Pharmacy Tech Study

PTCB test day materials provided?  When you go to Pearson Vue to take the PTCB, do they give you paper or a white board to write out your calculations? What about a calculator?

PTCB certification number  Took the PTCB exam today for the 1st time and passed. I want to know when I'll get my certification number so that I can apply for jobs?
Reply (by ...

Memorizing drug names  I have a close friend who recently took the PTCB exam and passed. She just advised me this morning to just study the top 25 of the top 100 drugs. I made ...

PTCB test day 
On the PTCB test strategy page , it says: "IMPORTANT - When you first sit down in front of the computer, before you hit the button to start the ...

Are Pharmacy Techs drug tested  How often do you get drug tested as a pharmacy tech? Are you required to take a drug test when you get hired somewhere? How about when you take the ...

Unanswered questions on PTCB exam  Are unanswered questions counted against you on the PTCB? reply ( by Keith ) On the PTCB exam, unanswered questions are counted as wrong and negatively ...

IS THIS STATEMENT CORRECT?  On PRACTICE TEST # 5 , Question #17 it says:
"Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical that causes muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract,...

About being a pharmacy tech  I would like to be a pharmacy technician, but now that I'm reading the book I bought (Concise Review for the PTCB Exam) I realize I don't really know what ...

finishing up pharmacy tech school  I cannot believe I found this site so late!! This is such an amazing site. Anyways, I'm from Canada. I'm taking an online accredited pharmacy tech course....

Pharmacy Tech online courses  I am considering signing up for an NPTA Online Pharmacy Technician course. Does any have any feedback on this course?

Answer for PTCB test  Can you go back and check your answers once you begin the PTCB test? I know with most exams at pearson vue, once you put in an answer you can't go back....

Pharmacy tech diploma  I took a pharmacy technician training class in 2010. When I finished the class, I moved to Arizona. I never did an internship or took the PTCB exam ...

Hospital Cart Exchange  What is the Cart Exchange system and how often does it take place in a hospital?

DUI and getting CPhT license  I'm starting pharmacy school soon to become a pharmacy technician and I just recently got a DUI. Will that prevent me from getting my license?

prescription abbreviations  I have a few questions on prescription abbreviations. I'm having trouble finding a few abbreviations in my book and online. Can you help? these are the ...

Can i study off this site and pass my ptcb?   Can I just use this site to study and still pass the PTCB? Or do I need books? Since the state of California dosn't require any formal school.

Re-scheduling the Pharmacy tech test  I took a pharmacy technician class about a year ago, but haven't taken the test yet. I had scheduled a test date, but had to cancel due to unfortunate ...

Misdemeanor and the PTCB  What misdemeanor will hinder me from obtaining a pharmacy tech license?
Reply (by Keith) Depending on your state, it could be a number of things....

Presenting Identification at PTCB exam  I'd like to know how pearson vue will conduct the id check. I don't know if this may be a problem for me, but they said that name on the Authorization ...

Consumer Rights and Generic Drugs  Does a pharmacist/pharmacy have the right to deny a brand name medication when requested? I recently had this experience and was told by the pharmacist ...

Memorizing the top 200 drugs  What percentage of the PTCB exam will be memorizing / knowing the top 200 Drug names (such as Generic/Brand)? Reply (by Keith ) On the PTCB website,...

Flow hood HEPA filter  I took the PTCB and didn't do too well. One of my question was regarding how to clean a horizontal hood? How is that done?

FINALLY TOOK THE EXAM !!  I finally took the PTCB exam. It only had 80 questions on it. There were several questions that I had no idea how to answer and had to guess, even after ...

PTCB test score  I just got my PTCB test score back and it was 607, the passing score is 650. How close to passing was I? Reply (by Keith) That's a great question. Each ...

transferring a pharmacy tech licence to another state  I have a CA pharmacy tech licence, can I work in South Dakota, or do I need to take another test in that state?

