Taking the pharm tech test

They all want experience!
gain expeirence from internship from the school.
If no money for training, you can study at home
and take the National Exam to get certified.

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.

SFpharmTech in San Francisco, California said: Get all the books you can get from the library.
or used book from Amazon.
They seem to be all diffrent:
some emphasis on math
some will emphasize in the pharmacy codes,
and learn all the drugs (200 most popular).
You will get paid more if CERTIFIED!
you dont need any schooling.

Was the test hard? I'm looking to take it the next time the window opens up (April 1st I think) Any suggestions?

The test is 'hard' if you do not understand the questions (know the answers). Depending on what your employment background and education level is. Not sure if theres a test scheduled in April.
You have to check the OPEN TEST DATES on the ptcb.org website.
Certain dates to register.

I work for Kaiser in the bay area in the pharmacy. I am a tech BUT not employed there as one. I understand there is no test in April however the next open registration date for the test is April 1.
Thanks for the info

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

I work for em too, and yes, they suck, at least with the 2% raise crap, but at least you aren't getting your hours cut down to 4 days a week like some Walmart techs, or have to worry about getting laid off like techs at Wags. So I'd say they suck less than those two lol

Nycole in Port Huron, Michigan said: I work for CVS. They paid for my test. They only pay once though pass or fail. They however didn't give me a raise saying that they paid for my test and that should be enough. Really suprised me!!

I just found out you don't get an incentive raise anymore for passing the National Exam. I guess due to the "hard economic times" along with the max 2% annual review raise, that's why. I think it's wrong personally, I never would have gone if not for the raise I got. I feel sorry for everyone like you who did it after February 1rst.

In order to make any money as a Tech you must get some IV experience. Retail techs I've seen can run the pharmacy without a Pharmacist but they have the license. Find another line of work

I passed back in December. They said that they just didn't do that. As in they never did. They explained to me that paying for the test was enough of an incentive. Not too happy.

nycole in Port Huron, Michigan said: does anyone know a web address that i could use to find a testing site in detroit/ NE Michigan area ? i need a new job!!!!

www.ptcb.org

Sara in Cromwell, Indiana said: I just found out you don't get an incentive raise anymore for passing the National Exam. I guess due to the "hard economic times" along with the max 2% annual review raise, that's why. I think it's wrong personally, I never would have gone if not for the raise I got. I feel sorry for everyone like you who did it after February 1rst.

================================================================
I started at Walgreens at $16ph with state license
after I got national 'Certification' they changed me to
$18ph. Now I work for federal prison started at $30ph
and pharmecutical CSR for insurance company at $22ph.

sunflower in Honolulu, Hawaii said: I am currently attending school for pharmacy tech. I am worry about the test tho. I have to do internship at a store or hospital for 15 to 20 weeks about 180 hour then after that I will be taking the exam. What the best way book that I can buy to study for the test?

The BOOKS you are using in your school should be fine, plus you
have hands on with an Intructor which would be helpful.
AFTER your "Internship" you should be more than ready for the certification exam. The website for the exam has practice tests which may be helpful to you.

For the person who said they were making $16 to start with at Walgreens then $18 then $30. What drugs are you taking or planet do you live on? My guess is your a Pharmacist writing as if your a tech because you get all the money and the Techs do all the work. Dont be dissillusioned by this person I was the only Tech for a company, I did all of the purchasing,Compunding, Inventory control, Set up deliveries and was only making $18 ph and was in the Tri State Area(NY,NJ,CONN)I also know a High ranking RPH in the Walgreens Comp and this person said they start at about $10ph

peastman in Allendale, New Jersey said:
For the person who said they were making $16 to start with at Walgreens then $18 then $30.
What drugs are you taking or planet do you live on? My guess is your a Pharmacist writing as if your a tech because you get all the money and the Techs do all the work. Dont be dissillusioned by this person I was the only Tech for a company, I did all of the purchasing,Compunding, Inventory control, Set up deliveries and was only making $18 ph and was in the Tri State Area(NY,NJ,CONN)I also know
a High ranking RPH in the Walgreens Comp and this person said they start at about $10ph

============================================================

$10ph?!?! what exactly is "high ranking"?!?!?

