Comparative NAPLEX Performance of Graduates of US Pharmacy Programs Accredited by ACPE Prior to and Since 1992

Objective. To assess the performance on the standardized licensure examination for graduates from "newly accredited" versus "more established" pharmacy programs. Methods. The performance of graduates from newly accredited programs (those receiving initial full accreditation since 1992) was compared with graduates of more established programs (those receiving initial full accreditation prior to 1992). North American Pharmacy Licensing Examination (NAPLEX) data for first-time test takers during the May-August window was compared for the years 2000 through 2003. Results. Small differences in scaled scores and first-time NAPLEX passing rates were found between graduates of newly accredited programs and graduates of more established programs. Conclusion. These results suggest that the accreditation review process for newly accredited programs is appropriately addressing quality education as related to passage of licensure examinations. Analysis of passing rates and scaled scores in the forthcoming years will be necessary to observe if these trends continue. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]