NPLEX 1 is a biomedical science examination that is integrated and case-based. Topics covered include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and pathology. As these are basic science related subjects there are numerous resource options available that can be used. Furthermore, if you’ve had a biomedical science education, you may be knowledgeable in some of these topics already. This might impact which resources you decide to use. We will highlight our top recommendations, which applies to the majority of students. This list has been updated for the 2019 NPLEX 1 exam sittings.

This book does not contain actual content, but contains an overview of all the areas you should be studying. Will NPLEX go beyond this guide? Yes. Are you expected to know more than what is in this guide? Yes. However, this contains everything you need to be minimally competent. You should start by knowing this material really well before you venture into further content. This guide can be obtained through NABNE directly or at your Naturopathic institution. We recommend using this guide to structure your studying.

This is a resource than can be extremely helpful depending on which courses you’ve taken, how notes were provided, or how good your notes were. This is very individualized, as you can imagine, so you will have to use your judgement. One warning we have is that you don’t want to add on too much volume to your studying, otherwise it will be difficult to manage. Only add course notes that you think will be particularly helpful. Also, if you’ve taken NPLEX-specific courses, usually the notes provided are extremely useful as they have focused on specific material. Currently there are a couple of NPLEX board review courses offered by Dr. Chris Habib, ND, Dr. Paul Anderson, and Dr. Jay Grossman. For a list of courses currently open for enrollment, please click here. A full blog post that details the various NPLEX Review Courses and their differences can be found here. The large majority of students have backed the NPLEX 1 review course offered by Dr. Chris Habib, ND.

With over 500 NPLEX Part 1 practice questions written by licensed Naturopathic physicians, this question bank will help you pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination. Targeted specifically to the Part 1 – Biomedical Science Examination (BSE) exam, this NPLEX question bank addresses the format and topics specifically found on the exam including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry & genetics, microbiology & immunology, and pathology. Use coupon code: PASSNPLEX to receive a discount! Available here.

This resource provides you with 1000+ flashcards that are considered high-yield. These allow you to increase the quality of your study efforts by focusing on instant recognition. Designed specifically for NABNE’s NPLEX I. Obtain online access or obtain curated printed cards. These flashcards have been designed by a team of top Naturopathic Doctors and have been curated to represent only the best and most pertinent content. You will be able to quiz yourself and separate the questions by fully dozens of customizable content categories, including: Anatomy, Microbiology, Physiology, Immunology, Pathology. Available here.

This is the only physical book that contains almost all of the required study material in a single place and is designed specifically with NPLEX in mind. In addition, it is updated annually to keep the content current. It is as thorough as one can expect with a physical text and provides large coverage. Healing Mountain also has flashcards available, which are well-written and are conveniently divided by topic area. These study manuals are available directly from the publisher Healing Mountain Publishing, or sometimes available at your Naturopathic institution through a group order. Recently declared as being out of business, however the materials are still useful if you can get your hands on them. Now you can also access them through Wild Brilliance Press.

A quick review of Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and Social Science, all in chart format. Updated for USMLE Step 1 of the National Medical Boards, but perfectly adaptable to the large majority of NPLEX 1 topic areas. Additional links to quiz questions are provided; this resource has obtained good reviews from previous NPLEX 1 writers. Available online here or in bookstores.

The best selling medical review book in the world, updated with the latest must-know facts and test-taking strategies for the USMLE Step 1. This resource obviously contains sections that are not relevant, but for those areas that are relevant, it provides excellent mnemonics. You will need to sort through which areas will overlap with NPLEX material. This text can be obtained online here or through a book store such as Chapters.

The ND Online Learning Centre, or NDOLC, as its name suggests, is an online study resource. Members can purchase a 6 month subscription to access their study tools, which include a massive customizable database of flashcards and practice multiple choice questions. The content is developed by Naturopathic Doctors and is updated regularly to reflect the content of the NPLEX exams. In addition, the flashcards they provide are divided by topic area and focus on important information tidbits. A subscription to the NDOLC is available through the website ndolc.com, but appears to have been shutdown recently. Try here instead for flashcards.

This resources provides you with thousands of digital or print flashcards that are considered high-yield. These allow you to increase the quality of your study efforts by focusing on instant recognition. Sign-up for subscription periods. This resource has since merged with Pass NPLEX and can be accessed here.

NPLEX Crunch is a high yield NPLEX 1 prep course created by past naturopathic students and tutors. It focuses on support all summer and strategies on how to write the NPLEX 1 exam effectively. They have positioned themselves to really help students on an individual level and customize learning to student specific NPLEX 1 needs. Available here

Pathoma is an online resource that is geared towards passing the USMLE Step 1. Videos, lectures, and notes are available. There are free items available and a paid section available too. Many students have said this has been quite useful for NPLEX 1 preparation. Available here

A brief, clear, thorough, and highly enjoyable approach to clinical microbiology, that includes mnemonics, jokes, summary charts and illustrations. Excellent for board review, this resource spans the gamut of important pathologies specific to NPLEX I. Each edition is updated with new conditions and better information, so get the newest edition if possible (currently the 6th edition). Available here.

This fantastic site is currently managed by a Naturopathic student. New guides continue to be added, but you can find quick tips, resources, and various summary guides for Anatomy, Pathology, and other Basic Sciences . Can be found here.

NABNE recommends specific books in the NABNE Study Guide. These books are used as references when NPLEX questions are generated by the question-writers. Most of the time, these resources are far too expansive. For example, it is unreasonable to read a 1000 page book about genetics, when there will only be a few questions on the topic and other resources will amply cover the important units of information. It is worthwhile looking at the list NABNE provides to get a sense of where their information is coming from, but we do not recommend physically obtaining and utilizing these texts as primary study materials. They are best used to help clear up any conflicts or if you want to know NABNE’s stance on a specific topic. Obtaining these texts can be done through a book store or online.