student doctor network – HelloCatherine.PharmD | Pharmacist Blogger

The California Pharmacist Jurisprudence Exam (CPJE) is considered by many to be the one of the hardest pharmacy law exams in the United States. For this reason, like many graduates from out of state pharmacy schools who want to return to California to practice, I worried about having to self-study for the CPJE. Fortunately, I only had to take it once and passed. Since it was not too long ago since I took the CPJE, I write this article to share my personal preparation journey to help those who are still preparing.

When I was preparing for the CPJE, I asked recent graduates and lurked the Student Doctor Network (SDN) forums for some insight on how to prepare for the CPJE. Many Registered California Pharmacists I asked said the only resources they used were
RxPrep’s Course Book for Pharmacist Licensure Exam Preparation [<- the 2023 version came out June 1, 2022!] and Weissman’s A Guide to California Community Pharmacy Law (Two Book Set: Volume 1 + Volume 2) (CPJE) [<- the 2020-2023 version came out Oct 22, 2020!].

I was told that the CPJE contained mostly clinical questions, and by preparing for the NAPLEX with the RxPrep book, I will be prepared for the CPJE. Something that was emphasized over and over by many who took the CPJE is know brand and generic.

I did not end up using just those 2 books to prepare for the CPJE. I utilized the NAPLEX/CPJE top 300 drugs flashcards I found on quizlet and RxPrep notes someone posted on the SDN forum. Cracking open the NAPLEX book, it was difficult going through it and retaining what I read. Due to some positive reviews such as the videos being engaging and interesting and not being too much and overwhelming as the RxPrep, I got the PassNAPLEXNow (PNN) online package. In addition, I later got the RxPrep question test bank, because a couple of colleagues made the remark that it was easier to go through practice questions over and over than reading the RxPrep book.

I did not start studying until late December. My studying started with me just going through and listening to the PNN videos. It wasn’t until later that I discovered and utilized the chart booklet that was part of the PNN online package. I was impressed by how the charts were organized in a manner that I could quickly and easily reviewed the drugs and dosages of major disease states. While listening to the videos, I took notes on the charts and SDN forum RxPrep notes. I didn’t want to fork out more money, but I felt I was passively learning the material and not testing and actively learning the material. It wasn’t until mid-June that I decided to purchase the RxPrep question test bank. I installed the RxPrep app on my phone and could easily take my studying on the go. I followed along, referred back to, and highlighted where the questions were pulled from on the SDN forum RxPrep notes. I started working as an intern late June. I scheduled to take my CPJE late July. Since the test date was coming up, I went from working 24 hours/week to 16 hours/week so that I can focus on my studies. During my downtime at work, I studied part of the top 300 drugs quizlet flashcard handout. In the span of a month, I went through Weissman’s book containing practice law questions at least twice. I dissected and studied the CPJE sample questions in the CPJE PSI Candidate Handbook so I could get a gist of what type of questions to expect. The days before the CPJE exam I went through most of the RxPrep question test bank. I skipped calculations and some topics I felt were insignificant or I felt I was comfortable with. I was not comfortable with and revisited IV drug compatibility, HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Immunizations.

I honestly did not feel ready going into the exam, but I kept composed and focused throughout the exam. Since I can’t go back, I took my time and did not hit next unless I was sure or I was taking too long on a question. On some questions, I analyzed the answer choices and used the process of elimination. I double checked and made sure the only 2 simple calculation questions I got were done correctly. I paced myself and made sure I had at least a minute per question the 2nd half of the exam. I finished the exam with a few minutes to spare. I felt OK after the exam. I owe my preparedness to not just the resources I utilized in preparing for CPJE but also the foundation knowledge I acquired from my didactic and rotations.

Even though there were not a lot of law questions, I would still recommend learning the law. You are after all will be practicing and need to abide to the California law. Learning does not cease after you pass the CPJE. The law is constantly changing. You can stay current with the latest The Script newsletters on the California Board of Pharmacy website (www.pharmacy.ca.gov/publications/script.shtml). Although I did not personally used the RxPrep CPJE booklet and question bank, some people used and recommended them along with the self-assessment on California Board of Pharmacy website (www.pharmacy.ca.gov/licensees/facility/self_assess.shtml). It may be worthwhile to take a look if you still have time before CPJE and want additional resources to supplement your studying.

Just found out RxPrep 2023 version recently came out. The link has been updated to the current version as of 7/3/22.

On 11/5/19, California Pharmacist Association (CPhA) had graciously compiled complementary resources to prepare for the CPJE. You can access these resources here. There you can find links to the aforementioned The Script and Self-Assessments as well as links to the Top 300 drugs and a test prep webinar by Dr. Goldie Yavari, one of the authors of PassNaplexNow ! I just stumbled upon these resources today (11/17/19). I realized this is too late for those who were affected by the CPJE cheating scandal and took their CPJE either yesterday or today. Hopefully these resources will help those who are taking the CPJE at a later date.

I wish those of you who are still preparing for the CPJE the best of luck. Feel free to let me know of any questions you have or if you utilized any resources mentioned or not mentioned and found success with them. If you plan on purchasing any of the resources highlighted or Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial, please consider using the Amazon affiliated links to purchase. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you. 

Thank you!