEC Certification once the file is closed, the application process, full fees, supporting
document review, and examination process starts over as if you were a new candidate.

! Note: Candidates who have exhausted the number of allowed attempts to take the FPGEE may not
reapply for Certification.

Testing Accommodations
The FPGEC abides by all applicable federal and state statutes relating to the disabled individuals. To ensure
the security and integrity of the examinations, the FPGEC will evaluate accommodation requests.
To submit an accommodation request, please download and complete the Accommodation Request form.
Submit the completed forms when registering for the exam.
Testing accommodations will be made only with the authorization of the FPGEC.
Pharmacy regulatory authorities may be provided with information about the nature of the accommodations
that were granted.

Scheduling for Testing Accommodations

Candidates approved for testing accommodations by FPGEC must schedule their examination appointments
by contacting Pearson VUE’s customer service department. (See contact information on page 8.)
Failure to schedule with a Pearson VUE customer service representative will result in accommodations
not being available to the candidate at the testing center. It is the candidate’s responsibility to appropriately
schedule their testing appointment, and instances where the procedure has not been followed will result
in the forfeiture of the testing opportunity and examination fee. Candidates who elect to test without
accommodations are advised that adjustments will not be made to the test score.

19
FPGEE Information

FPGEE Overview
The FPGEE is based on a nationally uniform content blueprint. The blueprint, effective April 2016, provides
important information about the topics covered on the examination and the competency areas in which
candidates will be tested. The blueprint is on pages 22-26 of this Bulletin and is also available on the NABP website
at www.nabp.pharmacy/programs under FPGEE.
The examination is a comprehensive measure of knowledge in four major pharmacy content areas:
•• 10% – Basic Biomedical Sciences
•• 33% – Pharmaceutical Sciences
•• 22% – Social/Behavioral/Administrative Sciences
•• 35% – Clinical Sciences
The FPGEE is a 250-question examination using a computerized format administered over a five-and-one-
half hour testing period. Questions are presented in multiple-choice, multiple-response, constructed-response,
ordered-response, and hot spot formats. (See pages 26-27 for information on the question format and sample
questions.)

Testing Administration
The FPGEE is administered by Pearson VUE at its more than 200 Pearson Professional Centers (PPCs) in the
continental US. The FPGEE is not available at PPCs in Alaska or Hawaii. Two test dates are offered each year: one
in the spring and one in the fall. Current dates are available on the NABP website. Only those candidates whose
applications have been accepted by the FPGEC will be eligible to sit for the FPGEE will be allowed to register for
the examination.

! Important: FPGEC policy states that all applicants must take the FPGEE within two years of the
original acceptance date.

Registering for the FPGEE

Register With NABP
Once your FPGEC application has been evaluated and accepted, you will be eligible to register for the
FPGEE. To register for the FPGEE, you will need to log into your e-Profile, click on the FPGEC tile, and click
Register for the FPGEE. Follow the instructions to complete and pay for the exam registration. See the NABP
website for the important dates pertaining to the test date, such as registration dates.

FPGEE Identification Card

After you are accepted to take the FPGEE, you will be sent an FPGEE Identification Card (FIC). Your FIC is required
to be allowed in the testing center. If you do not bring your FIC to the examination, you will not be admitted. You
will be required to reapply for the FPGEE and pay the examination fee again (see page 13). If you change your name
after your FIC is issued, you must request a new one and receive it in time for your FPGEE. See page 18 for more
information.

? See “Application and Examination Fees” on page 13 for payment information.

20
 FPGEE Information

Authorization to Test from Pearson VUE

Once you register for the FPGEE, you will receive your ATT letter via email from Pearson VUE. The ATT letter
includes instructions for scheduling your test and other important information. You may not schedule your
testing appointment with Pearson VUE until you have your ATT. (See contact information on page 8.)

! Note: You should contact NABP if you have not received your ATT within two days of registering
with NABP.

! Note: Registration and ATT information will not be given via phone or fax.

Scheduling Your Examination Appointment

Upon receipt of your ATT, you may schedule an appointment to test. Your ATT letter will indicate the time
frame within which you may schedule your appointment. Please note that scheduling will close one week prior
to the date of the examination. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

! Note: We recommend you schedule early. Waiting to schedule your testing appointment may
significantly decrease the availability of your preferred test center, as each PPC has only a select
number of seats available.

You must adhere to the following procedures when scheduling your appointment:
•• ATT Needed to Schedule Examination: You cannot make a testing appointment until you have received
your ATT.
•• Scheduling Your Examination: You may schedule your examination at a PPC through the Pearson VUE
website (www.pearsonvue.com/nabp) or by calling Pearson VUE customer service at 1-888/709-2679.
»» Online: If you live in the US, you can schedule your examination online by visiting www.pearsonvue.
com/nabp. Follow the instructions to set up a web account and select your preferred testing location.
Locations of the testing centers (PPCs) are also available online at www.pearsonvue.com/nabp.
»» Phone: If you life outside the US, you can schedule your examination via phone by calling Pearson VUE
customer service at 1-888/709-2679. If you choose to call Pearson VUE’s customer service department to
schedule an appointment, you will be asked to verify your identity, including verification of your e-Profile ID,
last and first name, as well as other demographic information. The Pearson VUE customer service agent
will search by location. If you have a preferred examination site, the agent can search that site for
appointment availability.
•• Examination Confirmation: Once your appointment has been scheduled, you will receive a confirmation
e-mail from Pearson VUE that provides the details of your examination appointment, directions to your
selected test center, and additional instructions for the FPGEE. If you have not received a confirmation
email from Pearson VUE then you have not completed the examination appointment.

