I was also debating buying the 2017 version, so I emailed RxPrep about the differences from the 2016 version. Here is their reply:
"Like the 2016 RxPrep Course Book, the 2017 edition is matched to the NABP competency statements that determine the material tested in the NAPLEX. These went into effect on November 1st, 2015 and have not changed. In November 2016, NABP released a new exam format, with more questions that are predominately case-based. A summary of changes to the 2017 RxPrep materials is provided below. There are many changes and it is important that you are current for the exam (at least to about 6 months prior to your test date). This is why we update our materials each year.
What’s New in the 2017 RxPrep Course Book
Expanded material in Sterile Compounding and Non-Sterile Compounding chapters
These are essential for passing the exam; they were revised completely and expanded, with material that is not in last year’s book but which the board is now testing. This was a needed change to meet the recent updates in testing requirements. The new chapters now include:
- How to garb, how to clean the sterile hood, how to clean hands for sterile compounding, how to compound non-sterile preparations (ointments, capsules, others), and more.
- Definition boxes to help simplify understanding of commonly used terms.
- A complete list of common excipients with common use.
- Pictures and explanations that will make your preparation go well.
- For those using the online videos: the compounding chapters now correspond to demos taped in a compounding pharmacy. Watch how preparations are made.
New Calculations chapter to review basic math
New Clinical Scenarios boxes provide an approach to case-based exam questions
Study Tip Gal & Key Drugs Guy to help you focus
Guideline Updates, New Drugs & Safety Updates
There were > 50 new drugs released in 2016 and > 12 guideline updated (including in key topic areas such as Infectious Diseases, HIV, Anticoagulation, Hepatitis, Diabetes, and more).
Other RxPrep Resources
The online course videos and test banks will be updated to reflect changes in the 2017 RxPrep Course Book. Test banks include more case-based questions to help you prepare for the new format of the NAPLEX exam. The new videos and test banks will be released once the 2017 Course Book has shipped.
For 2017 test-takers—important news!—RxPrep is providing a “road map” to passing the NAPLEX. This will be a tremendous help to those test-takers (as we often hear) who don’t know where to begin or how to proceed with their exam preparation. The road map will include an assessment for you to know where you stand at the beginning of your study, and how to proceed, step-by-step, from that point to a passing score."
