Overview

In 2025, the average first-time pass rate for the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) was 73.6%. This is lower than the pass rate of 2024 (74.8%), but higher than the average in 2023 (71.5%). As of 2026, the UMPJE has been released. This new exam has slowly been transitioned in, and only some states have adopted it thus far. Many pharmacy students find the law exam to be intimidating. For example, the questions are often phrased in a way where there could potentially be multiple right answer choices, but you have to carefully think about what the best answer is. In this blog, we will break down the MPJE/UMPJE and several strategies for students and pharmacists preparing for the exam.

MPJE or UMPJE: What is the Difference?

The MPJE was adopted in 1998 and is an exam that is taken by a pharmacist seeking licensure.  This test is delivered based on jurisdiction and includes statutes and regulations of one specific state that a candidate is seeking licensure in. Additionally, the MPJE also covers federal law. In 2026, the National Board of Pharmacy (NABP) released the UMPJE, which covers a more universal law approach in which the content is applicable to all jurisdictions. The states that have switched from the MPJE to the UMPJE starting April 1^st, 2026, include Arizona, Florida (effective June 1^st, 2026), Iowa, Kansas, Maryland (effective June 1^st, 2026), North Carolina, Ohio, and Rhode Island. More states can be expected to follow suit in the future. At the end of this blog, you can find an interactive map that lists states that will be adopting this new exam. The UMPJE was designed to allow pharmacists to practice in multiple states while reducing the burden of preparing for multiple tests, reducing costs, and allowing a faster time to licensure. The features of the exams are quite similar with some small variations which are described in the chart below.

Breaking Down the Content Areas:

The UMPJE and MPJE have slightly different focus areas. NABP breaks down each exam into these 4 different areas that encompass the exam. In addition, the organization also relays what percentage of the content will come from each domain. Below is a brief breakdown of the different content areas between the exams.

MPJE:

• Licensure/Personnel – makes up 22% of the total exam
  • Covers pharmacist responsibilities and other duties related to pharmacists as well as non-pharmacist workers
• Pharmacist Practice – makes up 33% of the total exam
  • Covers information on issuing medications, drug administration, counseling, pharmacy related agencies, and reusing medications
• Dispensing Requirements – makes up 24% of the total exam
  • Covers the evaluation of prescription orders, transfer of prescriptions, drug utilization reviews, dispensing exceptions, labeling/packing of medications, distribution/dispensing of products
• Pharmacy Operations – makes up 21% of the total exam
  • Covers ordering medications, recordkeeping, drug delivery, product selection, compounding, central-fill pharmacies, requirements of a pharmacy related setting

UMPJE:

• Pharmacy and Pharmacist Practice – makes up 30% of the exam
  • Covers scope of pharmacy, non-pharmacist workers, adulteration/misbranding drugs, federal standards, compounding, patient protected health information
• Medication Use Process – makes up 30% of the exam
  • Covers requirements of issuing orders, dispensing, and the administration of medications
• Regulatory Authority and Legal Obligations – makes up 20% of the exam
  • Covers regulatory authorities, controlled medications, and liability
• Pharmacy operations – makes up 20% of the exam
  • Covers licenses, technology, and the storage/security and handling of medications

Understanding Question Architecture

The MPJE/UMPJE questions are formatted in 3 different ways: multiple choice, select all that apply, and K-type multiple choice. Multiple choice questions give 4 to 5 possible answer choices, and you have to choose the one that is most correct. These can be challenging in that multiple responses may seem correct, but you have to pick the best response. The next type of question format is select all that apply. This structure can also be difficult for test takers as there is no partial credit. Even if you miss 1 response, the entire question will be marked wrong. Lastly, the exam will consist of K-type questions. The question will include statements which are labeled with roman numerals, and you answer the question by choosing a combination of the statements, or by strictly choosing just one of the statements. A word of advice while answering these types of questions – treat the roman numeral labeled statements as if they were true/false statements. If you rule out one of the statements, then you may be able to disregard multiple potential answers given for the question.

On another note, it is important to go slow and read the entirety of the question. The exam frequently includes statements such as “which does not apply” or “all of the following apply, except.” It is also important to understand the difference between “must,” “shall,” and “may” as these words also frequent on the exam. Be sure to check out our online courses to get practice with all these types of questions!