21
 FPGEE Information

Canceling/Failing to Attend Your Examination Appointment

All cancellations of scheduled examination appointments must be made through both NABP and Pearson
VUE at least five business days before the examination appointment if a refund is requested.
For example, if you are scheduled to test on April 10, you must cancel your appointment by the end of
business hours on April 3.
If you cancel your scheduled exam with NABP and Pearson VUE five business days or more before the exam
date, you may receive a refund for the examination fee (the $100 administrative fee is non-refundable).
Note: Refunds will only be issued to the credit card owner’s name.
If you cancel your appointment with Pearson VUE, but plan to take the next scheduled exam, your ATT
will still be valid and you can schedule with Pearson VUE during open registration for the next exam. In this
situation, do not cancel your exam registration/purchase in your NABP e-Profile. You will not receive a refund.
You will not receive a refund for your FPGEE exam fees under the following circumstances:
1. If you cancel with Pearson VUE and NABP less than five business days before the examination;
2. If you fail to arrive for your scheduled exam appointment;
3. If you cancel with NABP, but do not cancel with Pearson VUE; or
4. If you cancel with Pearson VUE, but do not cancel with NABP (in this situation, you will still be able to
schedule with Pearson VUE during open registration for the next exam. You do not need to register again
with NABP).
5. If you are turned away at test center for improper ID.
There is no exception to this policy.
If your situation falls under any of the first three circumstances, you will need to register again for the
next FPGEE and pay the required fees. Remember that you have two years from the date of acceptance to
the FPGEC program to take the FPGEE. Once you have completed a new registration for the FPGEE, you will
receive a new ATT.
? See “Application and Examination Fees” on page 13 for payment information.

! Note: For requests to retake the FPGEE, additional documentation may be required by the FPGEC.

FPGEE Competency Statements

The FPGEE Competency Statements serve as a blueprint of the topics covered on the examination. They
offer important information about the knowledge, judgment, and skills you are expected to demonstrate while
taking the FPGEE. A strong understanding of the Competency Statements will aid you in your preparation to
take the examination.
Area 1.0 Basic Biomedical Sciences (Approximately 10% of Test)
1.1 Physiology
1.1.1 Function of the major body systems and homeostatic impact at organ and system level

1.2 Biochemistry
1.2.1 Chemistry and utilization of biomacromolecules including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acid,
intermediary metabolism of energy and nutritional molecules
1.2.2 Enzymology and coenzymes and kinetics
1.2.3 Cell chemistry, signal transduction pathways
1.2.4 Transport and mobility
1.2.5 Recombinant DNA and molecular biotechnology
1.2.6 mRNA translation and protein synthesis

22
 FPGEE Information

1.3 Microbiology Related to Human Disease

1.3.1 Structure, function, and characteristics of microorganisms: microbe classification, structure, metabolism,
genetics
1.3.2 Pathogenic microorganisms of humans

1.4 Immunology
1.4.1 Innate and adaptive immunity
1.4.2 Principles of antibody actions
1.4.3 Hypersensitivity and types of reactions
Area 2.0 - Pharmaceutical Sciences (Approximately 33% of Test)
2.1 Medicinal Chemistry
2.1.1 Physicochemical properties of drugs in relation to drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion (ADME)
2.1.2 Chemical basis for drug action
2.1.3 Fundamental pharmacophores for drugs used to treat diseases
2.1.4 Structure-activity relationships in relation to drug-target interactions
2.1.5 Chemical pathways of drug metabolism
2.1.6 Applicability to making drug therapy decisions

2.2 Pharmacology and Toxicology

2.2.1 Mechanisms of action of drugs of various categories including biologics
2.2.2 Pharmacodynamics of drug binding and response
2.2.3 Adverse effects and side effects of drugs
2.2.4 Mechanisms of drug-drug interactions
2.2.5 Drug discovery and development
2.2.6 Acute and chronic toxic effect of xenobiotics, including drug and chemical overdose and antidotes

2.3 Pharmacognosy and Dietary Supplements

2.3.1 Concepts of crude drugs, semi-purified, and purified natural products
2.3.2 Classes of pharmacologically active natural products
2.3.3 Science and regulation of dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, and herbals)

2.4 Pharmaceutics/Biopharmaceutics
2.4.1 Biopharmaceutical principles of drug delivery to the body via dosage forms: liquid, solid, semisolid,
controlled release, patches, implants
2.4.2 Materials and methods used in preparation of drug forms
2.4.3 Physicochemical properties relating to drug entities and dosage forms
2.4.4 Principles of drug and dosage form stability, including chemical degradation and physical instability

2.5 Pharmacokinetics
2.5.1 Basic principles of in-vivo drug kinetics (linear and nonlinear)
2.5.2 Principles of bioavailability and bioequivalence
2.5.3 Physiologic determinates of drug onset and duration, including disease and dietary influences on
absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion

2.6 Pharmacogenomics and Genetics

2.6.1 Molecular genetics, genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic principles that serve as a foundation for
pharmacogenomics and the genetic basis of disease
2.6.2 Genetic variants affecting drug action and metabolism, adverse drug reactions, and disease risk that
influence the practice of personalized medicine

2.7 Sterile and Nonsterile Compounding

2.7.1 United States Pharmacopeia guidelines on sterile and nonsterile compounding, hazardous drugs, and
FDA regulation of compounding
2.7.2 Techniques and principles used to prepare and dispense individual extemporaneous prescriptions,
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including dating of compounded dosage forms