The "MINIMUM WAGE" in San Francisco is $9.25 or Higher now!
[like working at MCDONALDS!]

Look up the city/county job post for pharm tech in San Fran.
Review them ALL, the starting salaries ($18ph-$22ph).

You CAN always CALL Walgreens directly and ask the manager.
this is not jersey.

Guess the planet is SAN FRANCISCO.

peastman in Allendale, New Jersey said: For the person who said they were making $16 to start with at Walgreens then $18 then $30.What drugs are you taking or planet do you live on?
[b]
My guess is your a Pharmacist writing as if your a tech
because you get all the money and the Techs do all the work.
[/b]
Dont be dissillusioned by this person I was the only Tech for a company, I did all of the purchasing,Compunding, Inventory control, Set up deliveries and was only making $18 ph and was in the Tri State Area(NY,NJ,CONN)I also know a High ranking RPH in the Walgreens Comp and this person said they start at about $10ph

You guessed wrong, Pharmacist would be $61ph
http://204.68.210.4/emplymnt/200Class/2450fh13.pdf

Nycole in Port Huron, Michigan said: I passed back in December. They said that they just didn't do that. As in they never did. They explained to me that paying for the test was enough of an incentive. Not too happy.

Thats bull, they should have, a coworker of mine took it then and got her raise, unless it depends on your district and pharmacy trainer.. I think it's wrong to push you to get nationally certified and not even shell out the .25 raise you are entitled to, if not more.

What I ment was it was a Pharmacist impersonating a Tech to keep morons like you to work for just above minumum wage to do most of the work. My point is there's alot of intelligent people out there deciding to become Techs making no money with no future of making good money that should be placing there energy elsewhere.

are you randy friend of thelma dennis erman?

Pharmacy Technician is a field for someone who wants to help people and continue their education in that particular field.

Thanks, Annie Welch

nycole in Port Huron, Michigan said: does anyone know a web address that i could use to find a testing site in detroit/ NE Michigan area ? i need a new job!!!!

There is a testing facility in Ann Arbor its called Pearson VUE I am not sure if there are any more in Michigan but I know this one is in Ann Arbor.Hope that helps.

Did you pass the test using the info from the book?

decieving gecko in clearwater, Florida said: there are many types of books the mosby book Mosby's Pharmacy Technician with Back of Book CD-Rom: Principles and Practice

Mosby's Pharmacy Technician with Back of Book CD-Rom: Principles and Practice by Theresa Hopper
thats a really good book i got it from class (only useful thing that came out of it) i would recommend gettign that book if u havent gotten on its really worth it.

Did you pass the test using the info from the book?

I didn't pass my PTCB test and this is my second time. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I study so much and even went to school for it. I am about to give up and thinking this isn't the right career for me. Can someone help me?

TC1986 in Prescott, Arizona said: I didn't pass my PTCB test and this is my second time. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I study so much and even went to school for it. I am about to give up and thinking this isn't the right career for me. Can someone help me?

which part are you flunking

I took the exam and the same day I given a paper that said Passed and when my results will be available. Five days letter I sent to the website and it told me I passed five days after I received my certificate.Good luck

I'm doing an online school program and enjoying it very much.
After reading this whole forum, I see that some people just take the test. I'm in California and I thought that I needed the program in addition to passing the test. What is the case?

sridevi gopi in santa clara, California said: Hai, i am looking for a pharmacy technician job in northern california region. There were openings in bay area, but i don't have experience, thats why i think i didn't get any call yet. How you people get experience? Nobody is ready to train a pharmacy technicain if u have any suggestion please reply to this forum or please reply to sridevigopi@mailcity.com Thanks!