Study Strategies for Success

When starting to study for this exam, try to focus on active learning rather than just reading through the laws and regulations. Strictly reading the material may not work as well as active learning – writing things down, underlining, flash cards. Apply what you have read to real-life examples. Below are some big topics that frequently appear on the exam and are often the most difficult for students:

• Controlled Substances – any topic surrounding controlled substance is frequently asked
• Dispensing medications – prescription requirements, labeling requirements, and counseling are big topics
• Record keeping – identifying how long you need to keep records, storage of medications, etc.
• Non-pharmacist personnel – the role of technicians/interns in the pharmacy as well as the ratio of technicians to pharmacists
• Licensure – this could include continuing education hours, how to renew licenses, malpractice, and more
• Compounding – topics related to sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding
• Pharmacist In Charge (PIC) – responsibilities and duties related to operation

When studying for the UMPJE, it is important to keep in mind that the questions are based on a universal approach – topics that are applicable to multiple jurisdictions. If you are taking this exam, it is still important to know your specific state requirements as well. Alternatively, the MPJE is focusing on federal and state law. Occasionally, the state will differ from the federal law. Keep in mind that you should follow the stricter law and answer the question based on that. Listed below are some study tips for you to consider during the study process:

• Formulate a study plan – create a study plan to follow. You could include what topics to focus on each day, when you will do practice questions, and save the practice exam for when you are getting close to the exam. It is okay to change your plan when you find out what you need more practice with.
• Designate a set amount of time – give yourself enough time to prepare! Many students find that studying for 3-6 weeks is a good duration to study. Base this off of what works for you!
• Enroll in an online course – find an online course that includes lectures, study guides, practice quizzes, and practice exams. Check out our state-specific MPJE courses here and our new UMPJE course here!
• Create a self-care routine – when studying, it is important to still give yourself time to decompress and do things for yourself. This will help prevent study burnout!

Your Plan for Test Day

Many different emotions can occur on your test day for the MPJE/UMPJE. Some may find themselves anxious and/or stressed prior to taking the exam, but may have relief when getting this intimidating exam out of the way. To get through this day, here are some test day tips that you can follow:

• Prepare what you bring – NABP requires you to bring a valid form of ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, etc.) Ensure that your ID is not expired!
• Plan to arrive early – Show up at least 30 minutes before your testing time to allow enough time to go through the check-in process. Being late will only add to stress/anxiety on the day of the exam.
• Perform with focus during the exam
  • Read each question thoroughly and carefully
  • Answer the question with a pharmacist mindset – not a “test-taking” mindset
  • Use the process of elimination as stated previously! Treat each statement as if it were a true/false question
  • Follow your gut – think about what both the right and cautious thing is to do
  • Pace yourself as you have about 1 minute and 25 seconds per question
• Proceed with confidence after the test – Pat yourself on the back for being done with the exam! Try not to stress about the results during the waiting period.

Study Smart and Pass Confidently

Approaching the MPJE/UMPJE with an intentional and strategy-driven study mindset can help make this process manageable. Stay up to date with what your state requires in regard to the law exam to help guide your studying – is it the federal & state law (MPJE) or is it the uniform and universal approach to law (UMPJE)? To set yourself up for success, create a personalized plan with deadlines, costs, study materials, and test-day concepts. Guide your focus on real-world applications rather than strictly memorizing the law. Remember, this exam is testing your knowledge to practice safe and competent duties as a pharmacist. Be consistent, trust yourself, and approach test day knowing you have built the skills needed to navigate the pharmacy law.

Olivia Johnson, PharmD

RxPharmacist Uniform MPJE Adoption Tracker

References:

1. Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence examination passing … Accessed April 3, 2026. https://nabp.pharmacy/wp-content/uploads/MPJE-Pass-Rates.pdf.
2. Pharmacy Law Examination Preparation Guide. Accessed April 3, 2026. https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/new-practitioner/docs/2025/Pharmacy-Law-Examination-Preparation-Guide_ASHP-NPF.pdf
3. Competency Statements | Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/mpje/competency-statements/
4. Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) | NABP. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/mpje/
5. Understanding the Uniform MPJE for Pharmacy Licensure | MPJE. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Published May 15, 2025. https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/mpje/uniform-mpje/
6. Uniform Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Content Outline. Accessed April 3, 2026. https://nabp.pharmacy/wp-content/uploads/Uniform-MPJE-Content-Outline.pdf.
7. Section 1 | Welcome. Nxtbook.com. Published 2026. Accessed April 3, 2026. https://read.nxtbook.com/nabp/bulletin/naplex_mpje_bulletin/welcome.html