PTCE and ExCPT Guide

PTCE and ExCPT Summary
What: The PTCB and ExCPT are optional certification exams for pharmacy techs.
Who: Candidates for certification must have a high school diploma.
Where: The PTCB is offered at PearsonVUE test centers, and ExCPT is offered at LaserGrade test centers.
When: Tests are available year-round.
How: Questions are multiple choice.
Type: Both tests are computerized.
Why: Tests lead to pharmacy tech certification
Time: Two hours for each.
Language: English
Preparation: Many different materials are available to help candidates study
Cost: $129 for PTCB and $95 for ExCPT.

By: Erin Hasinger, Tests.com

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) are two exams taken by pharmacy technicians to become certified professionals. The two examinations are optional, yet beneficial, to individuals seeking employment as pharmacy technicians.

PTCE

The PTCE is taken by pharmacy technicians. Though it is not a required aspect of working as a pharmacy tech, it may allow individuals to work more effectively side-by-side with pharmacists, not to mention opening up promotion opportunities and the possibility of a higher salary. It is developed and administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and taken at PearsonVUE test centers.

The PTCE is a computerized exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which are classified as pretest questions and do not count towards scoring. Individuals are given two hours to complete the PTCE, and the cost of the exam in 2010 is $129.

The PTCE has three areas of focus for question topics, and 66 percent of the questions are focused on assisting the pharmacist in serving patients. Additionally, 22 percent are related to maintaining medication and inventory control systems, and 12 percent are based on participating in the administration and management of pharmacy practice.

Online registration for the PTCE is available at ptcb.org. In order to be qualified to take the PTCE, individuals must have a high-school diploma or its equivalent, have no felony convictions, no drug- or pharmacy-related convictions, and no denial, suspension, revocation, or restriction of registration or licensure, consent order or other restriction by any state board of pharmacy.

PTCE scores range from 300 to 900, but only scores of 650 and above are considered passing.

ExCPT – Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians

The ExCPT is another exam for pharmacy technicians in any type of practice in the United States. It is developed by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians and taken at a LaserGrade test center.

The ExCPT is computer-based and made up of 110 multiple-choice questions. Only 100 of these questions are scored, and two hours are given to complete the test. Individuals interested in taking the ExCPT must pay a $95 fee. Exam candidates may register by calling the toll-free LaserGrade phone number at 800.211.2754 to arrange a test date, time and location.

ExCPT questions center around the areas of regulation and technician duties, drugs and drug products, and the dispensing process. The first two question topics make up approximately 48 percent of the exam (25 percent and 23 percent, respectively), and the last topic makes up the last 52 percent.

Individuals sitting for the ExCPT will be given an official report at the conclusion of their exam which will let them know their score and whether or not it is considered to be passing.

For both exams, a government-issued I.D. is required to be shown at the test center. Sometimes two forms of identification are required. Scrap paper or a white board is often provided, and individuals can consult exam administrators as to other rules and regulations.

To learn more about the PTCE and ExCPT, please visit the PTCE and ExCPT Directory.

Sources: Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians, http://www.nationaltechexam.org; Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, http://www.ptcb.org