Why dont you try to do voluntary work with a pharmacy. That will get you the desired work experience!! I know some pharmacies do accept volunteers!! not sure about northern Cali though. Goood Luck anyways!!

Another terrific study guide, resource etc is www.flashcardexchange.com/flashcards/view/387234

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Pharmacy Technician Salary
The median salary for pharmacy technicians is currently $23,650 a year.

The average starting pharmacy technician salary is $20,800 a year or $10.00 per hour.

Pharmacy technicians with more experience can earn wages of up to $14.00 per hour. That translates to $29,120 per year.

The following information, provided by PayScale.com shows the median hourly salary for pharmacy technicians.

Median Hourly Wage for Pharmacy Technicians

Years Experience Hourly Wage
0-4 $10.00
5-9 $12.10
10-19 $14.00
20+ $14.62

Of course, salaries differ according to the city and state in which you work.

Median Hourly Wage by City for Pharmacy Technicians

City Hourly Wage
Chicago $11.44
Dallas $12.12
San Diego $14.00
Los Angeles $14.43
Indianapolis $10.63
Houston $12.00
Phoenix $13.44

Benefits

can i just get the study materials and then take the test without going to pharmtech school?

plzzzzzzz help me posting what type of questions you will get in exam

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.

It's so hard to get hired with a certification let alone without one,is their any company that would hire someone without previous experience.

Ian in Honolulu, Hawaii said: Hi all. I recently passed the PTCB exam w/ no experience and I'm really eager to start to start working! heheh however I'd like to seek some advice from anybody that can help. Hawaii doesn't require you to get a license and yes there is a fairly high demand for pharm. techs. However, Id really prefer to work in my hometown so.California which does require you to obtain a license(which can take an extra 8 weeks Ive heard). I dont know how the demand for pharm techs there but Im guessing not so good. Oh and my son lives in cali too.. I really miss him! I would love to hear some opinions as to where I should shoot for a job at. Im so confused!

How much does pharmacy techs make in Hawaii compared to So. Cal?

Are most of the PT job openings in Hawaii mostly retail or Hospital?

sunflower in Honolulu, Hawaii said: I am currently attending school for pharmacy tech. I am worry about the test tho. I have to do internship at a store or hospital for 15 to 20 weeks about 180 hour then after that I will be taking the exam. What the best way book that I can buy to study for the test?

How much does pharmacy techs make in Hawaii?

Are most of the PT job openings in Hawaii mostly retail or Hospital?

What is a good 8-9 months training school that actually places students?

Celeste in Honolulu, Hawaii said: I am taking the certification next next friday, I am studying a little bit. I have a job at Safeway, no pharm experience, I have a BS in Bio, I guess that qualified me. The pharm manager did the hiring and told me if i get certified, he'll give me a raise. Wish me luck! Oh yeah, it's my part time job...Hawaii needs pharm techs like you wouldn't believe!

Was the math difficult or does the computer calculate everything for you? I am not a math genious.

Do you still like the PT field after 14 months?
I have read that some people did not like the PT field because of the 6-8 hours standing, rude sick customers etc.
I have never seen a rude customer in the lines when I pick up my medication ever. It was always real quite.

How much is retail PT pay compared to Hospital pay in Hawaii anyways?

Could anyone recommend a good self-study pharmacy tech book? I would like to try and learn the info. on my own and then take the test. I am not enrolled in any pharmacy courses, but I am taking medical terminology and took anatomy & physiology years ago.

Suzanne in Millersville, Maryland said: Could anyone recommend a good self-study pharmacy tech book? I would like to try and learn the info. on my own and then take the test. I am not enrolled in any pharmacy courses, but I am taking medical terminology and took anatomy & physiology years ago.

Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review. I used it, and studied it roughly for about 3 weeks. I got a 728 out of 900, so I'm certified now. I got my results about 2 weeks after I took the exam, and I got registered in Texas. I got a job within a week of receiving my certification. I'm at Kroger.

