How to Study for CPJE Exam
For those taking the CPJE Exam (California Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) this year, here are my top 5 tips for studying effectively for it. Please note that I successfully took and passed this exam in 2013. I have no relationship with NABP and do not sponsor or endorse components mentioned in this post.
You may also enjoy reading: 5 Tips for Studying for the NAPLEX Exam!
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The CPJE is the exam you must take and pass to practice pharmacy in the state of California. As a graduate of a California School of Pharmacy, I passed my CPJE on the first try in 2013. Since then, the exam has been updated and changed.
You can find historical CPJE pass rates here.
The first step in preparing for ANY exam is to look at the exam outline, what will be tested, number of questions and time limit. This is updated as the exam is updated so please make sure to have the latest information. You can find the latest testing materials for the CPJE here.
As of May 2021, there are 3 main areas that the CPJE will be testing on. You can see the full outline and topic areas on the CPJE examination website – make sure to get the most up to date information each year.
- Patient Medications (20 items)
- Collect, Organize and Evaluate Information such as the medical record, diagnostic tests, and physical assessment data
- Dispense Medications such as verifying order, label and compounding
- Patient Outcomes (33 items)
- Determine a Course of Action such as Therapeutic Regimen or Pharmacokinetic Calculations
- Educate Patients and Healthcare Professionals
- Promote Public Health
- Pharmacy Operations (22 items)
- Pharmaceuticals, Devices and Supplies, Inventory Control
- Perform Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement
- Manage Formulary and Medication Use Systems
As you can see from this outline, there is no emphasis on California LAW questions. Yes, some questions may pertain to federal or California state laws but this is NOT the majority of the exam that you may be used to on state MPJE examinations.
The CPJE exam has 90 questions and allows 2 hours to complete the exam. Of the 90 questions, 75 questions are scored and 15 questions are considered pretest questions that do NOT affect your score. The CPJE exam is set-up to allow FORWARD navigation only. That means once you select an answer and click next question, you CANNOT go back and change an answer.
How to Study for CPJE the same as you study for NAPLEX exam!
YES, you read that correctly!
Study for the California Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (CPJE exam) the SAME as you are studying for the NAPLEX exam!
A small portion of the exam is focused on federal and California state law. The majority is focused on clinical questions just like the NAPLEX exam.
If you are taking the NAPLEX exam the same year, I highly recommend taking the CPJE within 1-2 weeks of taking the NAPLEX exam. Keep the information fresh in your mind!
Clinical Questions on the CPJE
Just like with the NAPLEX, it’s important you know brand and generic names of medications. I recommend starting with generic names (medical schools also emphasize generic over brand names) and then match brand names to these medications.
You must know at least the top 200 medications. I recommend knowing the top 300 medications current to the year you are taking the exam.
It’s important to know dosage adjustments for renal and hepatic impairment.
It’s important to continue practicing medication calculations that were important on the NAPLEX. These include IV drip rates, IV to PO conversions.
It’s important to think about medication stability, storage and compatibility. Do you store medications at room temperature, refrigerator or freezer? Can you compound a medication in NS, D5W or sterile water? Can you Y-site an infusion of meropenem with epinephrine?
It’s important to know medications that have REMS programs. See the current list on the FDA website.
It’s important to know common disease states for chronic and acute treatment. These disease states include:
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
- Anticoagulation
- Asthma / COPD
- Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- Hypertension
- Pneumonia (community-acquired pneumonia and hospital acquired pneumonia)
- Stroke
For the law section of the CPJE, it is important to read the California laws and do ALL the practice questions. You may know the laws but the questions may be written in a way to confuse you. My favorite resource is linked below.
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You may also Enjoy Reading:
- 5 Ways to Improve Study Habits
- 5 Tips for Staying Focused while Studying
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Grab your FREE Cheat Sheet Today!
Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.