Pharmacy technician employment requirements  I am thinking about pursuing a career in pharmacy. My plan is to work as a pharmacy technician for 5 years and then go to pharmacy school for a pharmD....

pharmacy tech education online?  13 years ago I worked as a Pharmacy Tech in MI, but never became certified. I'm currently living in AL & want to take an online course to learn what I ...

Past drug convictions and PTCB certification  It has been 17 years since I was convicted of having crystal meth on my person. I did serve some time in jail. But again, it has been over 17 years. I ...

Clarification on Inhibitor / Antagonist / Agonist  I've been working as a tech for five years, and found myself woefully and frustratingly unprepared for any of the practice exams. I've been using this ...

Patient counseling laws  Can I ask a question about American pharmacy procedure? I am here on vacation (in California) from Canada. I had to get an Rx for ventolin and phenergan ...

Failed the PTCB Exam after a 6 year break  I just took the PTCB Exam after having been out of the field for over 6 years. I found that a one-month preparation was NOT enough as I failed the test!...

Considering an online school  Hello. I am looking into school for this profession. I am interested in finding an online program. Can I have some feedback please? Anyone? Thanks. :)

Does a DUI prevent you from getting Pharmacy Tech Certified?   I recently (in the state of California) got a DUI. Now, I want to return to pharmacy tech school. However, I want to know if on an alcohol breathalyzer ...

Where do I go from here?  I recently finished an online (about 4 months) pharmacy tech class and took and passed the PTCB exam on my first try. I'm really interested in this type ...

question on alligation problem  How many milliliters of a 1:2000 iodine solution and a 7.5% IODINE solution are needed to make 120ml of a 3.5% Solution? Reply (by Keith) That's a ...

Keeping a Syringe Sterile  What two parts of syringe can be never touched?
I have two different answers from two different books.
Thank you.
Reply (by Keith) Assuming ...

Passed the Pharm Tech test, what's next?  Today (December 30th), I successfully passed the Pharm Tech Exam on my first attempt . Yeah!. Now they said they are going to mail me my certificate between ...

Which book should I purchase to study for the PTCB?  I am trying to find the best book possible to prepare for the PTCB exam. Can you give me an example of a book worth purchasing that has exactly what I ...

I'm considering becoming a pharm. tech.  what's my first step? the ptcb test seems advanced. what course is recommended? what is the difference between certified / registered / licensed? and how ...

I failed the pharmacy tech exam twice? :(  Well, I failed the ptcb exam again for the second time. :( I wasn't surprised that I didn't pass it. I didn't study at all. (Yes, very stupid of me) I ...

Crash Cart  What is a crash cart? Reply: (Keith) I added a picture of a typical looking Crash Cart , which are commonly used in hospitals. Sometimes also ...

continuing education  How do I account for my continuing education hours for the links provided on this site, or on the ptcb website?

Test Day - Taking the PTCB exam  What all are you supposed to bring with you to the Pharmacy Tech Exam on Test Day? (Reply) Keith: I believe that you should have 2 forms of ID and ...

Can you take the PTCB Exam with a Misdemeanor?   If you have a misdemeanor on your record, but its 4 years old and you got it sealed can you still take the PTCB exam? Reply (Keith): It depends ...

My "Authorization to test" letter never arrived?  I take the exam on Friday. The prep stuff says to bring your photo ID and your "authorization to test" letter. The PTCB site said something about an ...

Checking Exam Scores  Can someone tell me that where i can check my score online? Please reply soon. thanks reply (Keith): There is a screen you can go to online at ...

How many questions can you miss and pass the PTCB  I really don't understand the grading scale for the PTCB Exam. How many can you miss and still pass it?

How long before you can re-take the PTCB exam ?  How long will I have to wait to re-take the PTCB exam since I failed? Reply (Keith) The retake policy for the PTCE is : For the first two retakes, you ...

