PTCB2215 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20037-2985

www.ptcb.orgPhone: 202-429-7576 • Fax: 202-429-7596

PLEASE RETAIN THIS GUIDEBOOK FOR FUTURE USE.

Your Guidebook toPTCB Certification

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!! The attention arrows used through-out this Guidebook will help directyou to important information.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board 2215 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20037-2985(202) 429-7576 phone(202) 429-7596 faxwww.ptcb.org

Board of GovernorsJohn A. Gans, Pharm.D., ChairHenri R. Manasse, Jr., Ph.D., Sc.DScott A. Meyers, MS, R.Ph.Melissa M. Murer, R.Ph.Larry D. Wagenknecht, R.Ph.

Certification CouncilR. Jeanie Barkett, R.Ph.LTC (ret) John M. Bodlien, Pharm.D., ChairYu Cheung Choi, MBA, R.Ph., Vice ChairFae Garcia Bush, MSW, LCSWLaraine M. Mazurek, CPhTSMSgt. Larry J. Knight, BS, AAS, CPhTMelissa M. Murer, R.Ph.Miriam A. Mobley Smith, Pharm.D.C. Ann Perry, R.Ph.Wyn Schumann, R.Ph.Bruce Wearda, R.Ph.Kimberly Young, CPhT

PTCB StaffMelissa M. Murer, R.Ph., Executive DirectorAnne Marie Hohman, Associate Director, OperationsBarbara J. Drobins, Manager, Certification ProgramsPhara G. Rodrigue, Administrative Manager Todd R. Philbrick, Coordinator, Information ResourcesGeri Q. Thompson, Coordinator, Customer Service

& OperationsSheri C. Morris, Recertification Assistant

Table Of Contents General Information ...........................................2PTCB Certification Program ..............................2Examination Information....................................2

Eligibility Requirements ................................2Examination Schedule...................................3Deadlines........................................................3Apply Online .................................................3Completing Pages 1 & 2

of the Paper Application.......................4–6Test Centers...............................................7–8School/Training Programs .......................9–10Important Information.................................11Receipts ........................................................11Change of Test Centers...............................11Inclement Weather......................................11Withdrawals .................................................12Day of the Examination...............................12Admission to the Examination....................12Day of the Exam Schedule ..........................12Use of Calculators........................................13After the Examination.................................13Receipt of Scores..........................................13Passing Score................................................14

Examination Preparation ..................................14PTCE Content Outline .........................15–18PTCE Knowledge Statements ...............18–20Sample Questions ........................................21

Request Form for New Certificate ....................22Request for Handscoring ...................................23PTCB Recertification Requirements & Guidelines ...........................24–27Useful Numbers .................................................28CPhT Logo Gear Order Form...........................29Registration Checklist.......................................30

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General InformationIntroduction

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Boarddeveloped the Application Instructions as a guide forindividuals who are interested in the PTCB nationalcertification program for pharmacy technicians. It explainsthe PTCB certification process and walks the candidatestep-by-step through the eligibility requirements,application procedures and important deadlines.

Certification is the process by which a non-governmentalassociation or agency grants recognition to an individualwho has met certain predetermined qualifications specifiedby that association or agency.

The goal of PTCB’s certification program is to enablepharmacy technicians to work more effectively withpharmacists to offer greater patient care and service.PTCB is responsible for the development andimplementation of policies related to national certificationfor pharmacy technicians.

This Application Instructions brochure contains practicalinformation about the national Pharmacy TechnicianCertification Examination (PTCE). It gives instructionson registration procedures, lists important dates and deadlines. Please keep it readily available for referenceboth before and after the exam. Candidates are responsible for following its instructions on filling out theregistration application and meeting all deadlines.

Professional Examination ServicePES, PTCB’s contracted testing company, is a

non-profit testing company founded in 1941. PESspecializes in the development and administration ofnational certification and licensure examinations. PES’sprimary operating principle is to develop examinations ofthe highest quality and reliability. Examinations aredeveloped using the standards established by the NationalCommission for Certifying Agencies, the AmericanPsychological Association, and the U.S. EqualEmployment Opportunity Commission as guidelines.

PTCB Certification ProgramInformationCertification

There are two parts to being a Certified PharmacyTechnician (CPhT). First, pharmacy technicians must sitfor and pass the national PTCE. Once a pharmacytechnician has passed the exam, he or she may use thedesignation of CPhT. Second, to continue to holdcertification, a CPhT is required to obtain twenty hours ofcontinuing education for recertification within two yearsof original certification or previous recertification. Formore information regarding certification please visit thePTCB web site (www.ptcb.org).

RecertificationIf you successfully sit for and pass the Pharmacy

Technician Certification Examination, you may use thedesignation “CPhT”. PTCB certification is valid for twoyears. CPhT’s are required to complete 20 hours of pharmacy related continuing education (1 hour must be inpharmacy law) during their two-year certification period.For more information regarding the recertification process,visit PTCB’s web site (www.ptcb.org) or fax (202-429-7596) to request for a copy of PTCB’s RecertificationRequirements and Guidelines. A copy of the Guidelines isalso located on pages 24-27. For other information regarding certification, please visit the PTCB web site(www.ptcb.org).