Jake in Austin, Texas said: I just took it. It was 100 questions. There wasn't as much math as I'd hoped because that is what I knew best. This was my scenario: I was in summer school and worked on the weekends all the way until a week before my test. I worked graveyard sunday night, so studying monday was out. I had to work on my truck tuesday, so studying that day was out too. So I studied a total of two days. I learned the math pretty well and I knew most of the laws, but that was about it. So i'm not sure how well I did. Hopefully i was good at guessing. I get my results in a week

What all did u stduy? Will you be able to list it out for me. Thank you

bmoss1508 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina said: can i just get the study materials and then take the test without going to pharmtech school?

Yes, you can just study for it and then take the test. I think you also have to finish highschool or passed the GED.

I am planning to take PTCB test,Can you please tell me the best book to study,I have done my B-PHARMACY from india 2003 batch.I have no experience in phramacy,Can i get a job once i pass the test.I am in New Jersey

Really appreciate your response

I need to take the test, so where can i go to take it? How can i apply for it? Do i have to pay any fee? How much is it? Thank you!

MrGabe in Houston, Texas said: Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review. I used it, and studied it roughly for about 3 weeks. I got a 728 out of 900, so I'm certified now. I got my results about 2 weeks after I took the exam, and I got registered in Texas. I got a job within a week of receiving my certification. I'm at Kroger.

did you have any previous experience

I just passed with 679 out of 900. anything above 650 is passing so I quess I just made it. I didn't have much time to study so I pretty much crammed for 2 days before the exam, I would recommend studying alot more. I had experience as a Tech but there are different types of Tech positions, I was A IV Tech and wasn't familiar with PO drugsI used Mosbys second edition study guide with the CD.You probibly will not hear from any certified Techs what exactly is on the test because it's forbidden and they can get in trouble besides the fact the test varies

peastman in Allendale, New Jersey said: did you have any previous experience

Thank you very much for your response..

I dont have any previous experience,Is it very difficult to get a job in New Jersey?

It's difficult to get a decent paying job, most positions are with retail and long term care pharmacies that don't pay well. Now it seems pharmacies are only hiring registered / certified Techs regardless of their experience and are not offering more money. It's not mandatory yet but soon every Tech will have to be certified.

MrGabe in Houston, Texas said: Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review. I used it, and studied it roughly for about 3 weeks. I got a 728 out of 900, so I'm certified now. I got my results about 2 weeks after I took the exam, and I got registered in Texas. I got a job within a week of receiving my certification. I'm at Kroger.

hi mr. garbe...which kroger r u wrking at?

Examing in Los Angeles, California said: I need to take the test, so where can i go to take it? How can i apply for it? Do i have to pay any fee? How much is it? Thank you!

You can find all info here
www.ptcb.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home1

dhara in Canton, Michigan said: hey...but is it possible to get the job first without having a certificated and then going thru an exam........because now adays every pharmacy wants to give jobs as a pharm tech to only those ppl who have got a certificate.

Yes but the pay is different. The pay for the person trainning is about half of the actual pay for someone who has been certified

I was a IV Tech for 10 years(5 as a lead Tech) and held other positions in home infusion for another 5 years, I decided to make a career change to become an electrician, I went to school for about 1 year full time and after completing worked as a residential electrician for about 3 years then the economy tanked, I lost my job and decided to go back to Tech work, At the time I wasn't registered or certified but had plenty of experience I had interviews but nobody was hiring me I realized they were looking for registered / certified Techs, I went thru the process and recieved registration, 2 days after an interview I passed the Tech exam you would think I'd have every thing you need but they're not exactly knocking down my door to hire me. I feel companies are looking for registered / certified Techs with little experience because they dont have to pay them as much, The difference between me with Tech/purchasing and home patient rep experience and a newbee with registration and certification is probibly about $5 an hour. Isn't that sick?