how do i study for the ptcb exam

7 Study Tips for Passing the PTCB

1. Use Flashcards. Just about any pharmacy technician out there will tell you that flashcards are a must. ...
2. Schedule Time to Study. The pharmacy technician certification exam isn’t the kind of test that you can cram for the night before taking it.
3. Take Practice Tests. ...
4. Organize Your Study Space. ...
5. Take Breaks. ...
6. Know Your Learning Style. ...
7. Get in the Zone. ...

Full Answer

What type of questions are on the PTCB exam?

What happens if I pass the exam?

1. How much does it cost to take the PTCB®?
2. Can I take the PTCB® exam again if I fail it the first time?
3. When will I receive my score?
4. What happens if I pass the exam?

What do you need to know about the PTCB exam?

PTCB certification exams are very reliable exams, which means that candidates who fail the exam should expect to fail again unless they increase their knowledge of the examination content through additional preparation. *Assessment-Based Certificate Program Exams do not require a waiting period between exam attempts.

How and where do you take the PTCB test?

• Identification Requirements. To take a PTCB certification exam, all candidates must provide positive proof of identity by presenting a valid, unexpired, government-issued ID with a photograph and signature.
• Test Center Rules. ...
• Pearson VUE Comfort Aid List. ...
• Calculators. ...
• Exam Security. ...
• Inclement Weather/Local or National Emergencies. ...

How hard is the PTCB test?

Whether the PTCB exam is difficult for you will depend on a variety of factors, including how good you are at test-taking, how much you’ve studied, and which questions you are given. The average pass rate for the PTCE from 1995-2020 is 72%. In the year 2020, 70% of test-takers passed the test.

How do I start studying for the Ptcb?

8 Test-Prep Tips for the PTCB ExamFocus on the top 100 drugs. Yes, there might be some obscure questions on the test. ... Make sure your math skills are solid. ... Use flashcards. ... Schedule study time. ... Read all the manuals. ... Schedule in breaks. ... Sign up for a review course. ... Practice!

How do I study for Ptcb medication?

One of the best ways to learn pharmacology for the PTCB exam is to generate flashcards. Flashcards are an enormously powerful tool that let you commit to memory the relevant, essential facts about drugs and medicines. You can also take flashcards on the go, learning when and where you need to.

Can you self study for Ptcb?

Many people can, and absolutely love the flexibility that self-study or an online pharmacy tech program offers. So, if you're simply looking to pass the pharmacy tech national exam and can go through everything on your own and study it, then you could probably pass the PTCB or ExCPT, yes.

Is Ptcb exam hard?

Whether the PTCB exam is difficult for you will depend on a variety of factors, including how good you are at test-taking, how much you've studied, and which questions you are given. The average pass rate for the PTCE from 1995-2020 is 72%. In the year 2020, 70% of test-takers passed the test.

How many drugs do you need to know for the Ptcb?

Know the Top 100 Drugs – 13.75% of the Exam The PTCB Exam tests your ability to recognize and have memorized the brand name, generic name, indication, classification, schedule, and interactions.

How can I memorize pharmacology?

Know your endings. Drugs are categorized based on how they affect the body. ... Make up sayings. This was a fun and useful way to remember certain drugs while studying Pharmacology. ... Use pictures. ... Make flashcards and grab a study buddy. ... Make a list and test yourself over and over.

How long do people study for Ptcb?

Although the amount of time it takes to prepare varies between different people, it's a good idea to allow 1-2 months to revise before the day of your test.

What books do I need for pharmacy technician?

Mosby's Advanced Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technicians. The Pharmacy Technician: A Comprehensive Approach....3. Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technicians, 3rd EditionFundamentals of Pharmacology.Principles of Pharmacology.Pharmacodynamics.Drug Interactions and Medical Errors.

Can I take the pharmacy tech exam without going to school in Texas?

While formal training is not required to challenge the PTCB exam, you must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent to take the PTCE exam for the CPhT designation.

What are the costs?