Revocation of CertificationBasis for Revocation: The certification of an individual

may be revoked by PTCB for any of the following reasons:• documented, material deficiency in the current

knowledge base necessary to achieve pharmacytechnician certification;

• documented, gross negligence or intentional misconductin the performance of services as a pharmacy technician;

• conviction of a felony or a crime involving moralturpitude (including the illegal sale, distribution or useof controlled substances and other prescription drugs);

• irregularity in taking, cheating on or failing to abide bythe rules regarding confidentiality of the PharmacyTechnician Certification Examination (including post-examination conduct);

• failure to cooperate with PTCB during the investigationof another Certified Pharmacy Technician;

• making false or misleading statements in connectionwith certification or recertification.For additional information on the procedure for

Revocation of Certification, contact PTCB at (202) 429-7576, www.ptcb.org, or 2215 Constitution Avenue, NW,Washington, DC 20037.

Personal Information UpdateEach exam candidate must notify PES in writing of any

changes in name or address. Changes in name must beaccompanied by appropriate documentation (notarizedcopy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.). PEScannot notify you of exam admission or test results if yourinformation is not current. The form on page 25 of thisGuidebook should be used for notification of change.

After certification is achieved, PTCB should beinformed of name and address changes. Maintenance ofcertified status depends on PTCB’s ability to contact you.The form on page 22 should be used for notification ofchange or e-mail PTCB at www.ptcb.org.

Examination InformationEligibility Requirements

You must have received a high school diploma or aGED by the application receipt deadline and have neverbeen convicted of a felony to sit for the PTCBExamination.

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DeadlinesAll deadlines are receipt deadlines, not postmark

dates. Your application materials must be received byPES by midnight of the date listed above. Anyapplication received after the receipt deadline will bereturned to you unprocessed. Sending in your applicationearly allows time for the application to be returned to youin case of errors. Applications received before theopening date of processing for that exam will be helduntil the appropriate date. Fees will not be refunded for aprocessed application unless you withdraw the applicationby the withdrawal deadline.

PTCB cannot be responsible for the delivery times ofthe post office or for items lost in the mail. The use of anovernight, traceable mail service is encouraged. PES willnot accept hand-delivered applications.

The Application FormThe paper application accompanying the Application

Instructions is designed to be processed by computer.Photocopies of the paper application will not beprocessed. Your application will be returned to you if it isincomplete, unsigned, the payment is incorrect, or therequired documentation is missing. This delay may meanyou cannot complete your registration before the deadline.Therefore, please read and carefully follow allinstructions before sending in the application. Questionsabout the application process should be directed to thePES at (877) 782-2888.

Processed exam applications can be reviewed onPTCB's web site (www.ptcb.org). Candidates may reviewor edit their exam application up until the withdrawdeadline (see schedule above). After the withdrawaldeadline, candidates may only view their application viaPTCB's web site.

Candidates may apply for the exam with the paperapplication or online at www.ptcb.org. Do not apply withboth a paper application and online. The instructions andprocedures for applying for the examination pertain toboth the paper and online application.

All application materials from previous years are nolonger valid and should be discarded.

Apply Online at www.ptcb.orgVisit www.ptcb.org to register online for the

examination. Please refer to the registration scheduleabove. All deadlines are receipt deadlines by midnight(Eastern Time) of the stated date and are the same asregistering through the mail.

Registering via the internet allows you to send yourcompleted application immediately and you will receivea confirmation by e-mail. Credit card payment isrequired to complete the online application.

Please note this option is for examination registrationonly. The national exam is not administered via theinternet.

DANTES ProgramOverseas military technicians may sit for the PTCB

Exam using the DANTES Program through the MilitaryEducation Centers, offered in July and November at selectDANTES sites. For a listing of 2001 DANTES sites referto the test centers section (pages 7-8) or visit www.ptcb.orgfor more information.

Sunday Test Dates* Sunday test dates are available only for candidates

who have religious beliefs that prevent them from taking the examination on Saturday. The Sunday testdate is the day following the regular Saturday test dateonly. Appropriate documentation is required to registerfor Sunday test dates.

Applicants must submit their request, including documentation, with the completed application form.Documentation should consist of a letter on official stationary from the leader of your religious institution(rabbi, minister, etc.), including the following information: identification of religious affiliation, explanation of need for special alternate date, signatureand title of religious leader. No additional fee is required.

Affirmative ActionThe PTCB does not discriminate against any individ-

ual because of race, gender, age, religion, disability, vet-eran status, or national origin. PTCB and PES endorsethe principles of equal opportunity. Eligibility criteriafor examination and certification under the nationalPharmacy Technician Certification program are appliedequally to all applicants regardless of race, religion, sex,national origin, veteran status, age, or disability.

ApplicationProcessing

Opens

Application ReceiptDeadline

Last Day To WithdrawOr Change TestCenter Receipt

Deadline

Examination DatesRegular Saturday*

November 21, 2000 January 12, 2001 February 9, 2001 March 10, 2001

March 20, 2001 May 18, 2001 June 15, 2001 July 14, 2001

July 17, 2001 September 14, 2001 October 12, 2001 November 10, 2001

2001 PTCB Examination Schedule

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Statement of Confidentiality for PTCBExaminationOn the day of the exam, you will be asked to read and signthe following statements:PTCE Candidate Attestation1. This examination and the test questions contained herein

are the exclusive property of the Pharmacy TechnicianCertification Board.

