FPGEE™ Blog

FPGEE Books

I have assembled a list of books recommended on forums and by others who have passed the FPGEE. These FPGEE study books cover all the topics in the FPGEE exam. I have tried these FPGEE study books in order of most recommended first.

Comprehensive Pharmacy Review 7th Edition

Comprehensive Pharmacy Review 7th Edition has been completely revised to reflect current progress in pharmacy education and practice, the Seventh Edition of this best-selling review guide is indispensable for all pharmacy students, from the first year of professional courses to preparation for the NAPLEX examination. A wide range of topics central to the study of pharmacy–chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacy practice, drug therapy–are organized to parallel the pharmacy curriculum and presented in outline form for easy use. Comprehensive Pharmacy Review may be used as a quick review or preview of essential topics by a diverse group of readers, including matriculation pharmacy students, instructors and preceptors, professional pharmacists, and foreign pharmacy graduates

Comprehensive Pharmacy Review 6th Edition
	Comprehensive Pharmacy Review is a comprehensive study guide for pharmacy students who are preparing for the NABPLEX or FPGEE, offering a quick review of essential topics in pharmacy. Provides appendices including common prescription drugs, prescription dispensing information, and general pharmacy references.

Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology

Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology enables rapid review and assimilation of large amounts of complex information about the essentials of medical pharmacology. Clear, sequential pictures of mechanisms of action actually show students how drugs work, instead of just telling them. As in previous editions, the book features an outline format, over 500 full-color illustrations, cross-references to other volumes in the series, and over 125 review questions. Content has been thoroughly updated, and a new chapter covers toxicology. New to this edition will be a companion Website containing all of the illustrations, fully searchable text, and an interactive question bank.

Lange QAndA: Pharmacy, Ninth Edition
	Lange QAndA: Pharmacy, Ninth Edition - “The best thing about the book is that it comes with a CD-ROM that simulates the format of answering questions on the NAPLEX exam. Going through the questions, the student will be able to identify areas of weakness. The book includes explanations for the answers which is useful in understanding why the other choices are wrong….

Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy

Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy has mre than 95 new contributors and 5 new section editors provide fresh perspectives on the field. New chapters include pharmacogenomics, application of ethical principles to practice dilemmas, technology and automation, professional communication, medication errors, re-engineering pharmacy practice, management of special risk medicines, specialization in pharmacy practice, disease state management, emergency patient care, and wound care. Purchasers of this textbook are entitled to a new, fully indexed Bonus CD-ROM, affording instant access to the full content of Remington in a convenient and portable format.

Illustrated Pharmacology Memory Cards: PharMnemonics

Illustrated Pharmacology Memory Cards: PharMnemonics is a set of 282 PharMnemonics cards is carefully designed to make medical pharmacology fun to learn and easy to memorize. First of all, major drug names or class stems are linked to drug actions with mnemonics, humor and illustrations. This turns a “clueless” drug name into a vivid visual cue for easy recall of drug actions and quick recognition of drug classification. Secondly, along with the action-linked visual mnemonics, mechanisms of action are explained sufficiently with detailed diagrams. Thirdly, drug uses, interactions and side effects are summarized concisely in an outline format and ALSO made memorable with numerous mnemonics and illustrations. Finally, some key points of drugs are presented with tables and even highlighted with Dr. Bright’s Hint, a special mnemonic form mostly expressed as a brief conversation.

Reference Guide For Foreign Pharmacy Licensing Exam Pharmacy Management & Pharmacoeconomics Question and Answers (FPGEE)
	Reference Guide For Foreign Pharmacy Licensing Exam Pharmacy Management & Pharmacoeconomics Question and Answers (FPGEE) is specifically designed for students who are preparing for the FPGEE Exam. This review guide covers the major areas of study for preparation of management and economics. It has over 500 questions with answers and complete explanations.

Reference Guide for Foreign Pharmacy Licensing Exam Pharmacy Management & Pharmacoeconomics FPGEE and NAPLEX

Reference Guide for Foreign Pharmacy Licensing Exam Pharmacy Management & Pharmacoeconomics FPGEE and NAPLEX covers the major portion of Pharmacy Management and Pharmacoeconomics. . It is specifically designed for students who are preparing for the FPGEE Exam. This review guide covers the major areas of study for preparation of management and economics. It covers the following topics:U.S. Healthcare Delivery System, Principles of Pharmacoeconomics, Effective Pharmacy Management, Managed Care Pharmacy Practice, Communication Skills in Pharmacy Practice, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacy Administration & Jurisprudence.

What is FPGEE??

FPGEE stands for Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination.

In spring 2009, the FPGEE will be administered using a computerized format. The examination will be administered twice each year (April and October) at Pearson VUE test sites throughout the continental United States.

