Taking the pharm tech test

I just passed my exam. When I saw my computer screen with "Result:Pass" I was staying quiet in my little isolated room they assigned me. Then, the proctor picked me up to check out. I was still staying quiet as I exited the building, but once I got into my car I screamed my lungs out. I was so happy that my hard week of studying had paid off.

Overall, the experience was worthwhile. It took me about an hour to finish the exam.The math section was simple. I recommend to memorize ml to oz to lb to kg conversions. In addition, know your LAWS and I guarantee you will pass.

are we allowed to use a calculator on the exam?

carri williams in Rockford, Illinois said: are we allowed to use a calculator on the exam?

yes you are allowed!!!!!!

Crystal Zamudio, CPhT
Pharmacy Rx Owner

carri williams in Rockford, Illinois said: are we allowed to use a calculator on the exam?

Yessssss!!!!:-)

Crystal Zamudio, CPhT
Pharmacy Rx Owner

forrst in Westminster, California said: wow...i did it guys...just took the exam this morning and passed!!! yay.... 90 questions... not too difficult..now i am officially a CPhT, let hope i can land a job fast...LOL

Passing the pass is easy. Please report back on job prospects.

1Madgirl2 in Palmdale, California said: I took the CPhT in 2009 and did extremely well.

Passing the test is easy. Please report back on your job prospects. How long did it take for you to get your license issued from the state of California? It is now taking 4 months or longer.

enchante60 in Moreno Valley, California said: HI,

i WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF BECOME A PT IS DEPENDS ON CERTAIN AGE???? I AM IN THE 40ISH AND WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MY CAREER SINCE MY OLD ONE IS SO SATURATED...PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR OPION.

THANKS

I don't know about age, but the market seems to be inundated and the state of California takes over 4 months just to issue a license so you can start to look for a job. Be careful about spending money on classes since they may not pay off. Go through a community college that provides an internship.

Maria in Los Angeles, California said: You don't need anything to pass.Ridiculously easy test. You don't even need to study or know any medication. 4th great math is enough. Pick the answer that makes the most sense to you!
I past the test without any stady with 850 score.
There is no job.No body want new grads. It is not worth it to waste your money for being Pharmacy Technician at this point.

This is very possibly true for the state of California and anyone needs to be careful about investing in a pharm tech program that will leave them indebted.

I agree... people really think about it if your thinking about being a pharmacy tech.i was top of my class and its going to be a year since i had finished my pharmacy tech program and i have not had one job as a pharmacy tech..im doing some other job at the moment to pay for bills and the massive loan that i got left with.. im very serious dont make the same mistake as i have.

Lalita in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: I started as a technician at CVS in 1999 without a certification. I worked for the company for a year and left for a position as a clothing store manager. I came back to CVS in January of 2003 and took the test in Nov 2003. I studied the books given to me by the trainer for 2 months previous to the test date. I passed the test with absolutely no difficulties. I do not believe anyone should go to school to learn how to pass the CPhT exam. Work experience and study guides are the best bet.

what book did use when you studied?

Does anyone know anything about the pharmacist assistant positions, I heard a little bit about it , a while back , but nothing recently. Also, does anyone know how t get IV certified?
Thanks for the info.

Ihatcvs said: CVS sucks!! Do not ever work for them!$!!

Def!! they pay the least and are to concerned with making the money-makers (customers) happy, that they couldn't care less about their employees. they will ALWAYS back the customer, no matter the situation. so, as a customer i love them, but as a former employee, i don't.

Im taking my licensure this august and if I pass, do you think it will b easier for me to get a job as a foreigner?

cpht2010 in Plainfield, Illinois said: yes you are allowed!!!!!!

Crystal Zamudio, CPhT
Pharmacy Rx Owner

well, they didn't let us bring in anything into the room, even my watch and pen/pencil i had to leave everything in the lock... :( they had everything inside the exam room though..

mickie strickland in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina said: can i take the certification without going to school? i have 17 yrs as a tech.