2.7.3 Dosage form preparation calculations
2.7.4 Sterile admixture techniques, including stability, clean-room requirements, sterility testing, and dating
Area 3.0 – Social/Behavioral/Administrative Sciences (Approximately 22% of Test)
3.1 Health Care Delivery Systems and Public Health
3.1.1 Organization of health care delivery systems at the national, state, and local levels: various settings
where pharmacy is practiced and the structure of health care delivery systems such as managed care
organizations, accountable care organizations, health departments
3.1.2 Health care delivery financing in the United States
3.1.3 Social, political, and economic factors that influence the delivery of health care in the United States
3.1.4 Public Health and Wellness: chronic disease prevention, health promotion, infectious disease control,
demographics, physical, social, and environmental factors leading to disease, comparing and contrasting
public health with individual medical care
3.1.5 The health care delivery system compared and contrasted with that of other industrialized nations

3.2 Population-Based Care and Pharmacoepidemiology

3.2.1 Data sources and analytic tools that provide an estimate of the probability of beneficial or adverse effects
of medication use in large populations
3.2.2 Application of epidemiological study designs to evaluate drug use and outcomes in large populations
3.2.3 Methods for continually monitoring unwanted effects and other safety-related aspects of medication use
in large populations

3.3 Economic and Humanistic Outcomes of Health Care Delivery

3.3.1 General microeconomic and general macroeconomic principles
3.3.2 Pharmacoeconomic analysis and its application to improve the allocation of limited health care resources
3.3.3 Humanistic outcomes and their application to improve the allocation of limited health care resources

3.4 Pharmacy Practice Management

3.4.1 Management principles (planning, organizing, directing, and controlling pharmacy resources) applied to
various pharmacy practice setting and patient outcomes
3.4.2 Personnel management
3.4.3 Planning, including delineation between business and strategic planning
3.4.4 Marketing of goods and services: product versus service pricing, distribution, promotion
3.4.5 Accounting and financial management
3.4.6 Budgeting
3.4.7 Risk management

3.5 Pharmacy Law and Regulatory Affairs

3.5.1 Legal and regulatory principles applied to pharmacy practice: dispensing, professional services, drug use
control
3.5.2 Administrative, civil, and criminal liability
3.5.3 Authority, responsibilities, and operation of agencies and entities that promulgate or administer laws,
regulations, or guidances related to practice and prescription and nonprescription medications

3.6 Biostatistics and Research Design

3.6.1 Research study designs used in medical research
3.6.2 Application and interpretation of statistical tests and data collection instruments

3.7 Ethical Decision Making

3.7.1 Principles of biomedical ethics
3.7.2 Ethical dilemmas in the delivery of patient, centered care including, conflicts of interest, end-of-life
decision making, use of codes of ethics, oaths of the pharmacist
3.7.3 Research ethics

3.8 Professional Communication

3.8.1 Communication abilities (appropriate verbal, nonverbal, visual, and written) with patient and caregivers,
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including empathetic communication

3.8.2 Communication abilities with other health care providers
3.8.3 Assertiveness and problem-solving techniques in relation to difficult social and professional conflicts and
situations
3.8.4 Measurement and use of health literacy in pharmacy communications
3.8.5 Development of cultural competency in pharmacy personnel such that services are respectful of and
responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of diverse patient populations
3.9 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Pharmacy Practice
3.9.1 Health-, illness-, and sick-role behaviors of patients
3.9.2 Principles of behavior modification
3.9.3 Patient adherence to therapies and recommendations
3.9.4 Caregiving throughout the lifecycle
3.9.5 Death and dying

3.10 Medication Dispensing and Distribution Systems

3.10.1 Systems for safe and effective preparation and dispensing of medications in all types of practice settings
3.10.2 Role of automation and technology: pharmacy informatics, information management
3.10.3 Continuous quality improvement programs or protocols in the medication-use process, including
identification and prevention of medication errors, and establishment of error reduction programs
Area 4.0 – Clinical Sciences (Approximately 35% of Test)
4.1 Evidence-based Practice
4.1.1 Interpret and evaluate drug information
4.1.2 Apply drug-information skills for the delivery of medication therapy management
4.1.3 Evaluate the reliability of various sources of information
4.1.4 Interpret guidelines as they apply in a clinical setting
4.1.5 Utilize core scientific and systems-based knowledge in the patient care decision-making process
4.1.6 Utilize basic science principles in the development and/or implementation of drug treatment protocols
and clinical practice guidelines
4.1.7 Evaluate clinical trials that validate clinical appropriateness

4.2 Clinical Pathophysiology

4.2.1 Apply concepts of pathophysiology to clinical decision making

4.3 Clinical Pharmacokinetics

4.3.1 Utilize pharmacokinetics to calculate, evaluate, and individualize drug therapy
4.3.2 Interpret clinical pharmacokinetics of commonly used and low-therapeutic-index drugs

4.4 Clinical Pharmacogenomics

4.4.1 Utilize pharmacogenomics to calculate, evaluate, and individualize drug therapy

4.5 Disease Prevention and Population Health

4.5.1 Recognize the proper use of nonpharmacologic therapies, including complementary and alternative
medicines
4.5.2 Describe measures to promote wellness and disease prevention
4.5.3 Identify the role of immunizations in disease prevention and health promotion

4.6 Patient Assessment

4.6.1 Describe techniques for obtaining a comprehensive patient history
4.6.2 Describe how to perform patient physical assessments: inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
4.6.3 Differentiate between normal physical assessment findings and modifications caused by common
disease states and drug therapy
4.6.4 Interpret common clinical laboratory values and diagnostic tests
4.6.5 Perform calculations related to patient assessment: BMI, CrCl, lab adjustments
4.6.6 Describe the use of OTC point-of-care testing devices: glucometers, pregnancy tests, home testing for
HbA1c, drug screening