2. This examination and the items contained herein are protected by copyright law.

3. No part of this examination may be copied or reproducedin part of whole by any means whatsoever, including memorization.

4. The theft or attempted theft of an examination booklet ispunishable as a felony.

5. My participation in any irregularity occurring during thisexamination, such as giving or obtaining unauthorizedinformation or aid, as evidenced by observation or subsequent analysis, may result in termination of my participation, invalidation of the results of my examination, or other appropriate action.

6. Future discussion or disclosure of the contents of the examination orally, in writing, or by any other means isprohibited.

7. My signature below indicates that I have read and understood the statement of confidentiality. Failure tocomply can result in termination of my participation,invalidation of the results of my examination or otherappropriate action.

8. I understand that during this examination, I may NOTcommunicate with other candidates, refer to any materialsother than those provided to me, or assist or obtain assistance from any person. Failure to comply with theserequirements may result in the invalidation of my examination results as well as other appropriate action.

9. Under penalty of perjury, I declare that the information provided in my examination application and any requiredaccompanying documentation is true and complete. I alsodeclare that I received a high school diploma (or GED certificate) by the application deadline for this examination, and, further, that I have never been convicted of a felony.

10. I agree that in the event my answer materials are damagedor lost, any claim I may have will not exceed the amountof my application fee for this examination.

My signature below and/or on my answer sheet for this examination indicates that I have read and understood theattestation statement. I am aware that failure to comply withthe outlined requirements will result in serious consequences,including the invalidation of my examination results.

Day of the Examination Checklist✔ Arrive at the test center between 7:30am to 8:00am. ✔ Bring a clear & legible government-issued photo

identification (your name on the ID & the admission ticket must match).

✔ Bring your admission ticket (this will be sent 3 weeks prior to the exam).

✔ Bring several sharpened number 2 pencils.✔ Bring a silent, hand-held, non-programmable, battery-

operated or solar-powered calculator. Scientific calculators will not be permitted.

Reference materials, books or papers are not allowed in the examination room. Your examination booklet will serve asscratch paper. Candidates who arrive after the start of pre-testinstructions and candidates without the proper identificationor admission ticket will not be admitted to the exam and theirfees will be forfeited.

Completing Page One of the Application Follow these instructions carefully for completing each of theitems on the application form. Use only a No. 2 pencil. Ifyou use any other marking instrument, your applicationcannot be processed by computer and will be returned toyou unprocessed. You may sign the application in ink.These instructions also apply to the online application(www.ptcb.org). Credit card payment is required tocomplete an online application. All deadlines are receiptdeadlines by midnight (Eastern Time) of the stated date(see page 3 for 2001 Examination Schedule).

Name [Page 1: Boxes 1 and 2]In Box 1, print your first name and middle initial in the

spaces provided. Write only one letter in each space. InBox 2, print the letters of your last name in the spacesprovided. Write only one letter in each space. When youhave completed this, go back and fill in the oval in eachvertical column that corresponds to each letter of your firstname, middle initial, and last name. Do not fill in ovalscorresponding to blank spaces.

The name that you provide on the application will bethe name printed on your admission ticket, scorereport, and, if you pass the national PTCE, your PTCBcertificate and wallet card.

Make sure the name on your government-issuedphoto identification (such as a driver’s license orpassport) matches the name on your application andlater admission ticket; if the names are not the same,you will not be admitted to the exam.

Social Security Number [Page 1: Box 3]In Box 3, print your Social Security Number in the spaces

provided. Write only one number in each space and fill inthe corresponding oval beneath each space. This numberwill become part of your identification number. Foreignpharmacy technicians who are not U.S. citizens and who donot have a Social Security Number may leave this box blank

Mother’s Maiden Name [Page 1: Box 4]In Box 4, print your mother's maiden name in the spaces

provided. Write only one letter in each space and fill in thecorresponding oval beneath each space. Do not fill in ovalscorresponding to blank spaces. The name provided on theapplication will become the name used for security purposes.

Address [Page 1: Boxes 5-6]Please fill in the appropriate spaces in Boxes 5-6 with

your house number, street and apartment number (if any),leaving a blank space between each part of the address.

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Fill in the corresponding oval under each of the spaces.Do not fill in ovals corresponding to blank spaces. This isyour mailing address – the address to which youradmission ticket, score report, and other importantinformation will be sent. If your address will not fit in thescannable boxes, print your complete mailing addressneatly in Box 10a.

Completing Page Two of the ApplicationAddress [Page 2: Box 7-10a]

Please fill in the appropriate spaces in Boxes 7-10a withyour City, Country Code, State and ZIP code, leavingblank spaces where necessary. Fill in the correspondingoval under each of the spaces. This is your mailing address– the address to which your admission ticket, score reportand other important information will be sent. Mark yourCountry Code in Box 8. To complete Box 9, refer to thelist of State Abbreviations (see page 11). If your addresswill not fit in the scannable boxes, print your completemailing address neatly in Box 10a.

E-Mail Address [Page 2: Box 11]In Box 11, print your e-mail address in the spaces

provided. Write only one letter or number in each spaceand fill in the corresponding oval beneath each space. Donot fill in ovals corresponding to blank spaces. This addressis important should PES need to contact you.