Yes, you can pass the test wihout going to school. You have the experience, but still you will need to study on your own in order to be able to answer some questions. I had been a pharm tech for 10 years when I decided to take the test. I bought a book and believe me, I studied for about six months before I felt ready for the test. I passed it, but it wasn't that easy. Good luck

Lalita in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: I started as a technician at CVS in 1999 without a certification. I worked for the company for a year and left for a position as a clothing store manager. I came back to CVS in January of 2003 and took the test in Nov 2003. I studied the books given to me by the trainer for 2 months previous to the test date. I passed the test with absolutely no difficulties. I do not believe anyone should go to school to learn how to pass the CPhT exam. Work experience and study guides are the best bet.

What books did you study out of i am using my friends book from college. Was it a very long test?

For those who are interested about pharm tech program, you can search the Texas Health tech e-campus online. We offer pharm tech program online for only 4 weeks and help student to prepare for PTCB. The over all tuition is $990 only!

Hi I am a Massage Therapist and I heard from another Massage Therapist that you can take the ptcb exam without going to school, So I bought a study guide book and such, but my question is: Do employers ask where you went to school or anything? Also does cvs/walgreens/walmart let you be an intern or trainee if you do not have any experience but studying to take the ptcb exam? Just trying to understand and making sure I will be able to get a job after this exam and paying for it all; I do not want to be turned down because I have no schooling or experience. Is the Certificate all I need to get hired? Thanks and hope to hear some replies.

i'm not sure.. coz right now the basis is either u had the school pharm tech background or experience! try to study online, if u are from texas, you can search "Texas Health Tech Institute" they do online pharm tech program plus they send students for job internship so they will get an experience. In just 8 weeks u can finish the program but its $990.

get a good book to study. you DONT need to go to school to pass this test. I'm not saying the test is easy, but it's not so difficult to the point that u need to go to school to pass.
I just took the test today 90 questions/150mins, and I passed. you should know you conversions(kg,g,mg,mcg...tsp/mL,tablespoons/ml,oz/ml) ratio/proportions .and all the math your study guide has in it. make u sure u definitely know (2.2 lb = 1kg) i know that all the test are different but there was so much math on the test i'm sure the other one will have also.
p.s. (i DON'T recommend this) but i DID NOT study any of the top 200 drugs brand/generic names.
know your math!...other things on test laminar hood, SIGs, schedule drugs, class 1, 2, 3 recalls.

I am currenty in the pharmacy tech program in college. I am trying to find out that if I take the exam in Ohio and pass will that count in other states. I am moving to Kansas and I am tring to figure out if my certification from ohio will still be legit in Kansas or if I am wasting my time....

which book is that best one to study now

For those who want to pass the PTCB feel free to email me: pharmtech_instructor04@yahoo.com

mariam in Van Nuys, California said: what book did use when you studied?

Hi, do you want to pass the PTCB? Feel free to email me for more details about the tips etc..

umar in Sacramento, California said: which book is that best one to study now

Email me regarding PTCB exam, I have the complete materials/reviewers, handouts which are easy to absorb and understand. Those will guide you step by step on how to crack that PTCB exam 100%! You don't need to go to school! Once u become a CPhT license, you can volunteer for 1-3 mos. then that's your experience, so it will be easier for u to find a job.. well, just email me and i will tell you everything about the jobs, exam etc..

Email me: pharmtech_instructor04@yahoo.com

Crack the Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam: Be a CPht and License Pharmacy Tech
PTCB exam Materials are the ff:
- Medication abbreviations / Sig Codes FLASH CARDS
- Pharmacy Calculations
- Top 200 Rx generic and brand name, classifications, therapeutic uses FLASH CARDS
- Conversions Formulas FLASHCARDS
- More than 600 Pharmacy Tech certification Practice Questions and Answers
- Free tutoring online for Calculations unlimited!+ Tips on how get a job
Cost $75 ( 100% guaranteed to Pass!)

If you are interested, email me: pharmtech_instructor04@yahoo.com

Jacquelinewilson07 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee said: What books did you study out of i am using my friends book from college. Was it a very long test?

Crack the Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam: Be a CPht and License Pharmacy Tech
PTCB exam Materials are the ff:
- Medication abbreviations / Sig Codes FLASH CARDS
- Pharmacy Calculations
- Top 200 Rx generic and brand name, classifications, therapeutic uses FLASH CARDS
- Conversions Formulas FLASHCARDS
- More than 600 Pharmacy Tech certification Practice Questions and Answers
- Free tutoring online for Calculations unlimited!+ Tips on how get a job
Cost $75 ( 100% guaranteed to Pass!)