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4.7 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Decision Making

4.7.1 Make therapy recommendations based on dosage calculations, specific uses and indications of drugs and
nutritional and support therapy
4.7.2 Interpret therapeutic drug concentrations
4.7.3 Assess pharmacotherapy considering contraindications, therapeutic duplications, dietary interactions,
adverse drug reactions and interactions, and allergies
4.7.4 Triage and identify when to refer patients to other health professionals
4.7.5 Design patient-centered, culturally-relevant treatment plans
4.7.6 Apply evidence-based decision making to patient care
4.7.7 Recommend nonprescription and natural product therapies
4.7.8 Identify and manage drug toxicity, drug-induced diseases, and misuse or abuse
4.7.9 Monitor drug therapy for misuse, abuse, and non-adherence

FPGEE Sample Questions

The following are examples of question types that candidates may encounter when taking the FPGEE.
These questions are presented as examples to familiarize candidates with their formats and are not intended to
represent content areas on the FPGEE. Every examinee is presented with the opportunity to take a tutorial at
the testing center prior to initiating the FPGEE. The tutorial instructs examinees on how to respond to all of the
types of questions that could be presented on the examination. Candidates are encouraged to take the tutorial
in order to become familiar with how to submit responses in the computer-based examination.

Multiple-Choice Question Format

Which of the following vaccines is contraindicated in immunocompromised patients?
A. Pneumococcal polysaccharide
B. Varicella
C. Meningococcal conjugate
D. Subcutaneous influenza

Multiple-Response Question Format

What counseling information should a pharmacist provide to a patient taking oral tacrolimus?
(Select ALL that apply.)
A. Avoid live virus vaccinations
B. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
C. If a dose is missed, double up on the next dose
D. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication
E. Medication levels need to be monitored

Constructed-Response Question Format

Griseofulvin oral suspension contains 125 mg/5 mL. A physician prescribed 250 mg bid for 2 weeks for a
patient. How many milliliters of griseofulvin should be dispensed in order to fill this prescription?
(Answer must be numeric; round the final answer to the nearest WHOLE number.)

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Ordered-Response Question Format

Rank the following topical corticosteroids from highest to lowest potency.
(ALL options must be used.)
Left-click the mouse to highlight, drag, and order the answer options.

Unordered Options Ordered Response

Fluocinonide 0.05%
Hydrocortisone acetate 1%
Halobetasol propionate 0.05%
Mometasone furoate 0.1%

Hot Spot Question Format

Using the diagram below, identify where in the HIV life-cycle maraviroc exerts its mechanism of action.
(Select the TEXT response, and left-click the mouse. To change your answer, move the cursor, select alternate
TEXT response and click.)

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On the Day of the Examination

Review the following information before your examination administration.

Arrive Early
•• Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time to allow for check-
in procedures. If you arrive at the test center 30 minutes after your scheduled examination time, you will
forfeit your appointment. If you forfeit your appointment, there will be no refund of your testing fee
and you will be required to reapply for the FPGEE and submit the appropriate retake fee in order to
retest.

Bring Identification
•• When you arrive at the test center, you will be required to present your FIC and a primary form of
identification (ID) that contains a recent photograph and signature. It is also recommended that you
bring a secondary ID that contains your name and signature. (More information is included in the
“Identification Requirements” section that follows.) Your test administrator will instruct you to put all
personal belongings in a locker and will provide instructions on where to keep your ID. Each time you
enter and leave the testing room, your identity will be verified.

Follow Security Procedures

Pearson VUE testing center staff will take a digital photograph of each examination candidate, and each
candidate will provide his or her digital signature and a palm vein scan.
•• For palm vein scans, a device will be used to digitally record the pattern of the candidate’s palm veins.
•• Candidate palm vein patterns are digitally encrypted and securely transmitted to Pearson VUE. If you do
not provide the required identifying information, you will not be permitted to take the examination.
•• In the event that you are unable to provide a digital signature or palm vein pattern, you must contact
NABP at least 30 days prior to your examination date.
•• For more information about the check-in process and palm vein scans, please contact Pearson VUE
customer service at 1-888/709-2679.

Remain Seated
•• Once you have been admitted, the test center administrator will escort you to a workstation. You
must remain in your seat during the examination, except when authorized to leave by a test center
administrator in accordance with NABP policies and procedures.
•• You may not leave the testing room without the test administrator’s permission.
•• You may not leave the test center building for any reason during your entire scheduled examination
appointment.
•• Your exam score may be invalidated, you may forfeit your appointment to test, and you may be required
to reapply for the examination if:
»» you leave the testing room without permission,

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»» you leave the test center building for any reason after being admitted but prior to initiating the
examination or prior to completing your examination, or
»» you access your cell/mobile phone anytime while at the testing center including breaks.

(Please refer to Misconduct During the Examination on Pages 33-34.)

Supplies
•• The administrator will provide you with an erasable note board and a pen to use during your
examination. You may not remove the note boards or pen from the testing room at any time. You will not
be allowed to take your own scratch paper or pencil/pen into the testing room.
•• You can activate an on-screen calculator during the examination. The on-screen calculator can be used in
a scientific and five-function mode. If you request a handheld calculator for any reason, you will only be
supplied with a five-function calculator by Pearson VUE. Personal calculators of any kind are prohibited.
•• Raise your hand to notify the administrator of the following:
»» You think you have problems with your computer.
»» You need to take a break.
»» You need the administrator for any other reason.