Telephone Number [Page 2: Box 12]Please fill in the area code and telephone number

where you can be reached during daytime hours (9:00 am- 5:00 pm Eastern Time) and fill in the correspondingovals under each of the spaces. This telephone number isvery important should PES need to contact you.

Test Center [Page 2: Box 13]The list of PTCB Test Centers is found on the inserted

Test Centers for Saturday Test Dates page (pages 7-8).Choose the most convenient center and write the testcenter number in the spaces provided in Box 13. Thencarefully fill in the appropriate oval under each space.

If you are testing in the following states: AK, AZ, CA,CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MT, NE,NC, ND, NV, NJ, NY, OR, SD, UT, VA, WA, and WI, payclose attention to the floating test centers as these centerschange with each examination date. You may test in anystate, regardless of state of residence or employment.PTCB arranges for overseas military technicians to sit forthe national PTCB Examination using the DANTESProgram through the Military Education Centers atselected test sites. The exam is only administered in Julyand November at select DANTES sites.

Three weeks prior to the examination, PES will mail anadmission ticket that will provide you with the exactlocation/address of the test center. Review this ticketcarefully. If the information is incorrect, call PESimmediately at 877-782-2888. Four weeks prior to theexamination administration date test site addresses will beavailable on the PTCB web site, www.ptcb.org.

Employer [Page 2: Box 14]In Box 14, fill in the corresponding oval next to the

name of your employer. If your employer is not listed, fillin the oval alongside “Other, not listed.”

Military or Government Agency Code [Page 2: Box 15]If you are currently in the U.S. Military Service or

employed by a government agency listed below, write thecorresponding code in the spaces provided in Box 15. Fillin the corresponding oval under each of the spaces. Ifyou are not in the military or government service, skipto Box 16.

U.S. Military Branch or Government AgencyAir Force 001 Veterans Administration 005Army 002 DHHS 006Coast Guard 003 (IHS, NIH, NHSC, etc.)Navy 004 DOD Civilian 007

School/Training Program Code [Page 2: Box 16]If you have successfully graduated from any of the

training programs listed on pages 8 &9, write thecorresponding code in the spaces provided in Box 16. Fillin the corresponding oval under each of the spaces. If yourschool is not listed, please fill in the code for “Other.” Ifyou received on-the-job training and did not graduate froma formal training program, please fill in the code for On-The-Job Training.

Exam Date [Page 2: Box 17]In Box 17, fill in the corresponding oval with the

appropriate date of the examination you wish to take.Be sure to specify the correct Saturday examinationdate in Box 17. Note the Application ReceiptDeadline.

If your religious beliefs prevent you from taking theexamination on Saturday, you may request a Sundaytest date, the Sunday immediately following the regularSaturday test date. If you are requesting an alternateSunday exam date due to religious beliefs indicate yourrequest by filling in the appropriate oval. You mustsubmit your request, including documentation, with theapplication form. Documentation should consist of aletter on official stationary from the leader of yourreligious institution (rabbi, minister, etc.), includingthe following information: identification of religiousaffiliation, explanation of need for special alternatedate, signature and title of religious leader. Noadditional fee is required.

Candidates with approved requests will be tested onthe Sunday immediately following the regularlyscheduled administration.

Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities [Page 2: Box 18]

If you do not need special accommodations for adisability, please fill in the oval next to “no” and skipdown to the instructions for Box 19. If you are requestingspecial accommodations, please fill in the oval next to“yes” in Box 18 and continue with these instructions forthe rest of Box 18.

Arrangements for persons with disabilities will beprovided upon request, in conformance with theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Physicians orother professionals submitting documentation in supportof your request for accommodation may be contacted byPTCB for clarification of any information provided inregards to your testing needs.

If you have a documented disability (including a visual,orthopedic, or hearing impairment; health impairment;learning disability; emotional disability; or multipledisabilities) and need modification to the usual testingconditions, you may request special testingaccommodations (e.g., magnifying lens, etc.) to take thenational PTCE. You will still be required to take the examon regularly scheduled national test dates.

Please fill in the appropriate space in Box 18 thatidentifies the accommodation you are requesting,including extra time if needed. If you are requesting anaccommodation other than those listed on theapplication, fill in the space for “Other” and provide aspecific description of your needs.

Appropriate documentation must be enclosed withyour application and must sufficiently explain yourdisability and the need for the accommodation(s). Youmay include a letter from an appropriate professional(e.g., physician, psychologist, occupational therapist,educational specialist) or evidence of prior diagnosis oraccommodation (e.g., special education services).Previous school records may also be submitted todocument your disability. Any professional providingdocumentation should know of your disability, havediagnosed and/or evaluated you, or have provided theaccommodation for you.

The documentation letter you obtain from thatprofessional must be on official stationery and include thefollowing information:(1) identification of the specific disability/diagnosis;(2) the approximate date when the disability was first

diagnosed/identified;(3) a brief history of the disability;(4) identification of the tests/protocols used to confirm the

diagnosis;(5) a brief description of the disability;(6) a description of past accommodations made for the

disability;(7) an explanation of the need for the testing

accommodation(s); and(8) signature and title of the professional.

If you have been diagnosed as having an emotionaldisability, your letter from the appropriate professionalshould include identification of the DSM-IV classificationof the diagnosis.

