NAPLEX Pass Rate Trends 2026

What the Latest NABP Data Reveals About Pharmacy Board Success

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), assesses the competence of entry-level pharmacists. It’s one of the many components required for pharmacists to become licensed. 

Each year, the NABP updates the NAPLEX pass rate report using last year’s graduate data. This data provides important insights into the exam’s difficulty and graduate performance. To learn how to pass the NAPLEX, understand the pass rate data, and gain scoring insights, continue reading!

What is the NAPLEX pass rate?

NAPLEX pass rates are reported annually as the percentage of graduates who passed the exam. The NABP records both the pass rates for first-time test takers and all-time takers for that calendar year. Examinees who graduated or tested outside the reported years aren’t included in the report. 

Latest NAPLEX Pass Rate Data From the NABP

The NABP published the 2025 passing rate data in March 2026. The NAPLEX pass rate report currently includes data from 2023 to 2025.

Recent Pass Rate Trends

Overall, first-time and all-time NAPLEX pass rates appear to be trending upward, with increases of 10.2% and 13.4% over the last three graduate years. 

First-Time vs. All-Time Pass Rates

The mean first-time pass rate for 2025 was 85.7%, and the mean all-time pass rate was 84.9%. Remember, these pass rates apply only to students who graduated in the respective year, and graduates may only attempt the NAPLEX 3 times in a 12-month period. Overall, recent data displays positive performance amongst both first-time and all-time test-takers. 

What NAPLEX Pass Rate Trends May Indicate

NAPLEX pass rates are trending upward. Why? There are plenty of possibilities! One possibility is changes to the exam outline. 

Last year, the NABP updated the NAPLEX Content Outline. These changes took effect for exams administered on or after May 1, 2025.

The major differences between the current and previous outlines are the content domains and their weights. The updated NAPLEX now places greater emphasis on clinical aspects than in previous years. 

While recent data indicate improvements in pass rates for 2025 graduates, we can’t confirm that this was a direct result of the updated content outline. Rather, the uptrends may reflect a combination of exam changes and graduate readiness.  

What is the NAPLEX passing score?

The NAPLEX passing score is a scaled score of 75 or higher. Scaled scores don’t reflect the number of questions answered correctly. Rather, your raw score is converted to a standardized scale to determine if you’ve met the passing standard.

Even so, exam results are reported as a pass or a fail. You don’t really need a NAPLEX scoring guide, as you won’t receive either your raw or scaled score. 

When are NAPLEX scores released?

Pass or fail results are released within 14 business days of your exam date on the NABP’s online interface. However, if your jurisdiction doesn’t participate in NABP’s online exam reporting, you may receive your results at a later date via mail.

How to Pass the NAPLEX (Based on Data Trends)

Focus on Application, Not Just Memorization

Memorization is helpful for pharmacists, especially when calculating dosages and recalling drug facts. However, knowing how to apply your knowledge in a clinical setting is just as important. Review the updated NAPLEX content domains and practice applying your knowledge with questions mapped to the exam’s blueprint. 

Use a High-Quality Question Bank

Apply what you’ve learned with high-quality practice questions. TrueLearn’s NAPLEX question bank has more than 1,500 practice questions mapped to the exam’s blueprint. Written by certified pharmacists, our question bank has rich answer explanations that fundamentally improve your understanding. Quiz yourself, create your own flashcards, and track your performance all in one convenient place. 

3 Common Mistakes that Lead to NAPLEX Failure

1. Over-reliance on passive resources: Relying solely on textbooks can limit your retention. Incorporate active study methods such as practicing with high-quality questions, creating flashcards, and teaching concepts aloud to deepen understanding and improve exam readiness.
2. Not completing enough practice questions: The NAPLEX has 225 items. Build your test-taking stamina and familiarize yourself with the exam content with realistic practice questions. The more you complete, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel on exam day. Try these sample practice questions from TrueLearn to get started.
3. Not giving yourself enough time to prepare: Don’t wait to wrap up your rotations to study! Dr. Barker recommends you begin studying early rather than cramming in the weeks leading up to your exam. Cramming won’t set you up for success, but being prepared will. 

Even with recent NAPLEX pass rates showing positive performance, your success depends on your efforts. Ultimately, you should use both passive and active review methods, including practice questions, to pass the NAPLEX.