Examination Administration
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Before starting the FPGEE, you will be required to read the terms and conditions of the NABP Non-
Disclosure Agreement for NABP Examinations. If you agree, select the box to confirm that you agree to the
Non-Disclosure Agreement and proceed to the application. You will not be able to proceed if you do not accept
the terms of the Agreement.

Examination Duration and Breaks

•• Before beginning the FPGEE, you will be allotted 10 minutes to complete a mandatory tutorial.
•• You will have 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete the examination.
•• The FPGEE consists of 250 questions.
•• The examination will begin when the first question appears on the screen.
•• Halfway through the examination, you will have a mandatory 30-minute break. Your palm vein pattern
must be scanned when you re-enter the testing room. These times will not count toward the 5 hours and
30 minutes allotted to complete the FPGEE.
•• At the end of the examination, you will have 15 minutes to complete a brief optional survey.

Format and Option to Review Questions

The format of the examinations requires that all test questions be answered in the order in which they are
presented. You will not be allowed to skip a question or return to a previous question until all questions have
been completed. However, you will be able to mark questions for review as you answer them. Once you have
answered all questions for a section, you will have the option to return to the questions you marked for review
and change the answer if you so choose.

Completing the Examination

When you have completed your time on the examination there is an optional end-of-examination survey,
after which the test administrator will collect your note board and marker and walk you through the check-out
process.

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Break Information
Part 1 of the examination lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes and is followed by a mandatory 30-minute break.

! Important: All test center restrictions, security measures, and codes of conduct also apply during the
break. Your palm vein pattern must be scanned anytime you re-enter the testing room.
•• If you complete Part 1 of the FPGEE prior to the 2 hours and 45 minutes allotted, you may not begin Part
2 of the examination until the time allotted for Part 1 and the mandatory break has passed.
•• After the mandatory break has passed, you will be allowed 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete Part 2 of
the examination. You may leave the test building once you have completed Part 2 of your examination.

Identification Requirements
You must bring the following identification to the testing center to be granted admission to the exam:
•• Your NABP-embossed FIC
•• A primary form of ID that contains a recent photograph and signature

! Note: Without your FIC and primary form of ID, you will not be admitted to the examination. You will
be required to register to re-take the FPGEE and pay the required fees again (see page 12).

! Important: Your name on your identification must match your name on your FIC.
If your forms of identification are not in English, NABP highly recommends that you provide an official
translation of the identification.

? See “Translation of Non-English Documents” section on page 18.

Your signature on your IDs must match your digital signature provided on the day of the examination as well
as your signature on your FPGEC attestation. It is also recommended that you bring a secondary form of ID that
contains your name and signature. Forms of ID that have expired are not considered to be valid.
If the name(s) on your primary ID does not match the name on your FIC, you must correct the discrepancy by
contacting the FPGEC in writing at least 30 business days prior to the date of your scheduled examination. If the
name on your FIC is different from the name on your IDs, you will not be permitted to test. Name updates
cannot be completed at the test center.

Acceptable Forms of Photo Identification

Primary ID
You must present one of the following acceptable primary IDs, which must be current (not expired) and
contain a recent recognizable photograph and signature. Note: International-issued passports with embedded
(not visible) signatures are acceptable.
•• Passport
•• Other valid government-issued IDs including:
»» US-issued or foreign driver’s license
»» US state identification card

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Secondary ID
A secondary ID may be requested at the testing center. Acceptable forms of secondary ID, which must be
current, include the following:
•• US-issued or foreign driver’s license
•• Passport
•• State-issued ID card
•• US passport card
•• Military ID
•• US military ID
•• Valid debit/credit/ATM cards (must be Visa, Discover, Mastercard, or American Express)
Unacceptable ID documents include, but are not limited to, the following:
•• ID with no photo (unless accompanied by another primary form of ID with photo)
•• Expired passport
•• Expired driver’s license
•• Draft classification card
•• Letter of identity from a notary
•• Social Security card
•• Employee ID
•• Green card
•• International driver’s license

Temporary IDs
All candidates using temporary forms of identification must follow the same guidelines listed under
“Acceptable Forms of Photo Identification.” The identification must match the name on your FIC.
All temporary forms of identification must be current (not expired) and must contain a recent recognizable
photograph with your signature. A secondary form of identification may be required. Acceptable forms of
temporary identification include only:
•• State-issued temporary driver’s license (with a photo)
•• State-issued temporary ID cards (with a photo)
•• State-issued learner’s permit (with a photo)
Candidates using any forms of identification other than the ones listed above must contact NABP and
present the identification for validation at least 30 business days prior to their test administration.

Failure to Present Proper ID

You will not be admitted to the examination without the proper ID, and you will not have an opportunity to
reschedule your testing appointment at the test center. There will be no refund of your testing fee.
? See page 13 for information on reapplying to the FPGEE.

Name Changes
Candidates who have had their name legally changed must contact the FPGEC in writing at least 30 days
prior to the examination day. Name changes cannot be completed at the test center and documentation
brought to the test center confirming your name change will not be accepted.
? See “Candidate’s Name” section on page 18.
If the name on your FIC is different from the name on your IDs, you will not be permitted to test.
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Test Center Restrictions

To ensure that examination results for all candidates are earned under comparable conditions and represent
fair and accurate measurement of each candidate’s individual knowledge and skills, it is necessary to maintain a
standardized and secure testing environment. All candidates must adhere to the following policies:
•• No reference, study, or other materials or devices may be brought into the testing center.
•• Candidates will not be allowed to take anything into the testing room at the PPC other than those items
given to them by the test center administrator and their ID documents (eg, passport, driver’s license).
•• Prohibited items will not be allowed into the testing room. Prohibited items include, but are not limited
to, the following:
»» Beverages »» Computer bags »» Pagers
»» Books »» Contents of pockets »» Photographic devices
»» Book bags or backpacks »» Food »» Recording devices
»» Briefcases »» Handbags/purses »» Wallets
»» Calculators »» Other electronic or digital »» Weapons
»» Cell phones devices (watches, activity
»» Computers/tablets wristbands, PDAs)
»» Outerwear (coats, hats)

•• Secure storage located outside the testing room will be provided for personal items, but space is limited.
Test centers assume no responsibility for candidates’ personal belongings.
•• Even if no secure storage is available, you will be required to leave all other personal belongings, including
prohibited items, outside the testing room.

