The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers a national exam for potential pharmacy technicians in the US, covering federal healthcare regulations, inventory control, and customer communication skills. Practice tests and a study guide are available for preparation, and students must pay a fee to take the exam. Results are sent within three to four weeks, and students must pay the fee each time they take the exam.
In the US, many employers require potential pharmacy technicians to take a national exam to prove they have the knowledge and skills needed to start a career as a pharmacy technician. Administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the pharmacy technician exam covers a variety of topics related to the pharmaceutical field. A person’s test scores can greatly impact the type of work they offer, as many employers require applicants to obtain above-average scores. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help students prepare for the exam.
Usually comprised of 90 multiple-choice questions, the pharmacy technician exam is divided into three sections, each focused on a specific topic. The first section covers federal healthcare regulations, while the second is devoted to inventory control. Finally, the third section quizzes testers on basic customer communication and communication skills.
Although the certification board does not endorse any specific training course or booklet, for a small fee, students can purchase a practice test on the PCTB. Designed to help students prepare for the pharmacy technician exam, these sample tests are formatted exactly like the real exam, with questions covering the same material. A student’s score on these practice exams, however, remains confidential.
In addition to practice exams, PTCB also provides an in-depth study guide to help students become familiar with the information they will be tested on. Known as the Certification Guide, this comprehensive document covers all the topics covered in the Pharmacy Technician exam. Students reviewing the PTCB guide extensively should therefore have a thorough understanding of all areas of the exam.
After reviewing the information found in the PTCB study guides, it is also beneficial for students to meet with their supervising pharmacist prior to taking the pharmacy technician exam. Talking with someone who is already familiar with the material found on the test can be very helpful in developing a successful study plan.
To register for the pharmacy technician exam, students must pay an application fee and select a date and location to take the exam. Due to the number of tests taken each year, the PTCB schedules exam dates throughout the year, administering the test at US locations.
Students are given two hours to complete the test, which is typically administered on a computer. As a multiple-choice exam, it is important to select the answer that best answers each question. Also, it is recommended that students answer all exam questions even if they are unsure of the answer.
PTCB sends test results approximately three to four weeks after test administration. While there is no limit to the number of times a person can take the pharmacy technician exam, students must pay the required registration fee each time they register. As a result, it is important to prepare for the exam initially in order to avoid additional expenses.
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