If you are interested, email me: pharmtech_instructor04@yahoo.com

For those of you thinking of spending your hard earn money on taking a tech class, you should really check into it . I spent close to 1000.00, books and class. They dont tell you that every place you go they will ask for experience. Over 12 months and still looking.

dreamville in Dallas, Texas said: get a good book to study. you DONT need to go to school to pass this test. I'm not saying the test is easy, but it's not so difficult to the point that u need to go to school to pass.
I just took the test today 90 questions/150mins, and I passed. you should know you conversions(kg,g,mg,mcg...tsp/mL,tablespoons/ml,oz/ml) ratio/proportions .and all the math your study guide has in it. make u sure u definitely know (2.2 lb = 1kg) i know that all the test are different but there was so much math on the test i'm sure the other one will have also.
p.s. (i DON'T recommend this) but i DID NOT study any of the top 200 drugs brand/generic names.
know your math!...other things on test laminar hood, SIGs, schedule drugs, class 1, 2, 3 recalls.

Can you recommend any study material?

Hey,

I have the complete PTCE handouts that are ready to be attached to your email once you decide to purchase them ( $50) let me know if u are interested. u can email me: pharmtech_instructor04@yahoo.com

100% of the PTCE test takers who bought my materials did pass with high score as well.

good luck!
PTCB Instructor

cvm_13 said: For those who are interested about pharm tech program, you can search the Texas Health tech e-campus online. We offer pharm tech program online for only 4 weeks and help student to prepare for PTCB. The over all tuition is $990 only!

-----------
Tech Lecturs offers an on-line program for only $250.00. Why pay more!

www.tlectures.com/programonline.html

Ness in Fort Collins, Colorado said: Can you recommend any study material?

Tech Lectures has helped thousands in the passing of the national exam. No notes to email you, just an national award winning review manual and cd rom and free email support for less than 75.00.

www.tlectures.com/reviewmanul.html

Jesus christ, I was looking for personal accounts, not advertisements. I already figured it out anyway. Good god.

Karen Rivera, CPhT in Longmont, Colorado said: Tech Lectures has helped thousands in the passing of the national exam. No notes to email you, just an national award winning review manual and cd rom and free email support for less than 75.00.

www.tlectures.com/reviewmanual.html

sorry... www.tlectures.com/reviewmanual.html

pharmtech_instructor04 in Nederland, Texas said: Hey,

I have the complete PTCE handouts that are ready to be attached to your email once you decide to purchase them ( $50) let me know if u are interested. u can email me: pharmtech_instructor04@yahoo.com

100% of the PTCE test takers who bought my materials did pass with high score as well.

good luck!
PTCB Instructor

For 50.00 Tech Lectures will give you not just notes, but a national award winning review manual that is specific to the national exam and cd rom as well. Oh, did I say free email support and free on-line practice exams.

www.tlectures.com/reviewmanual.html

umar in Sacramento, California said: which book is that best one to study now

www.tlectures.com/reviewmanual.html

Check it out and see!

Not trying to hog this site with information about Tech lectures, but it worked for me and thousands of other Technicians without the high fees others charge. May want to check Tech Lectures out before spending your hard earned money that need not be spent. Happy to be a CPhT!

www.tlectures.com

www.tlectures.com/reviewmanual.html

www.tlectures.com/programonline.html

www.tlectures.com/program.html

Well I just came from taking the test and it was extremely hard. I work in Infusion services and this test mainly focuses on hospital and retail drugs and policys. I will be registering for the class before I retake this test. And that is only because the State requires you to have it now...even if it doesn't relate to your line of work...

sorry to hear that. what kind of math was on the test? do not give up. Just study again and try try try you will pass. I am studying to take test right now. Thank You for your honesty.

Does anyone know if pharmacys hire techs with degrees? I have a Chemistry degree and have always been interested in Pharmacy, so I am going to take the test after I study.