! Important: Candidates may access the following items outside the testing room on scheduled or
unscheduled breaks
•• Beverages
•• Food
•• Handbags/purses
•• Wallets
•• Smoking, regardless of substance, is not allowed in the testing room or in the testing center building.
•• Friends or relatives who accompany you will not be permitted to wait in the test center building or test
room during your admission or during your examination and are not permitted to contact you while you
are taking the examination or during the mandatory break.
•• You may not leave the test center building during the examination appointment or mandatory
break. If you leave the testing room or test center building, including the check-in and secure storage
area, without the permission of the test site administrator at any time during the examination
appointment or mandatory break, you may be suspended from the test administration and your score
may be invalidated.
•• You may not access your cell phone during your break.

What to Do in Case of Inclement Weather

In the event of a testing center closing due to inclement weather, Pearson VUE will attempt to contact the
candidate. However, it is the responsibility of the individual candidate to contact Pearson VUE to determine
if the test center is open. If the Pearson Professional Center (PPC) where the candidate is scheduled to test is
open and the candidate does not keep his or her scheduled appointment, the candidate forfeits all fees and no
portion of the examination fee will be refunded.

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If Your Computer Experiences Technical Difficulties

On rare occasions, technical difficulties occur at the testing center. If you experience a computer technical
difficulty, notify the test center administrator immediately. Every effort will be made to correct any difficulties
as quickly as possible. Should the testing center experience a loss of power, back-up systems are in place and
every reasonable effort will be made to retrieve testing data. Once power is restored, candidates will be able to
continue their testing sessions from the point at which they were interrupted.
If technical issues cause you to wait more than 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment time, or a
restart delay lasts longer than 30 minutes, you will be given the choice of continuing to wait until after the
delay to begin/continue your examination or rescheduling your appointment at the next scheduled FPGEE
administration without an additional fee. If you choose to reschedule your appointment or the technical issue
cannot be resolved, you will be allowed to test at the next scheduled FPGEE administration at no additional
charge and without a required waiting period and your testing results will be invalidated. If you choose not to
reschedule, but rather to continue testing after a delay, you will have no other options and your testing results
will be considered valid.

Security Measures
The FPGEE is the property of NABP and is a confidential examination that is protected by trade secret law,
copyright law, and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The FPGEE will be made available to
the examination candidate solely for the purpose of determining eligibility for FPGEC Certification.
Numerous security measures will be enforced during the test administration to ensure the integrity of the
program. Be aware that you will be observed at all times while taking the examination. This observation may
include direct observation by test center staff, as well as video and audio recording of your testing session.

Misconduct
Individuals are expressly prohibited from engaging in misconduct at all times in connection with the FPGEE,
including misconduct related to exam questions, answers, or question format (individually and collectively
“Exam Content”). Misconduct in connection with Exam Content or the FPGEE include, without limitation, the
following:
•• Selling
•• Offering
•• Disclosing
•• Making available any portion or the entirety of Exam Content
•• Transmitting
•• Copying
•• Reproducing
•• Requesting
•• Purchasing
•• Receiving, acquiring, or utilizing Exam Content without specific NABP authorization
•• Attempting, arranging, or having an individual take the FPGEE for you
•• Attempting, arranging, or taking the examination for another individual
Misconduct in connection with the FPGEE or Exam Content is prohibited at all times, including prior to
registering, scheduling, or taking the examination, during an examination appointment session as described
in this Bulletin, and after taking the examination. Misconduct can involve individuals, candidates, or groups
of individuals or candidates such as classmates, co-workers, friends, family, study groups, organizations, or
entities. Individuals or groups of individuals who engage in any of the misconduct described in this section may
be subject to one or more of the actions listed in the “Actions” subsection of this Bulletin below.

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Misconduct During the Examination

Individuals who engage in any of the following misconduct or exhibit any of the following behaviors during
their examination appointment session may be subject to one or more of the actions listed in the “Actions”
subsection of the Bulletin below. The examination appointment session begins when the candidate is checked
in to the test center, includes scheduled and non-scheduled breaks, and ends when the candidate is dismissed
from the center.
Examples of misconduct during the examination appointment session include, but are not limited to:
•• Attempting to take the examination for someone else or taking the examination for someone else.
•• Attempting to have someone else take the examination for you or having someone else take the
examination for you.
•• Taking the examination for any purpose other than determining the eligibility for FPGEC Certification,
unless otherwise approved by NABP and the board(s) of pharmacy.
•• Accessing a cell phone or any other electronic communications devices.
•• Using notes, books, reference material, or other aids.
•• Attempting to aid an individual or receive aid to complete the examination.
•• Bringing any materials, devices, or items to the examination appointment session that may compromise
the security or validity of the administration.
•• Failing to follow an administrator’s instructions.
•• Creating a disturbance of any kind.
•• Removing or attempting to remove from the test center scratch paper, note boards, writing materials, or
the like.
•• Copying or memorizing examination questions, answers, or any other examination content and/or
removing such information.
•• Tampering with the operation of the computer or attempting to use it for any function other than taking
the examination.
•• Leaving the testing room without permission.
•• Leaving the testing center building for any reason.
•• Selling, offering, disclosing, copying, reproducing, transmitting, requesting, purchasing, receiving,
utilizing without specific NABP authorization, or making available any portion or the entirety of the
FPGEE in any form.
Individuals who engage in any of the misconduct described in this section or who exhibit any of the
behaviors described in this section prior to, during, or after their examination appointment session may be
subject to one or more of the actions listed in the “Actions” subsection of this Bulletin below.