Your request for special accommodations will bereviewed, and PES will notify you of the status/dispositionof your request at least five weeks before the examinationdate. If you have specific questions regarding theprovisions of a testing accommodation, please contactPES at 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 or at(877) 782-2888 for details.

If you do not notify PES of needed accommodations atthe time of application, the accommodations will not beavailable at the time of the examination.

PTCB acknowledges the provisions of the ADA andwill offer the examination in a center and manner that isaccessible to persons with disabilities or offer alternativearrangements for candidates with disabilities.

Signature [Page 2: Box 19]Sign and date your application form. If you have previously

taken this examination under a different name, please printthis name next to your signature. If you do not sign yourapplication, it will be returned to you. You will be asked toresubmit your application with signature and an additional$15 processing fee. Your signature on the application is youracknowledgment that:(1) All statements provided on the application are true;(2) You have read and fully understand the instructions;(3) You have received a high school diploma or a GED by

the application receipt deadline; and,(4) You have not been convicted of a felony.

Fees [Page 2: Box 20]The application fee is $105. Fill in the correct amount

on the appropriate line of Box 20. With your completedapplication enclose a certified check, money order, orcorporate check for the amount due in U.S. dollars. Makeyour certified check or money order payable to the“Professional Examination Service”. No personal checksor purchase orders will be accepted.

Credit card payments (MasterCard or Visa) are accepted,but you must use the attached credit card form. Completingan online application requires credit card payment.

If your employer is paying for your examination,confirm the various application and payment proceduresthey have established. Please note the application receiptdeadlines are not extended for any reason. Organizationsmay issue and submit one check (corporate or certified) aspayment for a group of candidates by meeting thefollowing conditions:• The names of all candidates covered by the payment

must be listed on the check or attached documentationto ensure proper processing;

• The applications for all included candidates mustaccompany the check;

• All materials must be received by PES on or before thereceipt deadline.

If any application is in error, if there is a discrepancy inthe amount of the check and the number of applicationssubmitted, or if a credit card is rejected, the processing ofall applications included in the package will be delayed.An additional $15 processing fee will be assessed forincomplete or inaccurate application materials.

At the bottom of Box 20, please fill in the oval nextto “yes” if your employer (or training program) paid foryour examination fees. Fill in the oval next to “no” if youpaid for the examination fees, even if your employerplans to reimburse you later. Credit Card payment isrequired when completing an online application.

State Code [Page 2: Box 21]Your three-digit state code number is in the bottom

left corner of the front cover. The number will eitherbe on a label or printed directly on the brochure.Please write the code in the spaces provided in Box 21.Fill in the corresponding oval under each of the spaces. 6

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ALABAMABirmingham 0001 X X XMobile 0002 X X X

ALASKAAnchorage 0010 X X X*Fairbanks 0011 X

ARIZONAPhoenix 0020 X X XTucson 0021 X X X*Flagstaff 0022 X*Lake Havasu 0023 X

ARKANSASLittle Rock 0030 X X X

CALIFORNIA*Fresno 0040 X XLos Angeles 0041 X X XSacramento 0042 X X XSan Diego 0043 X X XSan Francisco 0044 X X XSan Jose 0045 X X X

COLORADO*Colorado Springs 0050 XDenver 0051 X X X*Grand Junction 0052 X*Pueblo 0053 X

CONNECTICUTHartford 0060 X X X*New Haven 0062 X X*Norwalk 0061 X

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAWashington 0070 X X X

DELAWARE*Newark 0080 X X*Dover 0081 X

FLORIDAJacksonville 0090 X X XMiami 0091 X X XOrlando 0092 X X XTallahassee 0093 X X XTampa 0094 X X X*Gainsville 0095 X*Ft. Myers 0096 X

GEORGIAAlbany 0100 X X XAtlanta 0101 X X X*Augusta 0102 X XMacon 0103 X X X

HAWAIIHonolulu 0110 X X X

IDAHO*Boise 0120 X X*Pocatello 0121 X

ILLINOISChicago (north side) 0130 X X XChicago (south side) 0131 X X XBloomington 0132 X X X

INDIANAEvansville 0140 X X XIndianapolis 0141 X X XSouth Bend 0143 X X X

IOWACedar Rapids 0150 X X XDes Moines 0151 X X X

KANSASKansas City 0160 X X XWichita 0161 X X X

KENTUCKYLexington 0170 X X X*Louisville 0171 X*Bowling Green 0172 X

LOUISIANA*Alexandria 0182 X*Baton Rouge 0180 X*Lake Charles 0183 X*Monroe 0184 X*Shreveport 0181 X X*New Orleans 0185 X

MAINE*Bangor 0190 XPortland 0191 X X X

MARYLAND Baltimore 0200 X X X

MASSACHUSETTSBoston 0210 X X X

MICHIGANDetroit 0220 X X X*Petoskey (Gaylord area) 0221 X XLansing 0222 X X X

MINNESOTA*Duluth 0230 XMinneapolis 0231 X X X*Rochester 0233 X*St. Cloud 0232 X

MISSISSIPPIBiloxi/Gulfport 0250 X X XJackson 0251 X X X

MISSOURIKansas City 0240 X X XSt. Louis 0241 X X XSpringfield 0242 X X X

MONTANA*Billings 0260 XHelena 0261 X X X*Missoula 0262 X X

Test Centers For Saturday Test Dates — Please check carefully!