The basic fee for the PTCB® application and initial certification test is $129.00. There are also fees for recertification, reinstatement, and vari...

What should I bring?

On the day of the exam, you will be required to present proof of identity. A complete description of the accepted forms of proof and other importan...

How is it scored?

The score you receive on the PTCB® Exam will range from 1000 to 1600. An unofficial version of this score will be available to you immediately upon...

What kind of job can I get?

Becoming certified as a pharmacy technician can be the beginning of a solid career path that is predicted to experience growth in the next 10 years...

Am I eligible?

Effective January 1, 2020, to apply for certification from PTCB®, you must satisfy these requirements: Complete one of the following: A PTCB-recogn...

Why does it matter?

To become a pharmacy technician, you must be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board® (PTCB®). Becoming certified as a pharmacy te...

What salary can I expect?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a pharmacy technician is between $29,000 and $42,000, depending greatly on the...

When is it available?

The PTCB® Exam is administered at Pearson Vue test centers across the United States. You can find information about how apply to take it online her...

How much time is allowed?

The testing time is about 2 hours, of which 10 minutes is devoted to a pre-exam tutorial and a post-exam survey.

What is a PTCB study guide?

The PTCB study guide you create must account for all the above topics discussed in the syllabus. It must also be flexible enough to ensure that you have enough time to study each topic – and that you build enough time into your schedule to create effective notes.

How many hours of continuing education do you need to pass the PTCB exam?

In order to continue using the CPhT designation, however, pharmacy tech's must successfully complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.

What to study for pharmacy tech 2020?

What to Study. An updated syllabus was introduced from 1 January 2020. There are four knowledge. domains that aspiring pharmacy technicians are expected to study and prepare for. in the coming weeks and months. Medications 40%. Generic names, brand names, and drug classes. Therapeutic equivalence.

Why is PTCB exam question oriented?

Because the PTCB exam is question oriented, with multiple-choice questions on each of the nine core subjects, the best form of preparation involves practicing PTCB exam questions. Quite simply, the more questions you practice, the more refined your knowledge and preparation becomes.

How many questions are asked in the PTCB exam 2021?

Here is an overview of these 9 subjects and how many questions are allocated to each on the exam. In total, there are 90 questions on the PTCB exam.

What is the best preparation for pharmacy technician?

The best preparation candidates can do is long-term. Avoid cramming; it not only carries a high risk of failure, but it also inadequately prepares you for the day-to-day professional needs that this profession demands. By deciding to become a pharmacy technician, you must take the role seriously.

How many scales are there for the Pearson Vue test?

A scaling score between 1,000 and 1,600 is used to measure the weight of each question, with applicants expected to achieve at least 1,400 to pass the test. There are over 250 test centres nationwide. To schedule an exam appointment, candidates should contact Pearson Vue.

Is PTCB exam prep free?

Some are better than others and cover more subject details that you need to know. There are also a great range of online PTCB test prep materials available. Many of these PTCB practice exams are free, offering an exceptional opportunity to practice what you need to know.

Where can I take the PTCB exam?

The PTCB® Exam is administered at Pearson Vue test centers across the United States. You can find information about how apply to take it online here. Keep in mind that the scheduling permit is only good for 90 days, so don’t apply for it until it is within 90 days of the date you wish to test.

How do I become a pharmacy technician?

To become a pharmacy technician, you must be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board® (PTCB®). Becoming certified as a pharmacy technician requires you to obtain a passing score on the PTCB Exam, which is one of the keys to your future as a certified pharmacy technician.

Where do pharmacy technicians work?

The highest paying pharmacy technician jobs involve working in places like outpatient care centers and in federal government positions . Pharmacies located in grocery stores tend to offer the lowest pay rates.

What is pharmacy tech?

Pharmacy technician is listed there as a job that provides above average upward mobility, including foundation learning for continuing your education to become a licensed pharmacist. Flexibility in schedule is also listed as a positive aspect of this job.

What is the PTCB exam?

