A Compromised CPJE Exam and How It Could Affect You

Sometimes there are hiccups in the system, and it’s not always clear what the effects might be on you personally. Recently, it was discovered that the CPJE Exam had been compromised, and it has left a number of applicants wondering what the compromise entails, and how that may affect their scores and licensure process.

We received an alert from the California Board of Pharmacy, and we’re sharing it with you so you can see the official statement and what is being done currently.

From the Board:

Subject: ASHP Statement Regarding CPJE

The California State Board of Pharmacy is posting the following statement issued by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) on Sept. 20, 2019. Questions may be directed to [email protected].  

Dear Residency Program Directors and Directors of Pharmacy,

The ASHP Residency Accreditation Services Office was recently made aware of the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Exam for Pharmacists (CPJE) compromise; the actions taken by the California State Board of Pharmacy; and resultant effects on pharmacy residents and residency programs in California (CA). We are sorry this is happening and appreciate the uncertainty and frustration that this is causing all affected. This message is to inform you of proactive steps my office is taking to provide relief until the problem is resolved.

We are proposing to the Commission on Credentialing (COC) that a waiver be granted to any CA pharmacy resident, or pharmacy resident practicing at a Department of Veterans Affairs site outside CA who sought initial licensure in CA, and who passed the NAPLEX exam, for the requirement that residents complete 2/3 of their residency as a pharmacist licensed to practice in the programs jurisdiction until the CPJE problem resolves and the COC further addresses resolution of this issue.

A similar waiver will be granted to post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) residents seeking licensure in CA (and previously licensed in another state).

The approval authority for all recommendations from the COC is the ASHP Board of Directors (BOD).

I am asking that no program take any action pursuant to their licensure policy until the COC and ASHP BOD considers approval of a waiver. It is also our intent to not sanction any affected program for not meeting the licensing standard until this issue resolves.

I will provide updated waiver information when available. I anticipate having a decision sometime next week.

Again, we are sorry this is happening to you and your residents and appreciate your patience as we pursue relief.

Stephen Ford, Pharm.D., BCOP, BCPS
Director, Residency Accreditation
Accreditation Services Office ASHP

Note: Check the Board of Pharmacy website, www.pharmacy.ca.gov, for additional information about the CPJE as it becomes available.