The Ultimate PCN PEP Roadmap: Master the Pre-Registration Examination for Pharmacists
The Pre-Registration Examination for Pharmacists (PEP) is the statutory gateway to professional practice in Nigeria. Empowered by the PCN Act, this examination ensures that every intern has acquired the requisite knowledge, attitudes, and skills to practice without endangering public health.
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Start FREE Mock Exam1. Eligibility & Application Requirements
Before you can sit for the PEP, you must meet the PCN's strict eligibility criteria:
- Degree: A Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or PharmD from a PCN-recognized institution.
- Internship: Completion of the statutory 12-month continuous internship training.
- Certification: A Certificate of Experience, signed and sealed by your Preceptor.
- Documentation: You must provide two recent authenticated passport photographs and evidence of the prescribed examination fee payment.
2. Official PCN CBT Protocols (SOPs)
The PEP is a high-stakes Computer-Based Test. Familiarizing yourself with these official rules is critical for exam-day success:
- Format: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering the entire syllabus.
- Timing: You have roughly 120 minutes (2 hours). The timer starts automatically upon login and stops when time lapses.
- Accreditation:Generally, registration/accreditation holds from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM. The exam officially begins at 10:00 AM.
- Prohibited Items: Cellular phones, smartwatches, and all digital devices are strictly banned from the hall.
- Pass Mark: The pass mark is 50% (2016 manual).
3. The 6 Core Competence Domains
The exam evaluates your expertise across six distinct pillars of practice:
| Domain | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical Care | Patient histories, identifying Drug Therapy Problems (DTPs), and counseling. |
| Supply of Medicines | Compounding, dispensing, and prescription assessment. |
| Public Health | Health promotion, education, and disease prevention in populations. |
| Organization & Mgmt | Budgeting, HR, logistics, and supply chain management. |
| Prof. Management | Communication, legal/regulatory practice, and ethics. |
| Drug Production | Sterile manufacturing, cGMP, and quality assurance. |
4. Strategic Prep with RxHustle Features
To beat the 36-second-per-question average, you need tools that mirror the actual CBT environment:
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Interactive Timer: Use our "Use Timer" toggle to train your brain for the 2-hour pressure of the real PCN exam.
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Live Analytics: Monitor your overall accuracy, question streaks, and performance in each of the 8 subject categories.
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Community-Verified Answers: We fix errors in real-time (always applying fixes). Our database is actively reviewed by the community and backed by textbooks, not just "AI".
"Many PDF past questions have issues. As a community, we review problem candidates and update RxHustle daily to ensure the highest accuracy. When you join the community, you can recommended fixes too!" — Rx Michael
5. Final Checklist for Success
Success in the PEP requires consistency. Follow these steps to ensure you are ready:
- Join the RxHustle Whatsapp Community to join in the PEP discussions and information updates.
- Join the RxHustle Telegram to access 60+ free PEP study materials and official slides.
- Upgrade to PRO for just ₦1,000 to unlock 640+ extra questions, including the most recent PEP Exam recalls.
- Report any discrepancies you find; your feedback helps keep the community's study tool accurate!
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