When will the next FPGEE be held?
The next FPGEE will be held April 14, 2009.

Where will it be administered?
The April 14, 2009 FPGEE will be administered at over 200 Pearson VUE test sites in the continental United States.

When is the deadline for registering for the FPGEE?
For the April 14, 2009 FPGEE,

• Applicants must first register with NABP and may do so between January 5, 2009 and March 31, 2009.
• Next, applicants must schedule their appointment to test with Pearson VUE beginning January 5, 2009 through April 8, 2009.

For more information click here http://www.nabp.net/

What is FPGEE®?

FPGEE stands for Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination.

Its offered as a paper-and-pencil examination twice/year in a multiple locations throughout the United States.

Where Do I Send My Documents?

NABP has partnered with Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE) for the educaional   credential evaluation of new applicants to the FPGEC Certification Program.

You have to send the following documents to ECE:

1. ECE Application Form for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and appropriate fees (example: $85);
2. Official transcript; and
3. Official proof of degree.

To the following address:

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc
PO Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Phone: 414/289-3400

Web site: www.ece.org/nabp

NB: ECE, at its discretion, may require further documentation in order to complete the General Evaluation Report.

After you receive a letter from ECE (Evaluation Report),

send another letter to National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee at NABP including the followings:

1.      FPGEC Application Form for Examination and Certification (Form 100) and appropriate fees (example: $700);
2. Official proof of license and/or registration; and
3. Two identical photographs.

To the following address:

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee
1600 Feehanville Dr
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: 847/391-4406
Web site: www.nabp.net

NB: The FPGEC, at its discretion, may require further documentation to qualify an applicant for certification.

Good luck

FPGEE® is federally registered trademark owned by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP®), this Reference Guide or this web site is in no way authorized or sponsored by the NABP®.

FPGEE Tips

How long must I prepare for FPGEE?

* In our opinion, at least 2-3 months (4 hours/day)

Do I need to study from different books?

* Limit yourself to fewer FPGEE references, our recommendations are: Comprehensive Pharmacy Review by Shargel, your own pharmacy books/notes, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy by University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

What is the passing rate for FPGEE?

* Passing rate for FPGEE is about 65%.

Do I need to study calculations?

* FPGEE contains a lot of questions on calculations, be familiar with pKa, milliequivalents, ratios, proportions, alligation, creatinine clearance, conversions, AUC, NaCl equivalents, body surface area and dose related questions. Calculations are the most time consuming and carry a lot of weightage. They can play a crucial role in passing the FPGEE.

Can we use our own calculator?

* No, calculators are not allowed during the FPGEE test.

What constitutes most part of FPGEE

* FPGEE tests your basic knowledge of pharmacy. The important topics are: Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and calculations. The area covered is very vast and you really have to sharpen up your basics if you want to be among the 65% who pass the exam in first attempt.

Are there specific topics I should pay more attention to?

* Yes, calculations and pharmacology.

Do I need to know about OTCs?

* Not in our opinion.

How are the management questions in FPGEE?

* Very basic, and most of them are common sense. A good management book might help you answer them right. Concentrate on insurance, medicare, clinical research studies and pricing/economics of drugs at the pharmacy level.

And medicinal chemistry or structures?

* Very few questions, not worth putting lot of time in. But, try to familiarize yourself with basic chemical classification of various categories of drugs.

I have been preparing for a while now but how can I find out how well I am prepared for the test?

* Do practice questions from Manan Shroff’s book (Q&A), and read through the explanations thoroughly, try to go through all the questions and recap what you studied from CPR-Shargel.

But, how will I know if I am ready to take the test, or ready to score more than 75 on FPGEE?

* Try practice tests available at Pharmacy Test Prep Review or pre-fpgee which is given by NABP.

Any special instructions for the day of the exam?

* Yes, take it easy, if you have done your homework right, you will ace the exam. Relax, take the test with full stomach, cheerful face and confident mind. Take one of your friends or family members to accompany you to the test center, it helps. Good luck!

What happens after I have passed FPGEE?

* Once done, you must take and pass TSE and TOEFL (if not already done so) to get the certification! You must contact your state board for further instructions. Usually, you must register with your state board as an intern. Then you must start calling the pharmacy recruiters (District Managers/Supervisors of the chain pharmacies, professional recruiters, etc) and set up an interview (either over the phone or in person). Once hired (which is not tough considering the Pharmacist shortage in USA), your company will sponsor a work visa (H1B) for you which takes about 15 days by “premium processing” (if you already have green card or citizenship, you don’t need a visa).

Every state requires certain minimum number of hours of internship where after you must take NAPLEX and MPJE and get licensed. Now you are a Pharmacist and should negotiate with your employer for a nice salary (currently starts at about $42-47/hr), a sign on bonus and if applicable, a relocation package.