Updated: Jul 22, 2023 Published Jul 3, 2009
lauralauranurse
51 Posts
I recently applied to take the pharmacology certification test given by NAPNES (national association for practical nurse education and service).
has anyone taken the test? was it very difficult?
I bought a pharmacology review study guide from barnes and noble, but I'm not sure if I need to be studying at a "tougher", more complex level or if this guide will do. the guide covers all bases as far as I can tell, even general dosage calculations. however, it doesn't highlight some areas that I would imagine the NAPNES test would require: mechanism of action, drug classification, etc.
I have been a nurse for 7 years and feel fairly well-educated about pharmacology, but I just want to make sure I'm prepared to take this test!
any comments are much appreciated!
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
I have not taken the exam, but I am wondering if the basic information on metabolism, classification, etc is mentioned, that may be enough. I could be wrong, however. Have you considered purchasing NAPES study material? I thought about taking the exam myself, but have not been motivated just yet to take the steps. Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress and exam. I might follow behind you.
Holland4500
27 Posts
I took the NAPNES Pharmacology exam two weeks ago. I Thought that the exam was suprisingly easy. Pharmacology and The Nursing Process, 5th edtition, 2007 was the book that my instructor taught from and was great preparation for the exam. Good Luck!!
Really? How many questions were on the exam? Did you do it from home? I read where a person can take it on their personal computer, that they give you a certain amount of hours to take the exam, etc... I was really interested in taking it, and now, I have renewed interest. Thanks for sharing and I hope you respond soon.
per the NAPNES website - you take the exam on your personal computer, they give you two hours to complete it, and you need to get a 75% in order to become certified.
i picked up a pharmacology study guide at barnes and noble that covers every classicification, along with additional information like math calculations and prinicples of pharmacology. it's pretty basic, so i'm hoping it will be enough.
i know that NAPNES also sells reccommended books to study from, but i'm going to go the cheaper (and hopefully acceptable) route.
i'm currently waiting to hear back from them for a 'go ahead' to test.
i'll let you guys know how it goes.
StarNurse2006
72 Posts
I would also love to hear more from those who have taken the exam! I have been looking into this myself and bought the text recommended by NAPNES. The website stated that the exam was based off of this particular text. I bought the older addition for 88 cents on half.com! The name escapes me at the moment!
At any rate, please share if you have taken the exam for the curious!
BA.LVN
107 Posts
Awesome, I too, have been curious about this certification. How much does it cost and how many questions were on it? Thanks!
dandalora1
42 Posts
I went to their site as well and did not see what the cost was for certification. They showed paypal links where you can purchase their books, cd's, etc. but no price.
Anyone have an ides of cost for the certification? Also, was the test difficult?
That is what I want to know...is it difficult? I admit it is laziness on my part, but, I don't want to treat this like school, so to speak, with too many tricky, ambigious questions like NCLEX. I want a straight run (I know...alot to ask for...).
What is the textbook like? Is it a large one?
I took it at home on my own computer and it was timed. I got through it well before the time was up. All 20 girls in my class passed it on the first try!
Again good luck!!!
per the NAPNES website - you take the exam on your personal computer, they give you two hours to complete it, and you need to get a 75% in order to become certified. i picked up a pharmacology study guide at barnes and noble that covers every classicification, along with additional information like math calculations and prinicples of pharmacology. it's pretty basic, so i'm hoping it will be enough. i know that NAPNES also sells reccommended books to study from, but i'm going to go the cheaper (and hopefully acceptable) route. i'm currently waiting to hear back from them for a 'go ahead' to test. i'll let you guys know how it goes.
FullMoonNurse
6 Posts
Hey, I don't know if this thread is still active but it came up when I did a search for information about the NAPNES Pharm Exam. I am wondering how long it took for the people that took the test to get their test ID info after mailing in the application and money. I sent in my paperwork the first week of November. My check cleared on Dec 10th. I still haven't heard from them I have emailed them, and no reply. I was starting to think it was a scam until I saw these posts. Please let me know how long you guys had to wait to get your test IDs. Thanks!!!