Actions
If NABP obtains information that an individual engaged in any misconduct, as defined in the Bulletin, NABP,
in its sole discretion, may take one or more actions, including but not limited to:
•• Placing a hold on the individual’s ability to schedule an examination appointment.
•• Placing a hold on the individual’s ability to register for an examination.
•• Suspension of the test administration.
•• Forfeiture of all testing fees.
•• Termination of the test administration.
•• Withholding the reporting of the examination score or invalidation or cancellation of an examination
score as described in the FPGEE Score Withholding, Cancellation, or Invalidation section.

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•• Disqualification from the FPGEC Certification Program or revocation of your FPGEC Certificate.
•• Notification to one or more boards of pharmacy or state or federal law enforcement agencies.
•• Initiation of civil, criminal, and/or administrative proceedings against the candidate that may result in
civil penalties, criminal punishments, and/or disciplinary action, including denial of licensure or licensure
revocation by one or more board(s) of pharmacy.

Notification to Authorities
NABP reserves the right to share with pharmacy regulatory or law enforcement authorities information
concerning the withholding, cancellation, or invalidation of a candidate’s score on any examination that is
required for FPGEC Certification, the status of an FPGEC application, including candidates’ file closure, the
withholding of an FPGEC Certificate, candidate misconduct, the disqualification of a candidate from the FPGEC
Certification Program, or the revocation of a candidate’s FPGEC Certificate.

Atypical Testing Circumstances

In the rare event that a problem arises in the administration of an examination, it may affect an individual or
a group of test takers. Problems may include, without limitation, power failures, defective equipment, or other
disruptions of the exam administrations such as natural disasters or other emergencies. When these atypical
circumstances occur, Pearson VUE will conduct an investigation to provide information to NABP. Based on this
information, NABP, at its sole discretion, may not score the test, may withhold the reporting of a score while
NABP reviews the matter, or may cancel or invalidate the test score. Affected test takers will be notified of the
reason for the cancellation and their options for retaking the test at the next scheduled FPGEE administration.
The appeal process does not apply to atypical testing circumstances.

FPGEE Score Withholding, Cancellation, or Invalidation

NABP reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion and at any time, whether to withhold the
reporting of an examination score or to cancel or invalidate one or more examination scores of an individual
or a group of individuals. The withholding, canceling, or invalidating of one or more examination scores of an
individual or a group of individuals may occur prior to, during, or after examination administration.
NABP may cancel or invalidate an examination score or withhold the reporting of an examination score for
any reason including, without limitation, the following:
•• Atypical testing circumstances
•• Misconduct by one or more individuals as described in this Bulletin
•• Testing irregularities
•• Noncompliance with policies by one or more candidates
•• Observed irregular behavior of one or more candidates
•• Discrepancy or falsification of an examination candidate’s identification
•• Impersonating an examination candidate or allowing an unauthorized person to take an examination
•• Unusual answer patterns
•• Unusual or large score variances among a candidate’s examinations
•• Unusually low score
•• Psychometric review
•• Leaving a testing center facility
•• Accessing examination content prior to taking the exam
•• Stealing exam content
•• Communicating with other test takers during an examination appointment session

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•• Disclosing, publishing, reproducing, or transmitting an exam, in whole or in part, in any form and by any
means, whether verbal, written, electronic, or mechanical, for any purpose
NABP’s right to determine whether to withhold, cancel, or invalidate an examination score is not in any way
waived or modified because NABP processed an examination registration form, authorized a candidate to sit
for an examination, scored an examination, or reported an examination score.

Re-take Policy
All current and new FPGEC candidates are allowed a maximum of five attempts to successfully pass the FPGEE.
Candidates that do not pass the FPGEE upon the final allowed attempt will have their FPGEC application closed
and will be ineligible for further testing.
Candidates who did not pass the FPGEE before the acceptance expiration date and have not tested the
maximum number of times will need to submit a new FPGEC application and the appropriate fee.

? See “Application and Examination Fees” section on page 13.

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Score Results

Your FPGEE Score Results

Your score result will be available in your e-Profile approximately eight weeks after the test administration
unless NABP has withheld, canceled, or invalidated your score as described in this Bulletin.
The minimum acceptable passing score on the FPGEE is a 75. The score is a scaled, equated score. It is not
a tally of the number of questions answered correctly, nor is it a percentage score. It is equated to ensure that
any difference in the difficulty of questions on a particular form of the FPGEE will not affect the scaled score you
receive, and that your scaled score will not be influenced by the scores of other candidates who take the same
examination at the same time you do. The range of possible scaled scores on the FPGEE is between 1 and 150.
Effective January 1, 2012, your FPGEE score will be valid for five years from the date of the examination.
Candidates who do not complete the FPGEC Certification process before their FPGEE score expires will be
required to retake the FPGEE if they wish to pursue certification in the future.
The five-year validity period of an FPGEE score applies to current candidates who have already passed the
FPGEE but have not obtained their FPGEC Certiate. For example, a passing score on the December 6, 2018,
FPGEE is valid until December 6, 2023. The FPGEE score expiration will be posted on your e-Profile.

