TIP #1: SET A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT

It is important to plan ahead so you have enough time to cover what you are not familiar with.  A good idea would be to read through all your study resources and identify improvement areas.  Then assign day(s) toward each topic area.  Make sure to leave time to review topics a second time.

TIP #2: CREATE YOUR OWN STUDY NOTES

Reading a textbook likely won't be enough to help you solidify your understanding.  The best way to interpret and process the information yourself by creating personalized study notes.  Drug comparison charts like in the Compendium of Therapeutic Choices are a good starting point!

TIP #3: STUDY BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Our PEBC practice questions are there to help you identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as learn new things.  If you go in blind, you will not be able to reflect on your studying habits.

TIP #4: FOCUS YOUR STUDYING

The PEBC exam can literally test anything, but there are a few things to keep in mind.  The PEBC exam is designed to be taken by entry-to-practice pharmacists, which means that very specialized and difficult topics will unlikely be tested.  Study common conditions and medications in detail.  That being said, for rare conditions, have a glance at it, but if you are strapped for time, focus on common ones like diabetes and hypertension.

TIP #5: VOLUNTEER AT A PHARMACY

Working in a pharmacy helps you solidify and apply what you've learned to real life patients.  It will help you get a better idea of what common questions, therapeutic areas and medications to expect during the exam, especially since the Patient Care competency is a major component.  Also, there are some topics which cannot be learned through textbooks, such as ethical situations and professional judgement.

Another bonus is improved communication skills because of frequent interactions with patients.  This is particularly useful for the PEBC Qualifying Exam Part II OSCE where a standardized patient is involved.