Floating Test Centers are indicated with an (*)– these centers are available for only some of the 2001 Examination dates.

State/City State/City

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NEBRASKA*Grand Island 0271 XOmaha 0270 X X X*Scottsbluff 0272 X

NEVADALas Vegas 0310 X X X*Reno 0311 X

NEW HAMPSHIREConcord 0280 X X X

NEW JERSEY*Atlantic City 0290 X XNew Brunswick 0291 X X X

NEW MEXICOAlbuquerque 0300 X X X

NEW YORK*Albany 0320 X X*Binghamton 0324 XBuffalo 0321 X X XNew York City 0322 X X XSyracuse 0323 X X X

NORTH CAROLINA*Asheville 0330 X XCharlotte 0331 X X XDurham 0332 X X XFayetteville 0333 X X X*Winston-Salem 0334 X

NORTH DAKOTA*Fargo 0340 X*Bismarck 0341 X*Minot 0342 X

OHIOCincinnati 0350 X X XCleveland 0351 X X XColumbus 0352 X X XToledo 0353 X X X

OKLAHOMAOklahoma City 0360 X X X

OREGON*Eugene 0370 XPortland 0371 X X X

PENNSYLVANIAHarrisburg 0380 X X XPhiladelphia 0381 X X XPittsburgh 0382 X X X

PUERTO RICORio Piedras 0390 X X X

RHODE ISLANDProvidence 0400 X X X

SOUTH CAROLINACharleston 0410 X X XColumbia 0411 X X XGreenville 0412 X X X

SOUTH DAKOTA*Sioux Falls 0420 X X*Rapid City 0421 X

TENNESSEEJohnson City 0430 X X XKnoxville 0431 X X XMemphis 0432 X X XNashville 0433 X X X

TEXASAmarillo 0446 X X XDallas 0440 X X XEl Paso 0441 X X XHouston 0442 X X XSan Antonio 0444 X X XTyler 0448 X X XAbilene 0490 X X XAlpine 0491 X X XMcAllen 0492 X X XMidland 0493 X X X

UTAHSalt Lake City 0450 X X X*Cedar City 0451 X

VERMONTMontpelier 0470 X X X

VIRGINIANorfolk 0460 X X XRichmond 0461 X X XRoanoke 0462 X X X*Winchester 0464 X

WASHINGTON*Port Orchard 0482 X X*Seattle 0480 X X*Spokane 0481 X X

WEST VIRGINIACharleston 0600 X X X

WISCONSINMadison 0500 X X XMilwaukee 0501 X X X*Appleton 0502 X

WYOMINGCasper 0700 X X X

DANTES†

*Guam 0806 X*Heidelberg, Germany 0802 X *Izmir, Turkey 0816 X*Keflavik, Iceland 0817 X*Lakenheath, England 0801 X*Naples, Italy 0819 X*Okinawa, Japan 0814 X*Ramstein, Germany 0810 X

† PTCB arranges for overseas military technicians to sit for thenational PTCB Examination using the DANTES Program throughthe Military Education Centers at selected test sites. The exam isonly administered in July and November. For the latestinformation go to www.ptcb.org.

Test Centers For Saturday Test Dates — Please check carefully!

Floating Test Centers are indicated with an (*)– these centers are available for only some of the 2001 Examination dates.

State/City Code Mar Jul Nov State/City Code Mar Jul Nov

AlaskaFairbanks Memorial Hospital

Fairbanks, AK 0101ArizonaArizona College of Allied Health

Phoenix, AZ 0201Long Medical Institute

Phoenix, AZ 0202Pima Community College

Tucson, AZ 0203CaliforniaAmerican Institute of Health Science

Long Beach, CA 0501American Career College

Los Angeles, CA 0502California Paramedical & Technical College

Long Beach, CA 0503Riverside, CA 0504

Career Colleges of AmericaSouth Gate, CA 0520

Cerritos CollegeNorwalk, CA 0505

City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 0506

Foothill CollegePalo Alto, CA 0526

Grossmont Health Occupations CenterSantee, CA 0507

Healthstaff Training InstituteSanta Ana, CA 0508

Career Resource Department - Kern HighSchool District

Bakersfield, CA 0527North Orange County ROP

Anaheim, CA 0509North-West College of Med. & Dental Assts.

Glendale, CA 0510Pasadena, CA 0511Pomona, CA 0512West Covina, CA 0513

Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana, CA 0514

Sawyer CollegeSan Jose, CA 0515

Shasta-Trinity Reg. Occupational ProgramRedding, CA 0516

Simi Valley Adult SchoolSimi Valley, CA 0528

Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSan Francisco, CA 0517

Western Career CollegeSacramento, CA 0518San Leonard, CA 0519

ColoradoArapohoe Community College

Littleton, CO 0601Front Range Community College

Westminster, CO 0605Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, CO 0604ConnecticutBriarwood College

Southington, CT 0702Gateway Community Technical College

North Haven, CT 0701

DelawareAcademy of Health Education & Consultant

ServicesNewark, DE 0801

FloridaHenry W. Brewster Technical Center

Tampa, FL 1001McFatter Vocational Technical Center

Davie, FL 1002Miami-Dade Community College

Miami, FL 1003Pinellas Technicial Education Center

St. Petersburg, FL 1004Shands at the University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 1005

