{"id":57270,"date":"2023-02-23T09:30:59","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T14:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57270"},"modified":"2025-09-15T18:20:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T22:20:13","slug":"how-to-study-for-pharmacy-technician-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-study-for-pharmacy-technician-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"How to study for the pharmacy technician exam"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019ve been working as a pharmacy assistant for a while and are ready to take on more job responsibilities or are just beginning to consider a career in the pharmacy field, you might have heard about the <\/span>Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam<\/span> (PTCE). Passing this exam is required to become a certified pharmacy technician, or CPhT, which not only allows you to <\/span>perform more tasks at work but typically comes with a pay increase<\/span><\/a>, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe PTCE tests knowledge and skills relevant to the duties of a pharmacy technician, covering both community and hospital settings,\u201d says <\/span>Brian Staiger<\/span>, Pharm.D., an adjunct professor who teaches the pharmacy technician certification course at the University at Buffalo. \u201cIt\u2019s a one-hour and 50-minute [computer-based] exam, consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions, with 80 of them being scored and 10 being [randomly] unscored.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If this sounds relatively easy to you, think again: the PTCE can be challenging, with a <\/span>current pass rate of about 70%<\/span><\/a>. This means it\u2019s totally possible to ace it, but that it requires a serious commitment to preparation before trying. Here\u2019s how to study for the PTCE so you can pass with flying colors and become a CPhT.<\/span><\/p>\n

8 study tips for the pharmacy technician exam<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before you decide to take the PTCE, you should know what it can help you achieve and what steps you need to take before sitting for the exam. According to Dr. Staiger, you can take the test at any point in your career, but looking for ways to advance your skills is usually the top reason.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTechnicians may have opportunities to participate in patient care, disease state management, or medication therapy management programs,\u201d says Dr. Staiger<\/a>, \u201c[and] some pharmacies provide opportunities for certified technicians to participate in pharmacy glucose, cholesterol, and other screenings, [as well as] immunizations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Dr. Staiger adds that the regulations for technicians vary by state, with some states requiring techs to be certified, registered, or licensed (and a few not requiring anything at all). Make sure you don\u2019t invest the time and money into taking the PTCE if it\u2019s not the right step forward in your state; you can check the <\/span>PTCB\u2019s state regulations map<\/span><\/a> for specific info.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, know what you need to do before registering to take the exam. According to <\/span>Zachary Green<\/span><\/a>, CPhT, associate director of Partnership Development at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), you need to complete <\/span>a PTCB-Recognized Education\/Training Program <\/span>or <\/span><\/i>have equivalent <\/span>work experience as a pharmacy technician<\/span><\/a> (500 hours minimum).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also need to disclose all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions, and be a resident of the U.S. or its territories to be eligible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019re ready to hit the books, use these 8 expert-recommended tips to improve your study process.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Make a study plan<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is one of those times when you don\u2019t want to \u201cwing it\u201d before a big test, says Dr. Staiger: \u201cIt\u2019s important to create a study plan and stick to it, making sure to cover all of the content areas and practicing with sample questions\u2014breaking down how you will spend your preparation time is key to success.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of content areas, it pays to know how the PTCE is divided so you can devote the right amount of time to each one. Green says there are four knowledge domains that make up the exam\u2019s content areas:<\/span><\/p>\n