How to prepare for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Exam?

Are you aspiring to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)? Achieving this certification can significantly enhance your career prospects in the healthcare field. As a CPhT, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and safety of medication dispensing and preparation. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to prepare for the CPhT exam and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. From understanding the exam format to developing effective study strategies, we’ll provide you with valuable insights to help you achieve your certification goals. So, let’s explore the world of pharmacy technician certification and embark on your journey to becoming a CPhT.

What is the CPhT Certification Exam?

The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate your knowledge and skills as a pharmacy technician. The PTCB CPhT Certification is the trusted credential among pharmacists. Earning the CPhT credential showcases a technician’s expertise and dedication to medication safety and quality patient care in various pharmacy environments. Many employers prefer or mandate that their pharmacy technicians hold the PTCB CPhT certification. To succeed on this exam, it’s crucial to understand its format, content areas, and scoring system.

Eligibility Criteria

If you want to qualify for the PTCB CPhT certification:

• Must reside in the United States or its territories
• Completion of a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or have equivalent work experience
• Full disclosure of any criminal history and any actions taken by the State Board of Pharmacy regarding registration or licensure
• Adherence to all PTCB Certification policies
• Achieve a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®)

To sit for the PTCE, candidates must meet one of these two eligibility pathways:

• Pathway 1: Complete a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program (or be within 60 days of completion when applying).
• Pathway 2: Have equivalent work experience as a pharmacy technician, with at least 500 hours.* This option is designed for experienced technicians who haven’t completed a PTCB-recognized program.

Note: The 500 hours must be completed by the time of application.

Exam Format and Structure

The PTCE is a computer-based test consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions, with 80 being scored and 10 unscored. The unscored questions are mixed in at random and aren’t marked. The exam takes 2 hours to complete, including a 5-minute tutorial, a 1-hour and 50-minute test, and a 5-minute post-exam survey.

Content Areas Covered

The CPhT exam covers a wide range of topics related to pharmacy practice. Some of the key content areas include:

Domain 1: Medications 40%

• Generic names, brand names, and classifications of medications
• Therapeutic equivalence
• Common and life-threatening drug interactions and contraindications (e.g., drug-disease, drug-drug, drug-dietary supplement, drug-laboratory, drug-nutrient)
• Strengths/dose, dosage forms, routes of administration, special handling and administration instructions, and duration of drug therapy
• Common and severe medication side effects, adverse effects, and allergies
• Indications of medications and dietary supplements
• Drug stability (e.g., oral suspensions, insulin, reconstitutables, injectables, vaccinations)
• Narrow therapeutic index (NTI) medications
• Physical and chemical incompatibilities related to non-sterile compounding and reconstitution
• Proper storage of medications (e.g., temperature ranges, light sensitivity, restricted access)

Domain 2: Federal Requirements 12.5%

• Federal requirements for handling and disposal of non-hazardous, hazardous, and pharmaceutical substances and waste
• Federal requirements for controlled substance prescriptions (i.e., new, refill, transfer) and DEA controlled substance schedules
• Federal requirements (e.g., DEA, FDA) for controlled substances (i.e., receiving, storing, ordering, labeling, dispensing, reverse distribution, take-back programs, and loss or theft of)Federal requirements for restricted drug programs and related medication processing (e.g., pseudoephedrine, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies [REMS])
• FDA recall requirements (e.g., medications, devices, supplies, supplements, classifications)

Domain 3: Patient Safety and Quality Assurance 26.25%

• High-alert/risk medications and look-alike/sound-alike [LASA] medications
• Error prevention strategies (e.g., prescription or medication order to correct patient, Tall Man lettering, separating inventory, leading and trailing zeros, bar code usage, limit use of error-prone abbreviations)
• Issues that require pharmacist intervention (e.g., drug utilization review [DUR], adverse drug event [ADE], OTC recommendation, therapeutic substitution, misuse, adherence, post-immunization follow-up, allergies, drug interactions)
• Event reporting procedures (e.g., medication errors, adverse effects, and product integrity, MedWatch, near miss, root-cause analysis [RCA])
• Types of prescription errors (e.g., abnormal doses, early refill, incorrect quantity, incorrect patient, incorrect drug)
• Hygiene and cleaning standards (e.g., handwashing, personal protective equipment [PPE], cleaning counting trays, countertop, and equipment)