What can I expect when taking the PTCB EXAM   I have read all the questions but none of them asked what I had to. I have several questions. When I go to test site, I need drivers license and ATT letter ...

Questions about books & pointers.   I'm studying to take the PTCB in about 2 months and I was wondering what the best book is to self-study from? What areas should I focus on the most?(Right ...

Math equations on Pharmacy Tech Exam  How do I know when to use what formula for math equations? That's what goofed me up the last 2 times I took the test.

Question about DEA numbers  I know that the second letter in a DEA number is the first letter of the doctor's last name. Could you tell me please what the first letter in a DEA number ...

Question about pharm techs working in retail pharmacies  I would like to know exactly how much do pharm techs make working in Walgreens. I've heard that techs that work for Wal-Mart or Publix get paid way more ...

My experience with the PTCB exam. What you should know.  I just passed the PTCB exam yesterday. The test (to my surprise)delt alot with calculating proportions. I got several questions that were about pharm techs ...

What are "Sterile Products"  What does the term "Sterile Products" refer to exactly??
Reply (by Keith): "Sterile products" refers to products that are going to be administered ...

Question About PTCB exam  I'm taking the certification exam in one week and I just want to know is it true what most people say, that I should really focus on studying the calculations ...

What Books Should I Study???   I would like to know what books some of you studied from for the PTCB exam.. I am very interested in studying to become a pharmacy technician and I am ...

Question about pharmacy refrigerator temperature.   How cold should the refrigerator in the pharmacy generally be?
Reply - Insulin Refrigerators are generally kept at 2-7 degrees Celsius or 36-46 degrees ...

Memorizing top 200 drugs  I took AND passed the exam back in 2002. Since then I married, had a child and let it go. I know, I could kick myself. Anyways, the last time I took ...

Is there an easy way to remember the top 200 drugs ?  Trying to memorize the top 200 drugs is really hard for me. Does anyone have any tricks to remember them? Reply (Keith): I have some ideas on THIS ...

How do I get a job as a Pharmacy Technician?  I have a 2 year degree in Pharmacy Technology. I want a job as a pharmacy technician. I have had a few (couple month long) jobs in the past that don't ...

Does a DUI conviction disqualify me from getting certified ?  Question:
Does a DUI conviction 30 years ago disqualify you from becoming a certified pharmacy technician?
Initial Reply (by Keith):

This ...

Pharmacy Tech Certification Test Study Books ????  I need any suggestions that any of you may have on what books are the best to study from in order to cover all the material needed for the Pharmacy Technician ...

Drug and Drug (interaction)  I am taking the exam in 2 weeks. I ran into some questions about Drug and Drug Interactions such as Warfarin-Aspirin. Is there a list to study on that?...

What's the difference between the PTCB and ExCPT ?  What's the difference between the PTCB and ExCPT ?

Reply (by Keith)
There are many similarities and many differences. Here is some basics....

Pharmacy Tech Professional Organizations  What pharmacy tech professional organizations would you recommend?
Now that I have passed my PTCB certification exam and now preparing to re-enter ...

PTCB EXAM  Hello, I just recently took the PTCB Exam in Southern California. I studied all the math on this website (which is a great website) but unfortunately I ...

Drug test for pharmacy technician license  I failed a drug test before applying for my Pharm tech license. Will this prevent me from getting it? Reply (by Keith ) When you say License , that ...

Time-frame to take the PTCB exam  Is there a time frame allocated from the time I register to take the pharm tech exam? Or, do I have to take it right away?
Reply : (by Keith) According ...

DEA Number Verification  Please explain how to verify the letters at the beginning of a DEA number?

I understand how to verify the check digit, but the letters I am unsure ...

Ways to study for the PTCB test  I took a pharmacy tech class in 2008, but was too afraid to take the PTCB Exam. I ran across this web site and it's a great study guide. but, I don't know ...

