Important Tips to Help with Taking the FPGEE®


To pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE ®), you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. Here are some general steps to help you prepare for and pass the FPGEE ®:

  1. Understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the FPGEE ®. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering various topics related to pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical science.

  2. Review the exam content outline: Obtain the FPGEE ® Content Outlines provided by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP ®) known as the Competency Statement. This document outlines the subject areas covered in the exam. Make sure to focus on these areas during your preparation.

  3. Gather study materials: Collect relevant study materials such as textbooks, reference books, and online resources such as Albatenius.com that cover the content areas mentioned in the FPGEE ® Content Outlines. Some popular resources include "Comprehensive Pharmacy Review" by Leon Shargel and "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach" by Joseph T. DiPiro, and the Online Course “Full FPGEE Review” by Albatenius.com .

  4. Develop a study plan: Create a study schedule that suits your needs and allows you to cover all the necessary topics. Allocate specific time for each subject area and set achievable goals.

  5. Review pharmaceutical sciences: Dedicate ample time to reviewing pharmaceutical sciences, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmaceutical calculations. Understand the underlying concepts and mechanisms.

  6. Study pharmacy practice: Familiarize yourself with pharmacy practice topics such as drug information, patient assessment, drug interactions, therapeutic drug monitoring, and patient counseling. Understand the legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice.

  7. Practice with sample questions: Obtain practice question banks for topics similar to FPGEE ® Competency Statements, you can access it here,  to get a sense of the exam format and practice answering questions within the time limit, you can try the NABP’s Pre-FPGEE, which can be accessed here . This will help you identify areas where you need more improvement. Albatenius, has a great questions bank that can help you review for FPGEE ®, which can be accessed here.

  8. Join study groups or discussion forums: Collaborate with other FPGEE ® candidates or join online forums where you can discuss and clarify your doubts. Sharing knowledge and learning from others can enhance your understanding of various concepts. Facebook groups are popular in this domain such as this group.

  9. Take online courses or review programs: Consider enrolling in online courses or review programs specifically designed for FPGEE ® preparation. These resources often provide comprehensive study materials, lectures, and practice questions tailored to the exam. The benefit of such programs is that will save you time and effort so you focus on studying.

  10. Stay updated with current pharmacy practices: Stay informed about the latest developments in the field of pharmacy, including new drugs, guidelines, regulations, and treatment approaches. This will help you answer questions related to current pharmacy practices.

  11. Simulate exam conditions: As you approach the exam date, simulate the actual exam conditions by taking timed practice tests. This will help you become familiar with the exam environment and manage your time effectively during the actual exam.

  12. Remain calm and confident: On the day of the exam, ensure you get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Arrive at the exam center early to avoid unnecessary stress. Stay calm, read each question carefully, and answer to the best of your ability.

Remember, consistent and focused preparation is key to passing the FPGEE ®. Give yourself enough time to study, practice, and reinforce your understanding of the topics. Good luck!