Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in the healthcare industry, and becoming certified can open up a range of career opportunities. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is one of the most widely recognized certification exams for pharmacy technicians in the United States. Passing the PTCE exam demonstrates a candidate's knowledge and skills in pharmacy operations, medication safety, and patient care.
Exam Objectives:
- Medications (40% of the exam)
- Federal Requirements (12.5% of the exam)
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (26.25% of the exam)
- Order Entry and Processing (21.25% of the exam)
The PTCE exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, with a time limit of 2 hours to complete. The exam is delivered in a computer-based format and is available year-round at Pearson VUE test centers across the United States. The passing score for the PTCE exam is 1,400 out of a possible 1,600 points. The cost to take the PTCE exam is $149.
Exam Details:
Anyone interested in becoming a certified pharmacy technician should take the PTCE exam. There are no educational requirements to take the exam, but candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. It is recommended that candidates complete a pharmacy technician training program or have equivalent work experience before taking the exam.
Related Books:
There are many books available to help candidates prepare for the PTCE exam. Some popular options include:
- Mosby's Review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, 4th Edition by James J. Mizner
- PTCB Exam Simplified, 4th Edition: Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Study Guide by David Heckman
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review by Lorraine Zentz
It is essential to choose a study guide that covers all of the exam objectives and provides practice questions to help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format. Candidates should also review the PTCE Candidate Guide provided by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board to understand exam policies and procedures.
Preparing for the PTCE exam takes time and effort, but with the right resources and study plan, candidates can feel confident in their ability to pass the exam and become certified pharmacy technicians.