PTCB Refresher course  I have been a certified pharmacy technician for 2 years and just renewed this past Nov 2011. I've only practiced and used my certification and experience ...

preparing a syrup with antibiotics  if we need 11 ml of water to prepare 20ml syrup with concentration 100mg\5ml,who is the volume of water we need to prepare 20 ml syrup with concentration ...

How accurate are the practice tests? 
I was just wondering how accurate are the free practice tests on this site? I recently took a class for pharm tech and the practice exams in the course ...

PTCB Test scores  To pass the PTCB exam: On the pharmacy tech test 650 is a passing score. I've read that you must score at least 70% in each domain. Lets say you ...

Self study or online pharm tech class?  Currently I'm wanting to become a certified pharmacy tech and I wanted to ask something. I bought the study guide book and workbook and all that fun ...

Top 200 drugs  Is the top 200 drug list on this site for 2011? If not, for what year is it? I'm trying to stay up to date and am hoping to take my exam next year....

PTCB Exam Registration  I was a pharm tech trainee and my registration expired two years ago , And, I know it can't be renewed anymore, so my question is: Even though it's ...

Where to get continuing education  Where do I start to get the information about doing 20 Hours pharmacy technician continuing education? Reply (by Keith) The best place to start on ...

felony and pharm tech license?  I have been convicted of bank fraud and embezzlement in 1999. Since then, I've completed my probation and have been off probation since 2004. I obtained ...

Question about Drug Storage  I have a question about storing different types of drugs, for example I would really like to know what temperature that you would need to store insulin ...

Drug Paraphernalia and getting certified  3 years ago I got a DUI for alcohol and a class C misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia charge for a weed pipe. Would those charges disqualify me from being ...

What are D5W and D10W ?  I don't get what D10W or D5W mean. Can someone explain? Reply (by Keith ) In this case: the D is an abbreviation for Dextrose , and the W ...

Question about Exam Prep Books  Hi, I was wondering if you knew any good books to study with for the PTCB Exam? I am a first time Pharmacy Tech student and nervous about taking the ...

Fee for retaking the PTCB test  If you fail the PTCB exam the first time taking it, do you have to pay $129 again when you retake the test? reply (by Keith) PTCB re-take fees ...

FDA definitions  What is the definition of Drug , Cosmetic , Device and Dietary Supplement?

How much math to know?  I am struggling with Pharmacy Math more than I had anticipated. It appears that Math will be very heavily embedded in the test. What percentage are math ...

Question about drugs for PTCE  I have several books to study from and couple of CphT frieds that I'm getting most of the answers for my questions from, the problem is they took the exam ...

adverse side effect of Lexapro® ?  My teenage son has been taking Lexapro® since April. He now complains of nipple discharge. Is this a side effect from Lexapro®? reply (by Keith)...

Policy for Re-taking PTCB Exam  Recently, I took the PTCB exam and failed. That was in the beginning of this month. I know I can't take another exam during this same "window of testing"...

Emergency script sch. 2 drugs  How much time does a physician have to provide a written script for an emergency prescribed sch 2 drug? Reply (by Keith) That's a good question. The ...

I passed the PTCB exam...now what?  I've never had any previous experience working in retail pharmacies, I just took the PTCB exam after studying for it on my own through this site and a ...

Certification and Registration  I just completed my Pharm-Tech course and I'm in the process of studying for Nat'l certification. What are the cost for registration and certification ...

Memorizing Top 200 drugs  Looking at your top 200 drug list, I was wondering a few things. My teacher gave us a packet that has the top 200 brand to generic drugs, and also has ...

Decoding a DEA #  Question #16 on practice test #1 has me confused. It is in reference to the first two letters of a DEA number for a prescriber. I know the first letter ...

Pharmacy Business / About inventory.  in a pharmacy that realizes a net profit during an accounting period, revenues are:
a. greater than total expenses
b. greater than medication costs
c....

non sterile compounding  Where can I find info for non sterile compounding techniques and description of various methods used in non sterile compounding?

sig code about nebulizer  what is the sig code for 'inhale all the contents of one ampule via nebulizer'?

