Comparison of Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE) Pass Rates by Institution and Applicant Characteristics

Abstract

In 2019, the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE) was first administered to all pharmacy graduates and served as one of the prerequisites for obtaining a pharmacist license. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether institution and applicant characteristics are associated with first-time SPLE success. Passing status for 2284 SPLE first-time applicants was obtained from online public data for the years 2019 and 2020. The data included applicant sex, institution type (public vs. private), and college establishment year (2006 or earlier vs. after 2006). Overall, the SPLE first-time pass rate in 2020 was significantly higher than in 2019 (98.0 vs. 95.9%; p = 0.0062). Applicants from pharmacy colleges established in or before 2006 had a higher SPLE first-time pass rate, compared to those from pharmacy colleges established after 2006 (98.2 vs. 95.2%; p < 0.0001). The pass rate for male applicants was lower compared to female applicants (95.8 vs. 97.5%; p = 0.0221). The results of logistic regression showed that exam year (2020 vs. 2019), applicant sex (female vs. male), and pharmacy college establishment year (≤2006 vs. >2006) were statistically significant predictors. Further studies are needed in the upcoming years when more cumulative data are available.

Preparations for Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination

“…SPLE is a relatively new research area, having been implemented in 2019, and this scarcity is associated with the unique experience with the exam. 1 This study's findings will provide theoretical, empirical, and practice value to pharmacy students and colleges. Researchers can test the current study's hypotheses in future studies to support or challenge them.…”

“…In 2019, the pass rate was 95%, while in 2020, it increased to 98%, a 3% increment. 1 The increasing passing rates and figures can be attributed to expanded revision tools and resources that pharmacists can use to enhance their comprehension of the nature of SPLE tests and the knowledge required to pass the examination. Nonetheless, studies have not established potential barriers and influencing predictors of passing SPLE.…”

“…Pharmacy colleges have increased by approximately 67% since 2005-2014, equally resulting in an increase of pharmacy graduates by 87% (2006-2019). 1 The increase in graduate pharmacists calls for the development and establishment of standard licensure policies and guidelines, such as the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Exam (SPLE), to increase the quality of drug products and the safety of the people. Numerous medical errors and adverse events have been recorded due to negligence or inadequacy of the appropriate qualifications, threatening patients' safety and well-being.…”

“…Male participants with higher pharmacology and therapeutic GPA scores provided the highest SPLE scores. 3 Alghamdi et al 1 indicated that the passing rate for the class of 2020 was higher than the class of 2019 and was associated with predictors such as the establishment year of the college, type of institution, and gender. However, unlike Alhifany et al 3 this study discovered female applicants scored higher and had higher passing rates than male applicants.…”

“…Alomi, et al: Preparations for Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Exam Few studies 1,3,5 have been conducted on this subject, necessitating further research on the performance predictors of SPLE, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of this program. These studies recommend further research using diverse predictors other than age, gender, graduation time, GPA, students' tools to improve their SPLE performance and success rates, and preparedness barriers.…”