GeorgiaColumbia Fairview Park Hospital

Dublin, GA 1101Emory University Hospital

Atlanta, GA 1102Thomas Technical Institute

Thomasville, GA 1103Valdosta Technicial Institute

Valdosta, GA 1104

IdahoAmerican Institute of Health Technology

Boise, ID 1301Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID 1302North Idaho College

Cour d’Alene, ID 1303

IllinoisEdgewater Medical Center

Chicago, IL 1406Harper College

Palatine, IL 1401Malcolm X College

Chicago, IL 1402South Suburban College

South Holland, IL 1404University of Illinois Pharmacy

Chicago, IL 1405Wright College Humboldt Park

Chicago, IL 1403

IndianaClarian Health Partners

Indianapolis, IN 1501

IowaScott Community College

Bettendorf, IA 1601

KansasDonnelly College

Kansas City, KS 1702Wichita Area Technical College

Wichita, KS 1701

KentuckyMadisonville Health Technicial Center

Madisonville, KY 1801N. Kentucky Technical College

Edgewood, KY 1802LouisianaOur Lady of the Lake

Baton Rouge, LA 1901

MarylandKaiser Permanente Mid Atlantic States

Rockville, MD 2101U. of MD Medical System

Baltimore, MD 2102MassachusettsHolyoke Community College

Holyoke, MA 2201MichiganHenry Ford Community College

Dearborn, MI 2301Henry Ford Hospital/ Wayne County

Community CollegeDetroit, MI 2302

Lansing Community CollegeLansing, MI 2303

Oakland Community CollegeSouthfield, MI 2304

Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Harbor, MI 2305

MinnesotaCentury College

White Bear Lake, MN 2401Duluth Business University

Duluth, MN 2402Fairview Pharmacy Services

St. Paul, MN 2405Mayo Medical Center

Rochester, MN 2407Northwest Technical College

E. Grand Forks, MN 2403Wadena, MN 2404

Rochester Community & Technical CollegeRochester, MN 2406

MississippiJones County Junior College

Ellisville, MS 2501Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Gulfport, MS 2502University of MS Hospital & Clinics

Jackson, MS 2503MissouriAllied Medical College

St. Louis, MO 2601MontanaU. of Montana-Missoula

Missoula, MT 2701New JerseyWarren County Community College

Washington, NJ 3101New MexicoEastern New Mexico University

Roswell, NM 3201TVI Community College

Albuquerque, NM 3202

School/Training ProgramsSchool/Training Code School/Training Code School/Training Code

9

10

North CarolinaBlue Ridge Community College

Flat Rock, NC 3401Caldwell Community College

Hudson, NC 3402Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC 3406Davidison County Community College

Lexington, NC 3404Durham Technicial Community College

Durham, NC 3405Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, NC 3406Southeastern Community College

Chadbourn, NC 3407North DakotaN. Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND 3501OhioCleveland Inst. of Dental-Medical Assts.

Mentor, OH 3606Cuyahoga Community College

Cleveland, OH 3601Fort Hayes Metro Education Center

Columbus, OH 3602Mercy College of NW Ohio

Toledo, OH 3603Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH 3605Northwest College

Lima, OH 3604OregonLinn Benton Community College

Albany, OR 3801Southwestern Oregon Community College

Coos Bay, OR 3802PennsylvaniaBidwell Training Center, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA 3901Community College of Allegheny County

West Mifflin, PA3902Harrisburg Area Community College

Lancaster, PA 3904Harcourt Learning Direct

Scranton, PA 3909Mount Aloysius College

Cresson, PA 3908North Hills School of Health Occupations

Pittsburgh, PA 3905Thomas Jefferson Univ. Hospital

Philadelphia, PA 3903Western School of Health & Business

Monroeville, PA 3906Pittsburgh, PA 3907

South CarolinaGreenville Technical College

Greenville, SC 4102Midlands Technical College

Columbia, SC 4101Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital

Columbia, SC 4105Spartanburg Technical College

Spartanburg, SC 4104Trident Technical College

Charleston, SC 4103

South DakotaWestern Dakota Technicial Institute

Rapid City, SD 4201

TennesseeChattanooga State Technical CommunityCollege

Chattanooga, TN 4301Concorde Career Institute

Memphis, TN 4302Methodist Hospitals

Memphis, TN 4307Regional Medical Center

Memphis, TN 4308Tennessee Technology Center

Nashville, TN 4305Memphis, TN 4304Knoxville, TN 4303Murfeesboro, TN 4309

Walters State Community CollegeMorristown, TN 4306

TexasU.S. Army Med Center & School

Fort Sam Houston, TX 4413Austin Community College

Austin, TX 4401Career Centers of Texas-El Paso

El Paso, TX 4418EES Allied Health Careers

Houston, TX 4402El Paso Community College

El Paso, TX 4403Houston Community College

Houston, TX 4404Lamar University at Orange

Orange, TX 4405North Texas Professional Career Institute

Dallas, TX 4417Northwest Vista College

San Antonio, TX 4406Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

Dallas, TX 4407Richland College

Dallas, TX 4408Scott & White Hospital

Temple, TX 4410San Antonio College

San Antonio, TX 4409San Jacinto College North

Houston, TX 4416Tarrant County Junior College

Hurst, TX 4411Univ. of Texas Medical Branch

Galveston, TX 4414382nd Training Squadron

Shepherd AFB, TX 4415

UtahOgden-Weber Applied Technicial Center

Ogden, UT 4502Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, UT 4501

VirginiaBlue Ridge Community College

Weyers Cave, VA 4705Fairfax Hospital

Falls Church, VA 4704Hampton HU-CARE

Hampton, VA 4703Naval School of Health Sciences

Portsmouth, VA 4701Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA 4702

WashingtonClark College

Vancouver, WA 4801Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, WA 4809Eton Technical Institute

