Pharmacy Technician Faqs
Frequently asked questions
These questions and responses will be based on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) as it is the more recognized of the certification exams mentioned above.
What is the PTCB?
The PTCB is a national certification program that enables pharmacy technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service.
PTCB develops and implements policies related to national certification for pharmacy technicians. PTCB administers a nationally accredited certification examination for pharmacy technicians which tests knowledge in all practice settings.
What is certification?
Certification is the process by which a non-governmental association or agency grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that association or agency.
What is the recognition of certification?
Individuals who meet all eligibility requirements and who successfully pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination may use the designation"CPhT" after their name. A certificate and wallet card will be sent to newly Certified Pharmacy Technicians approximately six to eight weeks after sitting for the examination. Certification is valid for
two years.
If I am certified as a pharmacy technician in one state will that cover me for all states?
PTCB's certification is a national certification that is valid nationwide. However, the regulations to work in a pharmacy as a pharmacy technician vary from state to state. Contact your state board of pharmacy for whatever state you would prefer to practice in or visit the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy at https://www.nabp.net.
When is the test offered?
As of April 1, 2009, the PTCB has been offering continuous testing.
Where will the exam be administered?
PTCB will offer the exam through Pearson Vue's extensive network of over 200 test center locations in all 50 of the states. The web link to check testing locations is https://pearsonvue.com/vtclocator/.
How much does the exam cost?
Effective February 5th, 2007, the fee for the PTCE exam is $129.00
How do I register for the exam?
Visit https://www.ptcb.org to register for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) online or by calling 866-902-0593.
Once an exam appointment is scheduled, can it be changed or even canceled?
Yes. Candidates can cancel or reschedule their exam appointment at a minimum of 24 hours prior to their scheduled time at no charge.
What is on the exam?
As of November 1, 2013, the content of the exam is characterized under nine function areas:
• Pharmacology for Technicians - 13.75%
• Pharmacy Law and Regulations - 12.5%
• Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding - 8.75%
• Medication Safety - 12.5%
• Pharmacy Quality Assurance - 7.5%
• Medication Order Entry and Fill Process - 17.5%
• Pharmacy Inventory Management - 8.75%
• Pharmacy Billing and Reimbursement - 8.75%
• Pharmacy Information System Usage and Application - 10%
Those concepts, while very broad in total scope, are each further defined by the PTCB and are very understandable for a candidate if they have either formal education or adequate pharmacy experience. Each of these function areas will be reviewed throughout this book.
How many questions are on the exam?
The PTCE contains 90 multiple-choice questions, but only 80 of which are scored. The other 10 questions, scattered throughout the exam, are used for building future exams. Candidates are encouraged to answer all questions. Each question provides four choices, with only ONE designated as the correct or best answer. The questions from the nine functions tested are distributed randomly throughout the total exam. It is to your advantage
to answer every question on the exam, since the final score is based on the total number (of the 80 scored questions) answered correctly.
How long is the exam?
Candidates will have 1 hour 50 minutes to complete the exam. Prior to the actual exam will be a short on-screen tutorial, and after the exam there will be a brief exit survey.
Can I use a calculator?
Candidates are permitted to use the on-screen calculator, or a handheld calculator offered by the testing site.
What should I do on the day of the exam?
• Arrive at the test center 30 minutes prior to the start of your examination.
• Bring a clear, legible, and valid government-issued photo identification.
• Bring your Authorization to Test letter with you to the testing center. (Your name on the ID and Authorization to Test letter must match.)
What happens on the day of the examination?
PTCB recommends that candidates arrive at their chosen Pearson Professional Center 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their examination. Upon arrival, the candidate will sign in with the test center staff and store their personal belongings in lockers provided by Pearson VUE (no personal belongings are permitted in the testing room). Candidates will be provided with a one-page eraser board or plastic sheet to serve as scratch paper. If you need additional scratch paper, you may raise your hand and an exam proctor will collect your full board/sheet and then provide you with an additional marker board or plastic sheet. Also, you will be given the option of using ear plugs provided by the examination center while you test.
What does the exam actually look like?
When you are taken to the computer that your exam will be conducted on, a Pearson Vue associate will sign you into your test. The computer will offer a brief tutorial on how to use the test and then the test will begin. The computer screen will look similar to the image below:
In the top left corner of the exam, you will see a labeled icon for calling up an on screen calculator (if it is a math question). In the top right corner of the exam, you can see how much time you have remaining, which question you're on out of your total number of questions, and the ability to flag a question in order to review it later. In the bottom left, you will find a Help icon that will provide reminders on how to navigate the exam. On the bottom right of the exam, you will find the ability to navigate to the previous or the next question along with a navigator control that will let you jump to any question, including showing which ones you haven't answered and which questions you flagged. At the end of the exam, provided you have time left, you will also be given an opportunity to review any question,
including showing which ones you haven't answered and which questions you flagged.
When will I know if I passed?
Unofficial scores will be made available at the end of the exam. Official score reports will be mailed and available online within two weeks of a candidate completing the PTCE.
When can I use the designation CPhT?
Once you successfully pass the PTCE and receive your official scores, you may use the designation of CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) following your name. A certificate and wallet card will be sent to newly Certified Pharmacy Technicians approximately 60 days after sitting for the certification examination.
Will I have to complete continuing education courses?
Once certification is achieved, recertification is required every two years. A total of 20 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs or CE) of technician-appropriate continuing education in pharmacy-related topics is required within the two-year period. At least one of the 20 hours of CE must be in the area of pharmacy law during each renewal period, and starting in 2014 one of the CE must be in medication safety during each renewal period.