Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Info
For those interested in becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), it's important to research the two exams, understand the differences between them, and prepare accordingly. This straightforward resource guide for pharmacy technician certification exams will get you started on your path to becoming a successful CPhT.
ExCPT Exam Overview - PTCB Exam Overview
Free Online Practice Materials
ExCPT Exam Overview
Technicians who take and pass the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) are granted the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). This title demonstrates the CPhT possesses the ability and skills to efficiently assist pharmacists in the safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications.
Cost: $105
Official Study Materials: Online Practice Test ($25) and Candidate Guide (Free)
Exam Sections Include:
- General overview of technician duties
- Controlled substances
- Relevant laws and regulations
- Drugs and drug therapy
- Prescription information
- Preparing/dispensing prescriptions
- Sterile products, unit dose and repackaging
- Calculations
PTCB Exam Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB Exam) is given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) . PTCB develops, maintains, promotes and administers an NCCA accredited national certification program for pharmacy technicians. PTCB provides certification and recertification programs and services that offer pharmacy technicians an opportunity to demonstrate that they have mastered knowledge and skills across practice settings.
Cost: $129
Official Study Materials: Exam Preparation Materials and Online Practice Test ($29 per exam)
Exam Sections Include:
- Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients - 66% of exam
- Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems - 22% of exam
- Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice - 12% of exam
Free Online Practice Materials
- The National Pharmacy Technician Association offers their members access to a number of free online practice tests.
- PharmacyTechStudyGuide.com provides an unofficial study guide to help pharmacy technician students prepare for the PTCB and ExCPT exams as well as continuing education information for experienced technicians.
- Test Prep Review offers two brief multiple choice practice tests for the PTCB.