Can anyone help me with what books to be taken for giving a PTCB exam

dreamville in Dallas, Texas said: get a good book to study. you DONT need to go to school to pass this test. I'm not saying the test is easy, but it's not so difficult to the point that u need to go to school to pass.
I just took the test today 90 questions/150mins, and I passed. you should know you conversions(kg,g,mg,mcg...tsp/mL,tablespoons/ml,oz/ml) ratio/proportions .and all the math your study guide has in it. make u sure u definitely know (2.2 lb = 1kg) i know that all the test are different but there was so much math on the test i'm sure the other one will have also.
p.s. (i DON'T recommend this) but i DID NOT study any of the top 200 drugs brand/generic names.
test laminar hood, SIGs, schedule drugs, class 1, 2, 3 recalls.

Hi can you tell me from which book u studied from ?

Passed my PTCE exam after studied it for 2 weeks. I feel like half of the test is about general questions, the other half are math. These are what I'd focus on:

-Sig: know the basic like qd, qid, sl, stat, hs, pc, ac
-Conversions: you need to study the conversions in order to pass. On exam day, write out everything before the exam starts. For examples: conversion from mL->L or Kg->G->Mg; 1kg->lbs, gallon -> quartz->pints->ml, pint->ml->oz; tsp->ml; tbsp->ml. Mostly are proportions, ratios, percentage.
-Focus on the FDA, what different schedule of drug means, nsaid drug, medwatch, inventory turnover, flow hood, etc.
-You must know what drugs are similar.

Good luck!

La in Alexandria, Virginia said: Passed my PTCE exam after studied it for 2 weeks. I feel like half of the test is about general questions, the other half are math. These are what I'd focus on:

-Sig: know the basic like qd, qid, sl, stat, hs, pc, ac
-Conversions: you need to study the conversions in order to pass. On exam day, write out everything before the exam starts. For examples: conversion from mL->L or Kg->G->Mg; 1kg->lbs, gallon -> quartz->pints->ml, pint->ml->oz; tsp->ml; tbsp->ml. Mostly are proportions, ratios, percentage.
-Focus on the FDA, what different schedule of drug means, nsaid drug, medwatch, inventory turnover, flow hood, etc.
-You must know what drugs are similar.

Good luck!

Hi can u tell me from which books u referred to pass this exam

cpht2010 in Plainfield, Illinois said: Yessssss!!!!:-)

Crystal Zamudio, CPhT
Pharmacy Rx Owner

Thanks for the reply :)
I had the same question.

decieving gecko in clearwater, Florida said: hi i had a question if u are certified through cvs or walgreens is that the same test as the cpht? somone told me it was only good for cvs and not a national wide thing.

CVS, Walgreens, etc. courses help you pass the PTCB, because they made a deal with the state. Now if you are in a state that requires you to have the ptcb and be state board certified...then CVS, Walgreen,etc will help, because they are ASHP Certified. Most of the states who require you to have both state and national..requires that you have gone to a school or a job training that is ASHP certified to even be considered as state certified. I hope this helps if you have any other question feel free to email me.

this is not darrell wiberg its bonnie wiberg i have registerd i am a pramacy tech for rite aid for 25 years uat want to take a tech exam plaese

I need help in preparing for PTCB exam.I am a recent graduate in Chemistry and am willing to take the PTCB test.I bought a book named Reference guide for the pharmacy technician exam from pharmacyexam.com website to prepare for the test.I don't have any experience related to pharmacy and I don't want to spend money by taking online course or by going to any school. I want to study by myself and pass the test. There are 500 drugs name with their generic name and adverse effects. It's literally scaring me by imagining how can I memorize them. I am so confused. I don't have problem in math portions and pharmacy law. Can anyone kindly suggest me what to focus and what not to? That would be really helpful for me.Thanks in advance.

I am currently a Pharmacy Tech. student in Cleveland ohio. Just recently I applied for a pharm tech job at CVS and I have an interview tomorrow on tuesday march 13th 2012. I am a little nervous though because I am only half way through school and I am not completely sure what to expect on the job. My concern is that I haven't really had much exposure to pharmacy tech and I dont want completely fall on my face because I dont know something. What things should I look out for? Any tips or suggestions would be great to help calm my nerves.

twokidsmom in Overland Park, Kansas said: I took PTCB exam the end of February, I passed with 804 score, just spent 3 days on it. now I got the certificate. I think it really doesn't need any schooling, if you understand what one of the reference books is written, and remember some common drugs' brand names, some control drugs, you will pass it.

I just paid for all the books and schooling in a pharmacy tech program, if I can pass the test do I even need to do all the work for this schooling?