QUESTION ABOUT PHARMACY TECH  CAN U WORK AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN OR TRAINEE WITH A MISDEMEANOR? THAT'S BEEN OVER 5 YEARS AGO?

Once you pass the PTCB?   I just passed the PTCB today, and I got the receipt type result page. I wanted to update some already pending applications I have at some retail pharm ...

PTCB test contents  I'm taking the PTCB exam in less in 10 days and am really nervous about it. Your "calculations" videos on Youtube are really helpful, thanks. But I was ...

Question about registering in California as a pharmacy tech?  So I just passed the PTCB and wanted to know if I needed an internship in order to register in California? I looked up the website and it doesn't seem ...

Pharmacy technician requirements in Florida  Do I need classroom hours to take the PTCB test in Florida?

Reply ( By Keith ) No, anyone who is: + A High school graduate (or equivalent) + Has ...

Best pharmacy technician study supplies/books  I LOVE! this site but I was wondering if someone who has taken the PTCB exam recently could give me some suggestions for other study books I could purchase....

State to state pharmacy tech certification  If you have been certified in one state and move to another, Do you have to take the test over again? Reply (by Keith) As far as the PTCB and ExCPT exams ...

ExCPT exam passing score  Hi guys, I'm planning to take the ExCPT test, but I've no idea what a passing score is?
Reply (by Keith) I believe that there are 100 questions, and ...

FDA Class II recall  In an FDA class II recall, would you remove only the affected lot number from the shelf ?

Pharmacy inventory reordering.   When answering a question about pharmacy re-ordering / how much to order, how do you go about it?

For example:

Fluocinanide 0.05% cream
Package ...

Retaking the PTCB exam  I took the Pharmacy Tech Test already and failed. And now I'm about to re-take it. what are the chances that I'll get the same test twice? Reply: (by ...

Math Question/Pharmacy Dosage Calculations  You have a vial of Vanco 15gm that you have reconstituted with 100ml of sterile water, break your vial down to 1/gm/___ml. 1gm is the same as 1000mg



You ...

sudafed controls and e-scripts  Why do some pharmacies in Oregon refuse e-prescriptpions for Sudafed, calling it a schedule IV drug, while others are fine with electronic prescribing?...

If you fail PTCB?  If you fail the PTCB, do they tell you where you missed questions or were weak? Reply (by Keith) Yes, Sort of... As far as I know, what they send ...

DEA Sch. II Prescription Order Expiration time  I read in an older PTCB exam prep book that an Rx written for Category II drug had to be filled within 3 days, or it was no longer valid. True or False?...

Whats the likely hood of passing if I failed Twice now?  I'm working in the hospital and I can't pass the ptce I took it for the second time today and failed. Its bull crap I paid for 6months of schooling and ...

DEA Controlled Substances Questions  I want to start with thanking you for this wonderful site. It's just great and has so much useful information!

I think I have a simple question, but ...

What DEA Controlled schedule is sudafed in?  What DEA Controlled schedule is sudafed in? Reply: (by Keith) That's a great question. Pseudoephedrine is more aggressively controlled by some ...

Pharmacy Technician Certification process  WHAT IS AN ATT LETTER FROM PEARSON VUE? Reply (Keith): The ATT letter is an A uthorization T o T est Letter from the PTCB. When a candidate ...

Agonist & Inhibitor & Blocker I'm getting these terms a little confused. Does an agonist react in the body to produce a response? Are an inhibitor and blocker the same thing? Do they ...

Question about the
PTCB exam and Calculators  Are you allowed to use a calculator when taking the PTCB exam?

Reply: (by Keith)
Yes , you are. The exam proctor will give you a standard calculator ...

What's the process for becoming a Pharm tech in CA ?  I live in California. What do I need to do to get a Pharmacy Tech license?

Is schooling required or can you study on your own?

Where can you take ...