Predictors of success rate in the California State Board of Pharmacy Licensure Examination

The purpose of this study was to determine performance predictors for the C alifornia State Board Examination (CSB exam). This information will provide quality assurance data to the Curriculum Committee at the University of So uthern California School of Pharmacy. Graduates (N=166) from the 1998 Docto r of Pharmacy program were surveyed regarding their preparation for the exa mination, study habits, demographics, work experience, current position, an d National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Licensure Examination (NABPLEX ) results. Surveys were coded to track responses and to permit the inclusio n of academic records in the factors analyzed. Success was defined as succe ssfully passing the examination on the first attempt. One follow-up mailing was sent to nonresponders. A total of 113 graduates responded to the mail survey yielding a response rate of 68 percent. Of those responding to the s urvey, 112 reported having taken the June 1998 examination and 101 reported a passing score. Only 11 (9.8 percent) who responded did not pass. In the total cohort (N=166), individuals who passed the CSB exam had a significant ly higher Pharmacy School grade point average (GPA), (3.28 +/- 0.35) than t hose who failed (2.88 +/- 0.32), P<0.05. All students who reported taking t he NABPLEX passed. Non-responders were significantly more likely to have fa iled the CSB examination. GPA in pharmacy school was identified as an impor tant factor in predicting success on the examination.