The PTCB exam will test your knowledge in four different areas, officially called knowledge domains. Let’s take a deeper look at what you can expect from each knowledge domain and how much they’ll contribute to your total score.

What are the requirements for PTCB exam 2020?

The 2020 updates to the PTCB exam affect both eligibility requirements and the test itself. Eligibility requirements now include completion of a PTCB-recognized training/educational program, or the equivalent work experience before taking the exam. The test has scaled back from nine knowledge domains to four.

What is a pharmacy technician certification?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is a computerized test offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. The exam is referred to as the PTCB exam or the PTCE. While is it technically the PTCE, both acronyms are used interchangeably. It is designed for two groups of pharmacy technicians:

How to become a pharmacy technician?

Become a pharmacy technician professional online with the Medcerts Pharmacy Technician Certification program. This training program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education), and provides the highest level of training defined by those issuing authorities. Students learn through MedCerts 12 Elements of eLearning as well as participate in a 160-hour pharmacy externship, applying what they have learned through online classes in a real-world environment. In addition, the preparation, registration, and costs associated with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is covered by MedCerts.

What is a CPHT?

The CPhT designation is proof to employers that you have been tested in all areas of pharmacy work and found to have the knowledge necessary to adhere to pharmacy procedures, keep patients safe by spotting drug interactions, know how to handle prescriptions, and more.

How long does it take to get a PCTB certification?

Candidates must complete one of the following pathways to become eligible for the exam: Pathway 1: Completion of a PCTB-recognized training program, or enrolled in one that will be completed within 60 days of the exam date. There are more than 1,400 programs to choose from.

Do you have to focus on the top 100 drugs?

Focus on the top 100 drugs. Yes, there might be some obscure questions on the test. But the whole point is to ensure you have the knowledge to handle day-to-day work in a pharmacy, and that work includes dispensing many of the same drugs.

What are the topics covered in the PTCB exam?

The PTCB exam tests students in nine categories, which are referred to as “knowledge domains” by the board. Within each of the knowledge domains are more specific subdomains. Test takers can expect to cover questions related to these topics: 1 Pharmacology for technicians 2 Pharmacy law and regulations 3 Sterile and non-sterile compounding 4 Medication safety 5 Pharmacy quality assurance 6 Medication order entry and fill process 7 Pharmacy inventory management 8 Pharmacy billing and reimbursement 9 Pharmacy information system usage and application

How many categories are there in the PTCB exam?

The PTCB exam tests students in nine categories, which are referred to as “knowledge domains” by the board. Within each of the knowledge domains are more specific subdomains. Test takers can expect to cover questions related to these topics:

What does it mean to be a pharmacy technician?

When picking up a prescription at a drugstore, have you ever wondered about the pharmacy technicians behind the counter? When you think about it, being a pharmacy technician looks like a pretty good job—they get to work in the growing field of healthcare and help connect people with the prescriptions that let them live happier and healthier lives. But how do they get started in that job?

How many states require a pharmacy technician to be certified?

Currently, there are 19 states that require pharmacy technicians to be certified. Over the next 5 years most states are expected to follow suit.

Do I need a diploma to become a pharmacy technician?

However, although these educational programs seem to be popping up in cities all over the United States, there is no mandated educational requirement for becoming a certified pharmacy technician. This may have you asking yourself, “Do I ...

About the PTCE Exam

Passing scores on the PTCE earn professionals in this field the Certified Pharmacy Technician designation. This credential can be used to meet employer or state licensing requirements. It might also prove useful to pharmacy techs who want to advance their careers and distinguish themselves in the field.

Eligibility & Registration

Before you can sign up for the test, you'll need to submit the PTCB's online application. Eligibility requirements include a high school diploma. You must also be in good standing with your state pharmacy board.

Exam Content

The PCTE consists of 90 multiple-choice questions delivered over the course of a two-hour testing session. Take a look at the table below to find out what subjects are covered and click on the links to find corresponding video lessons that can provide you with a quick review of some of these topics.