NABP Successfully Administers Second Paper-and-Pencil Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination

December 12, 2003 12:00 AM

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) administered its second paper-and-pencil Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination® (FPGEE®) on Saturday, December 6, 2003. NABP administered the first paper-and-pencil FPGEE on June 21, 2003, after a security breach in October 2002 forced NABP to halt the examination. Approximately 2,050 candidates sat for the second examination in three United States locations: Brooklyn, NY; Northlake (Chicago), IL; and San Mateo (San Francisco), CA. Even with inclement weather conditions in the Northeast, more than 600 candidates showed up to sit for the exam in Brooklyn.

"NABP is pleased that the second administration of the examination was successful even with adverse weather conditions in the Northeast," says Donna S. Wall, NABP president. "I want to again acknowledge the time and dedication our FPGEE Review Committee, volunteer item writers, and NABP staff invested to ensure the integrity of the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee® certification programs."

Candidates were able to choose from the three US locations in order of preference. Reservations were made on a first-come, first-served basis and candidates were mailed admission tickets. Security features included candidates needing two additional forms of identification besides their admission ticket, which featured the candidate's photo; the checking of large items, such as backpacks; and the posting of security guards.

Candidates who sat for the December 6 administration will receive their score results within eight to 10 weeks. The FPGEE administration dates for 2004 are scheduled for June 26 and December 4.

NABP provides the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee™ (FPGEC®) Certification Program as a means of documenting the educational equivalency of a candidate's foreign pharmacy education, as well as his or her license and/or registration. During the FPGEC certification process, candidates provide documents that verify their educational backgrounds and licensure and/or registration. Candidates are also required to pass the FPGEE, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Test of Spoken English (TSE). The FPGEC Certificate allows foreign graduates to partially fulfill eligibility requirements for licensure in the states that consider the certification. The FPGEC Certificate is not a license to practice pharmacy. Applicants who receive the FPGEC Certificate may be qualified by the state boards of pharmacy to take the pharmacy licensing examination in those jurisdictions that accept this certification.

Candidates with questions on the FPGEE or Pre-FPGEE may visit NABP's Web site at www.nabp.net for updated information or e-mail the Customer Service Department at custserv@nabp.net. Individuals without Internet access may contact NABP's Customer Service Department at 847/698-6227.

Renee Renganathan