Common Problems in Pharmacy Exams & How I Overcame Them

International pharmacists often face several hurdles when preparing for a pharmacy licensure exam in countries like the USA, Canada, UK, or Australia. Whether you're studying for the FPGEE, PEBC, or any other exam, the journey isn’t always smooth. Here's a breakdown of the most common challenges—and what helped me get through them.

1. Understanding the Exam Content and Format

Most pharmacist exams cover a wide range of topics—pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, pharmacy law, ethics, and calculations. It's not that the content is new to us, but the way it's presented can be overwhelming. Also, many of us aren’t used to the exam formats like multiple-choice questions (MCQs), OSCEs, or clinical scenarios. It takes time to adjust.

2. Time Pressure During the Exam

Time goes fast during the test. Answering 200+ questions in a few hours can feel like a race. Many international pharmacists (including me) struggle with pacing, especially in the beginning.

3. Language and Communication Skills

Even though we studied pharmacy in English, the medical terms and quick reading needed for these exams are tough at times—especially in speaking or listening parts (like OET or OSCEs).

4. Finding the Right Study Materials

There’s no single book that fits all. Some materials are outdated or not relevant to our exam. Finding high-quality pharmacist exam preparation resources was a challenge for me.

5. Balancing Life and Study

Most of us are working, managing family, or even adjusting to a new country while studying. Finding time and energy for consistent study is not easy.

6. Cost of the Process

Pharmacy licensure exams are not cheap. Registration fees, books, coaching, and travel can add up. It’s a big investment—especially if you're preparing from outside the country.

7. Gaining Local Experience

Some countries ask for internship hours or practical experience before giving the license. But finding a pharmacy willing to train an international candidate can be tough.

8. Mental Stress and Anxiety

There’s pressure. You’re investing money, time, and energy—and there’s no guarantee of passing on the first attempt. I felt this stress deeply during my journey.

How to Overcome These Challenges (My Practical Tips)

Create a study plan: Break your syllabus into small weekly targets. Don’t try to do everything at once. Use mock tests: They help with exam style, timing, and confidence. Join study groups: I learned a lot from others. It also keeps you motivated. Improve English naturally: Read drug info leaflets, listen to pharmacy podcasts, or speak with peers in English. Invest wisely in materials: Not everything has to be expensive. There are good free and affordable resources online. Find a mentor: Someone who's already licensed can guide you better than any book. Don’t forget self-care: A healthy mind and body will help you retain more and reduce burnout.

How I Did It (My Personal Story)

As an international pharmacist, I faced all the struggles listed above. But here's what worked for me and I hope it helps you too.

I planned early, setting a 6-month timeline with clear goals each week. I used a mix of affordable online courses, YouTube videos, and official exam guides nothing fancy, just consistent.

I joined a WhatsApp group with other pharmacists, and we shared notes, questions, and support. I made it a habit to study one hour daily, no matter how tired I was. My weekends were for mock exams. I treated them like the real test.

For English, I didn’t do boring grammar drills. Instead, I read pharmacy articles and practiced explaining topics aloud.

Financially, I cut small expenses and saved for exam fees over time. I also focused on mental health, I walked daily, avoided burnout, and reminded myself that passing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up and doing your best. You’re not alone. Every international pharmacist has a story. And if I could do it with doubts, work stress, you can too.