Pharmacy Tech PTCE Exam FAQs
ExCPT stands for the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. The ExCPT is taken by pharmacy technicians to certify them for pharmacy tech work.
Currently, 18 states require certification as a part of the state licensing requirements. ExCPT Certification is recognized in every state in the United States. An ExCPT Certification assures the general public, employers, and state licensing authorities that the individual has demonstrated competency as a pharmacy technician.
The ExCPT is recognized in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. ExCPT Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) work across the US in a wide range of pharmacy practice settings. Regulations and requirements for certification, licensure, registration and re-licensure vary by state and may change. Some states have no requirement for technicians to register with the State Board of Pharmacy, while other states do. You should contact the State Board of Pharmacy in the jurisdiction where you will be seeking employment to learn about your state's complete and current pharmacy regulations.
The ExCPT consists of 100 multiple choice items, 20 pretest. The total length of time is 2 hours 10 minutes.
The ExCPT consists of 100 multiple choice items, 20 pretest. The total length of time is 2 hours 10 minutes.
The ExCPT consists of 100 multiple choice items, 20 pretest. The total length of time is 2 hours 10 minutes.
ExCPT candidates schedule their test after receiving authorization at PSI which assists in the administration, scoring and analysis of the credentialing examinations. PSI has test centers in every US state and territory.
ExCPT scaled scores range from 200 to 500 and require that you meet a scaled passing score of 390 or higher to pass.
The ExCPT covers the following domains:
- Roles, Responsibilites and General Duties of a Pharmacy Tech
- Laws
- Drugs and Drug Therapy
- Dispensing Process
- Medication and Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
The ExCPT was developed and maintained by the National Healthcareers Association (NHA). The exam measures a candidate's competency to become an entry-level pharmacy tech.
ExCPT candidates schedule their ExCPT test after receiving authorization at PSI which assists in the administration, scoring and analysis of the credentialing examinations. PSI has test centers in every US state and territory.
Currently, 18 states require certification as a part of the state licensing requirements. ExCPT Certification is recognized in every state in the United States. An ExCPT Certification assures the general public, employers, and state licensing authorities that the individual has demonstrated competency as a pharmacy technician.
In order to take the ExCPT, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Possess a High School diploma
- Successfully complete a Pharmacy Technician training program offered by an accredited or state approved school or provider, or complete an apprenticeship, training program or military program.
- Or, have the requisite work experience to sit for the test
ExCPT candidates schedule their ExCPT test after receiving authorization at PSI which assists in the administration, scoring and analysis of the credentialing examinations. PSI has test centers in every US state and territory.
If you did not pass the ExCPT, you can retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. You are allowed three attempts to successfully pass the exam, with a waiting period of a minimum of thirty days between each examination attempt. After three attempts, you must wait one year before taking the exam again.
Preliminary score reports are available immediately after you complete the ExCPT exam;
Computer-based exams taken at PSI either in a testing center or via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP): The result will be given within 48 hours of the completion of the exam; and
Paper exams: Within 24 hours of NHA's receipt of the answer sheets (which may be up to 10
business days after the exam date)
NHA will issue you a final score report after you complete the exam, by posting it on your NHA account.
Yes, via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). Visit the PSI website for more information.
Yes, you are required to renew your certification every 2 years usually through the completion of continuing education (CE).
Each state has unique licensing and continuing education requirements for pharmacy techs. See your state and local jurisdiction board website for more information on license and continuing education requirements.
Study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards, videos and practice tests with answers that are fully explained. More importantly, peer reviewed practice tests with instant scoring and review written by certified experts are key in preparing for the ExCPT.
Tests.com has worked with instructors in pharmacy technology to create a ExCPT practice test to help you prepare for the ExCPT. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual ExCPT by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your ExCPT on your way to a successful career as a pharmacy tech.
