MPJE Retake Policy
Did not pass the MPJE on your first attempt? This page explains the current MPJE retake policy, including the waiting period, per-jurisdiction attempt limits, reapplication steps, and what to do next so you can prepare for a stronger second try.
Quick answer
Candidates who fail the MPJE must reapply, pay the required fees again, wait at least 30 days from the failed exam date, and have eligibility reconfirmed before receiving a new ATT. Candidates also have a maximum of 5 attempts per jurisdiction unless a board of pharmacy determines otherwise. Some jurisdictions may require a longer waiting period.
This page is a study and planning guide, not legal advice. Always confirm the latest retake requirements with NABP and your board of pharmacy before applying again.
On this page
Can you retake the MPJE?
Yes. Candidates can retake the MPJE if they do not pass, but the retake is not automatic. You must begin the eligibility application process again, and a board of pharmacy must reconfirm your eligibility before you can receive a new Authorization to Test (ATT). After that, you must also pay a new examination fee before you can schedule the exam again.
Because the MPJE is jurisdiction-specific, your retake planning should stay tied to the state where you are applying. A retake in one jurisdiction does not simply function as a generic national retake.
MPJE waiting period
Candidates who fail the MPJE must wait 30 days, starting from the failed exam date, before they are allowed to schedule the MPJE again. Some jurisdictions require a longer waiting period, and when they do, the longer jurisdiction rule applies.
30 days
The mandatory waiting period begins on the date of the failed MPJE attempt.
Required again
A board of pharmacy must reconfirm eligibility before a new ATT is issued.
Possible
Some jurisdictions require a longer waiting period than the baseline rule.
How many times can you take the MPJE?
Candidates have a maximum of 5 attempts per jurisdiction to pass the MPJE unless a board of pharmacy determines otherwise. That means your attempt count is tied to a specific jurisdiction, not a lifetime national total across all jurisdictions.
In practical terms, each attempt matters. A retake should be treated like a new preparation cycle, not just a quick reschedule. Stronger law review, cleaner state-specific notes, and more timed practice usually make a bigger difference than simply studying longer.
How to retake the MPJE
1. Begin the application again
You must start the MPJE eligibility application process again instead of reusing the original exam authorization. The retake includes paying the application fee again.
2. Get eligibility reconfirmed
Your board of pharmacy must reconfirm that you are eligible for another attempt. Until that happens, you will not receive a new ATT.
3. Pay the new exam fee
After eligibility is granted, a new examination fee is required for the MPJE retake.
4. Wait until the hold period ends
You cannot receive a new ATT to schedule your exam until the 30-day waiting period has ended, and a longer state waiting period may still apply.
Important: The armed forces discount does not apply to reexamination or resitting fees. Candidates using a military discount for an initial purchase should not assume the same discount carries over to a retake.
What to do after failing the MPJE
Failing the MPJE can be frustrating, but it usually gives you a clearer direction for your second attempt. Use your candidate performance report to understand where your performance was weaker across the competency areas.
- Review your candidate performance report and identify the weak areas first.
- Check whether your jurisdiction has any extra retake or reapproval steps.
- Update your law notes to focus on the exact state-specific rules that tend to be tested.
- Improve exam pacing, because the MPJE is adaptive and you cannot go back to prior questions.
- Use the waiting period productively instead of rushing back into the exam.
How to prepare for an MPJE retake
Most retake candidates improve when they stop treating the MPJE like a general law overview and start treating it like a state-specific application exam. The goal is not just to reread law outlines. The goal is to recognize how the rules are applied in practice and how the exam frames those decisions.
Focus on one jurisdiction at a time
The MPJE is developed for each state or jurisdiction. Keep your notes and practice tied to the specific board where you are seeking licensure.
Practice decision-based questions
The exam tests application of pharmacy law, not just recall. Spend more time on scenarios, not just memorization lists.
Fix pacing
You cannot return to prior items on the MPJE, so hesitation on one question can affect the rest of the exam. Build timed practice into your plan.
Clean up weak categories
Use your performance report, state statutes, and focused review materials to tighten the exact areas where your first attempt broke down.
Helpful MPJE resources
Review the exam format, jurisdiction-specific structure, and general test-day expectations before you schedule a retake.
Use the existing results-focused page for score reporting context and next-step planning after your first attempt.
Build a cleaner retake schedule around state law review, timed practice, and repeat exposure to weak areas.
If you are confused about which law exam applies to your state or transfer path, review the comparison page first.
Frequently asked questions about the MPJE retake policy
How soon can I retake the MPJE?
Candidates must wait 30 days after a failed MPJE attempt before scheduling again. Some jurisdictions may require a longer waiting period, and when they do, the longer rule applies.
Do I have to reapply for an MPJE retake?
Yes. You must begin the eligibility application process again, pay the application fee again, and have your eligibility reconfirmed before you can receive a new ATT.
How many times can I take the MPJE?
Candidates have a maximum of 5 attempts per jurisdiction unless a board of pharmacy determines otherwise.
How much does an MPJE retake cost?
The retake process includes the application fee and, once eligibility is granted, a new examination fee. Candidates should also check whether their board imposes any separate state fees.
Can I use the armed forces discount on an MPJE retake?
No. The armed forces discount does not apply to reexamination or resitting fees.