FPGEE Rescore
If you believe that your score is not accurate, you may request a rescore. Prior to the release of FPGEE
scores, all scores are carefully validated. However, on occasion, a candidate may believe that the reported score
is not accurate. Candidates may request an FPGEE rescore and verification via the e-Profile for a fee of $100
within 60 days of release of scores.
To request a rescore, log in to your e-Profile, click on Examination History, click on the rescore link next to
the relevant examination, and follow the instructions to complete the request and submit your payment.

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Pre-FPGEE

Pre-FPGEE Overview
The Pre-FPGEE is an FPGEE practice examination written and developed by NABP. A computerized
examination delivered via the Internet, the Pre-FPGEE is designed to familiarize you with the types of
questions, test layout, and content areas that appear on the FPGEE. When taking the Pre-FPGEE, candidates
are allotted 85 minutes to complete the 66-question examination. This time limit is proportional to the time
allowed on the FPGEE. Candidates are able to review previously answered questions or change answers at any
time during the examination.
In preparing for the Pre-FPGEE, it is suggested that candidates review the FPGEE Competency Statements,
which are available on pages 21-25 of this Bulletin and can be accessed on the NABP website (www.nabp.
pharmacy). To best interpret the score obtained on the Pre-FPGEE, it is recommended that the examination be
taken without the use of study aids or reference materials.

! Note: If you are considering taking a review course before the examination, please be aware that
the FPGEC does not endorse ANY specific review course. FPGEE test questions are kept under strict,
secure conditions, thus the only questions truly representative of the FPGEE test are those that
appear in the Pre-FPGEE.

Those who complete the Pre-FPGEE will be given a scaled score based on their answers to the questions.
Pre-FPGEE scores are interpreted in a similar fashion as the FPGEE. Candidates will have the ability to print
their score report for their personal records. Pre-FPGEE scores will not be released to anyone other than the
candidate, unless NABP is legally required to disclose such information. The Pre-FPGEE is a practice exam and
is not designed to predict FPGEE scores. Your Pre-FPGEE score may significantly differ from your actual FPGEE
score. NABP does not claim that a strong performance on the Pre-FPGEE predicts passing the FPGEE.

Registering for the Pre-FPGEE

The Pre-FPGEE can be accessed by logging into your e-Profile. More information about the pre-exam can be
accessed by visiting the Programs page on the NABP website (www.nabp.pharmacy).
The fee for the Pre-FPGEE is $50. Candidates register online and may use any major credit card. There are no
refunds once the practice examination has been purchased.

! Important: After you have registered and paid for the Pre-FPGEE, you will have seven days to take
the examination.

Please note that candidates may only take each Pre-FPGEE test form once; however, a new form is available
approximately four weeks before each FPGEE administration.

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 Pre-FPGEE

Minimum System Requirements to Take the Pre-FPGEE

To take the Pre-FPGEE, a computer running either Microsoft Windows 7, 8/8.1, or 10 or Mac OS 10.7 (Snow
Leopard) through 10.10 (Yosemite) operating system software is required and must meet the following system
requirements:
•• Mozilla Firefox 38.0 and higher
•• Google Chrome 43.0 and higher
•• Internet Explorer 11.0 and higher, with text size set to medium or smaller
•• Reliable Internet access (high-speed connection preferred for optimal performance)
»» Because wireless Internet routers may fail, NABP recommends using a direct Internet connection while
taking the Pre-FPGEE.
•• Access to a printer for score reports.

! Note: The Safari browser on the Mac platform is NOT supported, and you may encounter difficulties
in completing the exam if you utilize Safari as your browser. Please utilize Chrome or Firefox if you
plan to take your Pre-FPGEE using an Apple computer. In addition, please attempt to delete your
cookies saved by your internet browser. Instructions can be found at the following link: http://www.
wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser%27s-Cookies. Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service if
you have additional questions.

Whom to Contact If You Experience Technical Difficulties

Please contact NABP Customer Service at 847/391-4406 should you experience any computer problems
while registering for or taking the Pre-FPGEE. Customer Service is available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5
pm Central time.

Security Measures
The Pre-FPGEE is a confidential practice examination that is protected by trade secret law, copyright
law, and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The Pre-FPGEE will be made available to
candidates solely for the purpose of helping candidates familiarize themselves with the questions, layout, and
content areas that appear on the FPGEE.
All Pre-FPGEE documents, examination questions, answers, and content are the exclusive property of
NABP. The selling, offering, disclosing, publishing, reproducing, transmitting, copying, requesting, purchasing,
receiving, acquiring, or utilizing any portion or the entirety of the Pre-FPGEE without authorization, or making
available the Pre-FPGEE including, but not limited to, examination question format, answers, questions,
profiles, or scenarios, in whole or in part, in any form and by any means, whether verbal, written, electronic, or
mechanical, for any purpose is prohibited at all times.
If NABP obtains information indicating an examination candidate sold, offered, disclosed, published,
reproduced, transmitted, copied, requested, purchased, received, acquired, or utilized any portion or the
entirety of the Pre-FPGEE without authorization, or made available any portion of the Pre-FPGEE, as described
above, in any form to or from individuals, organizations, study groups, or the like, NABP may take actions
against the candidate resulting in, but not limited to, disqualification from the FPGEC Program, civil penalties,
and/or criminal proceedings.

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National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
1600 Feehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
847/391-4406
www.nabp.pharmacy