Domain 4: Order Entry and Processing 21.25%

• Procedures to compound non-sterile products (e.g., ointments, mixtures, liquids, emulsions, suppositories, enemas)
• Formulas, calculations, ratios, proportions, alligations, conversions, Sig codes (e.g., b.i.d., t.i.d., Roman numerals), abbreviations, medical terminology, and symbols for days supply, quantity, dose, concentration, dilutions
• Equipment/supplies required for drug administration (e.g., package size, unit dose, diabetic supplies, spacers, oral and injectable syringes)
• Lot numbers, expiration dates, and National Drug Code (NDC) numbers
• Procedures for identifying and returning dispensable, non-dispensable, and expired medications and supplies (e.g., credit return, return to stock, reverse distribution)

Scoring System and Passing Requirements

The CPhT exam is scored on a scale, with a specific score required to pass. The exact passing score may vary, so it’s important to consult the official exam guidelines for the most current information. To pass the CPhT exam, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of all the content areas covered. This requires thorough preparation and a solid grasp of the material. However, the preliminary score report you see on-screen after your exam generally reflects your performance but is not considered official or final. Official score reports are usually posted in your PTCB Account within three weeks of your exam date. Please note that PTCB cannot speed up the processing of exam results or certification details.

Preparing for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Exam

To achieve success on the CPhT exam, effective preparation is essential. This involves utilizing appropriate study materials, employing sound study strategies, and leveraging online resources.

1. Study Materials

• Textbooks and Study Guides: Invest in high-quality textbooks and study guides specifically designed for the CPhT exam. These resources provide comprehensive coverage of the content areas and offer valuable practice questions.
• Online Resources: Explore online platforms that offer CPhT exam preparation materials. These can include interactive courses, video tutorials, and practice exams. Look for reputable sources with positive reviews.
• Practice Exams and Flashcards: Utilize practice exams to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need improvement. Flashcards can be a helpful tool for memorizing key terms, concepts, and information.
• Official PTCB Practice Tools: PTCB offers two distinct preparation tools for CPhT candidates gearing up for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®):
  • PTCE Practice Bank: The PTCE Practice Bank is a versatile study resource that allows candidates to tailor their exam preparation. It includes hundreds of actual PTCE questions, enabling users to create custom tests based on PTCE domains and difficulty levels. Whether you want to focus on specific areas like calculations or cover the full spectrum of PTCE content, this tool provides the flexibility to meet your study needs.
    • Features:
      • Access to 300+ retired PTCE questions
      • Create custom-length tests, either timed or untimed
      • Unlimited test attempts per candidate
      • A feedback dashboard to guide and motivate candidates
  • The Pre-PTCE: The Pre-PTCE is PTCB’s official practice exam, designed to evaluate readiness and familiarize candidates with the PTCE experience. It mirrors the content outline of the PTCE introduced in January 2020 and includes questions previously used in the actual exam, replicating the look, feel, and functionality of the PTCE. Unlike other practice exams, the Pre-PTCE provides answer explanations after submission, allowing candidates to understand their mistakes before receiving a score.
    • Features:
      • Identical look, feel, and functionality to the actual PTCE
      • Pass/fail score report
      • Domain-level feedback highlighting strengths and weaknesses
      • Employers and educators can access a discounted rate of $19 per exam

2. Study Strategies

• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each content area. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks to avoid burnout.
• Join a Study Group: Collaborating with other aspiring CPhTs in a study group can provide motivation, accountability, and opportunities for discussion.
• Active Learning: Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing information, teaching concepts to others, and creating mind maps.
• Time Management: Practice effective time management techniques to ensure you can complete your studies within the allotted time. Set realistic goals and avoid procrastination.
• Stress Reduction: Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or physical exercise. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is crucial for optimal performance.

3. Online Resources

• Online Forums and Communities: Participate in online forums and communities dedicated to pharmacy technician certification. Connect with other aspiring CPhTs to share experiences, ask questions, and receive support.
• Social Media Groups: Join social media groups related to pharmacy technician certification to connect with like-minded individuals and stay updated on relevant information.

