How to Study for the Pharmacy Tech Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

The pharmacy technician exam, also known as the PTCB or ExCPT exam, is required for certification as a pharmacy tech. Passing this exam demonstrates your knowledge and skills related to working in a pharmacy. Proper preparation and studying is crucial to pass the pharmacy tech exam on your first try.

Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to effectively study for the pharmacy technician exam

Create a Study Schedule

One of the most important aspects of preparing for any exam is developing a study schedule With a clear plan in place, you can organize your study materials, focus your efforts, and avoid cramming at the last minute

When creating your pharmacy tech exam study schedule

• Mark your exam date on a calendar and work backwards. Schedule study sessions leading up to the exam.
• Block out 2-3 hours for each study session, at least 4 days per week. More frequent, shorter sessions are better than cramming.
• Write down what you will study during each session. Try to break down exam topics over the sessions.
• Be realistic about other commitments. Don’t schedule study sessions when you know you have other obligations.
• Stick to your schedule! Adjust as needed, but try not to skip planned study sessions.

Creating and following a study calendar will help you stay on track as the exam date approaches.

Review the Exam Content Outline

The first step in preparing for the pharmacy technician exam is to understand what content will be covered. This information is available through a detailed exam content outline.

The PTCB exam and ExCPT exam have different content outlines, so be sure to review the one for the exam you will take.

In general, the content outline covers topics such as:

• Pharmacology – Drug names, classifications, side effects
• Pharmacy Law and Regulations – Federal and state requirements
• Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding – Preparing medications
• Medication Safety – Error prevention, safety practices
• Pharmacy Quality Assurance – Processes, procedures, record keeping
• Medication Order Entry and Fill Process – Workflow, insurance, inventory
• Pharmacy Inventory Management – Inventory controls, systems
• Pharmacy Billing and Reimbursement – Claims processing, payments

Reviewing the content outline gives you an overview of the material covered on the exam. This allows you to focus your studies appropriately.

Use Other Studying Resources

In addition to the content outline, utilize other available study materials and resources. The more resources you use, the more knowledge you will gain:

• Review books – Purchase PTCB or ExCPT exam review books. These provide content review and practice questions.
• Study guides – Free online guides have topic overviews and study tips.
• Flashcards – Create or purchase flashcards to memorize key terms, drug names, laws.
• Practice tests – Take practice PTCB or ExCPT tests to improve knowledge.
• Study groups – Join local study groups or online forums to collaborate.
• Webinars – View free webinars online covering exam topics and preparation.

Using multiple study resources reinforces the material and improves understanding and retention.

Create Your Own Study Materials

In addition to using premade study resources, create your own study materials. Writing information down helps strengthen recall. Useful materials include:

• Cheat sheets – Hand write or type up condensed topic overviews, formulas, charts.
• Diagrams – Draw diagrams labeling key anatomy, equipment parts, processes.
• Mnemonic devices – Create memory aids like acronyms (“OHSA” for Occupational Health and Safety Act)
• index cards – Write key terms, laws, steps on cards to study and shuffle.
• Practice questions – Write possible short answer or multiple choice questions.

Personalized study materials allow you to customize as needed and quiz yourself leading up to the exam.

Take Practice Exams

One of the best ways to prepare for the pharmacy technician exam is to take practice tests. Practice tests closely simulate the real exam, building confidence and improving exam performance.

The PTCB and NHA provide official practice tests:

• The PTCB Official Practice Exam has 90 questions and mimics the actual test format.
• The NHA ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Practice Exam is timed and scored just like the real exam.

In addition, review books and online quiz banks typically provide practice tests. Take tests in a quiet space under timed conditions for the most realistic practice. Thoroughly review any missed questions and content areas.

Repeated practice tests will improve knowledge while reducing test anxiety on exam day.

Review the Exam Process

Understanding the logistics of exam day will allow you to be prepared and confident when you arrive to take the pharmacy technician exam.

Key steps to review before the big day:

• Testing center location – Confirm the address of your assigned testing center. Calculate the travel time so you arrive early.
• Identification requirements – Know what forms of ID are required to be admitted to take the exam. Bring proper ID.
• Items allowed – Most exams do not allow any outside materials, notes, or calculators in the testing room.
• Test duration – The PTCB exam is 2 hours while the ExCPT is 1 hour and 50 minutes. Use practice tests to build up stamina.
• scoring information – Passing score for PTCB is 1400 on a scale of 1000-1600. ExCPT passing is 390 on a scale of 100-500.
• Score report – Official score reports are provided immediately after completing the exam.

Reviewing policies, requirements, directions ahead of time prevents surprises and reduces stress on exam day.

Prepare the Day Before the Exam

Proper preparation the day before the exam sets you up for success:

• Confirm exam time and location – Double check your admission ticket for reporting time and testing center address. Calculate travel time and plan for traffic and parking.
• Gather ID and admissions documents – Have your driver’s license or passport, admissions ticket, and any other required items ready to avoid a last minute scramble.
• Prepare clothing and items – Pick out appropriate clothing and get items like glasses, contacts, medications organized. Most exams prohibit hats, hoodies, and electronics in the testing room.
• Eat a healthy meal – Don’t study late into the evening. Eat a balanced dinner and get a good night’s sleep.
• Relax – Spend the evening relaxing through exercise, meditation, conversation or other activities. Avoid last minute cramming which leads to exhaustion and brain drain.

Proper planning and preparation the day before allows you to walk into the exam cool, calm and collected.

Review Your Results

After taking the pharmacy technician exam, review your test results and determine your next steps:

• Pass results – Congratulations! With a passing score, submit your exam documentation to complete the certification process.
• Non-pass results – Don’t get discouraged if your score falls below the passing mark. Thoroughly review missed content areas and create a study plan to re-take the exam. Focus on strengthening knowledge gaps.
• Detailed score report – Use your exam score report to identify areas of weakness to study more. Compare your performance in each topic to target studying.

For any exam result, comprehensive review and self-assessment allows you to learn from the experience to be better prepared in the future. Proper preparation, studying, and practice leads to success on the pharmacy technician exam. Implement the steps in this guide to build knowledge and confidence. With commitment and focus, you will pass the exam and be on your way to an exciting and rewarding career as a certified pharmacy technician.