4. Practice and Review

To solidify your understanding of the CPhT exam material and gauge your preparedness, regular practice is essential. By taking practice exams and reviewing weak areas, you can identify knowledge gaps and focus your study efforts accordingly.

– Practice Exams

• Assess Your Knowledge: Practice exams provide a valuable opportunity to assess your understanding of the CPhT exam content. By taking these exams, you can identify areas where you may need to focus your studies.
• Identify Weak Areas: Practice exams can help you pinpoint specific topics or concepts that you may find challenging. This information can be used to tailor your study efforts and address knowledge gaps.
• Build Confidence: Successfully completing practice exams can boost your confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
• Online Practice Exams: Consider using online practice exams, which often offer a variety of question formats and difficulty levels. These exams can provide valuable practice and feedback.

– Reviewing Weak Areas

• Identify Knowledge Gaps: Analyze your performance on practice exams to identify specific areas where you struggled. Pay attention to concepts that you consistently answered incorrectly.
• Targeted Review: Create a study plan that focuses on the topics you found challenging. Use textbooks, study guides, and online resources to review these areas in detail.
• Seek Clarification: If you’re having trouble understanding a particular concept, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from instructors, tutors, or online forums.
• Reinforcement: Use techniques like flashcards, practice questions, and teaching concepts to others to reinforce your understanding of weak areas.

CPhT Exam Day Tips

To ensure a successful exam day experience, it’s important to be prepared both mentally and physically. Additionally, effective exam-taking strategies can help you maximize your performance.

– Exam Day Guidelines

When scheduling your exam, you have the option to take your PTCB exam either at a Pearson VUE test center or online from your computer, monitored by a live proctor. If testing at a Pearson VUE center, arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. For online testing, be sure to check in 30 minutes ahead of time. Bring an acceptable form of identification that matches the name on your PTCB Account, as you won’t be permitted to take the exam without it. Before exam day, review the Candidate Guidebook for detailed information on what to expect and what is required. Additionally, check our Help Center for important guidelines on online testing requirements.

– Preparation

• Ensure you have all the required materials, such as your identification, admission ticket, and any necessary supplies (e.g., pencils, calculator).
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam to ensure you’re well-rested. Eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your brain and body.
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help manage exam-day anxiety. Remind yourself of your preparation and confidence.

– During the Exam

• Allocate time for each section of the exam based on their length and difficulty. Avoid spending too much time on any one question that is causing difficulty.
• Keep track of time throughout the exam to ensure you finish on time. If you’re running out of time, prioritize questions that you are confident in answering.
• Read each question carefully before answering. Pay attention to keywords and details that may affect your response.
• Be mindful of common mistakes such as misreading questions, making careless errors, and skipping questions.
• If you’re unsure of an answer, eliminate any obviously incorrect options and make an educated guess. It’s better to guess than to leave a question unanswered.

Conclusion

Achieving the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification is a significant accomplishment that can enhance your career prospects and contributions to the healthcare field. By following the guidance provided in this blog post, you can effectively prepare for the CPhT exam and increase your chances of success. Remember to utilize quality study materials, practice regularly, and manage your time efficiently. With dedication and perseverance, you can confidently pursue your CPhT certification and embark on a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.

FAQs: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Below are some of the frequently asked questions related to Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

1. How to become a certified pharmacy technician?

To become a certified pharmacy technician:

• Complete a PTCB-recognized education program or have 500 hours of work experience.
• Register for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
• Study for and pass the PTCE.
• Register with your state board of pharmacy.

2. What is a certified pharmacy technician?

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in dispensing medications. They work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and perform tasks such as:

• Preparing and dispensing medications
• Filling prescriptions
• Labeling and packaging medications
• Maintaining inventory
• Providing customer service

3. What is the PTCB? What does PTCB stand for?

PTCB is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. It is a non-profit organization that administers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and awards the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.

4. What is CPhT Salary?

The average salary for a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in the United States is around $35,000 per year. This can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer.

5. What is national pharmacy technician certification?

National Pharmacy Technician Certification (NPTC) is a credential awarded by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). It signifies that the individual has met the educational and examination requirements to practice as a pharmacy technician. The NPTC is recognized by many employers and healthcare organizations across the United States.