Everett, WA 4802Federal Way, WA 4803Port Orchard, WA 4804

Grays Harbor Community CollegeAberdeen, WA 4805

North Seattle Community CollegeSeattle, WA 4806

Renton Community CollegeRenton, WA 4807

Spokane Community CollegeSpokane, WA 4810

St. Joseph Medical CenterTacoma, WA 4808

Tacoma Community CollegeTacoma, WA 4811

West VirginiaCarver Career & Technical Education Center

Charleston, WV 4901

WisconsinLakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, WI 5001Madison Area Technical College

Madison, WI 5002Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, WI 5003

WyomingCasper College

Casper, WY 5111Wyoming Medical Center

Casper, WY 5112

Puerto RicoAntilles School of Technology

Hato Rev, PR 5214Colegio Universitario Del Este

Carolina, PR 5213Huertas Junior College

Caguas, PR 5212

On-the-Job Training 9999Other 0000

Attention Pharmacy TechnicianEducators: if your school/training program is not listed contact PTCB(www.ptcb.org) to be included for the2002 listing.

School/Training ProgramsSchool/Training Code School/Training Code School/Training Code

11

You Have Now Completed The PaperApplication

Do:✔ Check your application carefully and make sure it is

complete, correct, and signed.✔ Enclose payment using a certified check, money order,

corporate check, bank check, cashier check, or creditcard form.

✔ Make check payable to “Professional ExaminationService” (PES).

✔ Make sure any check drawn on a non-United Statesbank states “Payable in U.S. Funds.”

✔ Mail your application and fees to PES.

Don’t ✘ Staple checks or other documents to the application

form.✘ Send cash, personal checks, or purchase orders as

payment of exam fees.✘ Mail your application or fees to PTCB.

One Last Word• Make a copy of all application materials for your records

before mailing them. Keep your money order receipt orcanceled certified check.

• Submit your application well in advance of the receiptdeadline using an expedited, traceable mail service.

• Save your receipt until after you receive your admissionticket.

• Please use the PTCB Application Checklist on the backof this Guidebook and make sure your application iscomplete.

• Keep this Guidebook for future reference onrecertification.Keep in mind, you must send written notification to

Professional Examination Service for any of thefollowing:

1). Name change (use the form on page 22).2). Address change (use the form on page 22).3). Request for withdrawal from the exam.4). Test center change.

Important InformationReceipts

Your admission ticket to the examination serves as yourreceipt. Admission tickets are sent three weeks prior tothe examination. Do not discard your admission ticketafter the exam as you may need it at a later date to serveas your receipt for your exam payment.

Incomplete ApplicationsIf your application is incomplete, you will be notified

and required to provide the necessary information by aspecified deadline together with an additional $15 fee.

Postcard AcknowledgmentIf you want PES to acknowledge receipt of your

application materials, enclose the postcard included in thisapplication packet with your registration materials. (Don’tforget to write your address and put a stamp on thepostcard.) PES will send the postcard to you when theyreceive your application. Keep the postcardacknowledgment until after you have received youradmission ticket. The postcard acknowledgment does notnecessarily mean that your application is complete orcorrect only that it has been received by PES. Candidatesapplying via the online application will receive an e-mailconformation.

Change of Test CentersYou may request a change from one test center to

another by notifying PES in writing on or before thewithdrawal/ change test center date. You may not changetest centers after this deadline.

Inclement WeatherThe safety of all candidates is of utmost concern. In the

event of inclement weather, the PES will coordinate withtheir on-site Chief Examiners and proctors to determineconditions at affected test centers. Cancellation will berecommended by PES if any one of the followingconditions exists:1. a State of Emergency has been declared for the test

center area;2. the test center facility has been closed; and/or,3. the Chief Examiner cannot travel to the test center

and indicates severe weather conditions at the testcenter.

If any one of these conditions exists, PES and PTCBwill cancel the test administration at that center. PES willwork through the Chief Examiner to place notices withlocal news services indicating the examinationcancellation. No alternate date will be scheduled.Affected candidates will be allowed to sit for theexamination on the next test date and will be contactedat a later date with information on any procedures thatneed to be followed. Visit PTCB's web site(www.ptcb.org) two days prior to the exam for testcenter addresses changes or cancellations.

State Abbreviations (see instructions for completing boxes 7-10a)

AL AlabamaAK AlaskaAZ ArizonaAR ArkansasCA CaliforniaCO ColoradoCT ConnecticutDE DelawareDC District of

ColumbiaFL FloridaGA GeorgiaHI HawaiiID IdahoIL IllinoisIN IndianaIA IowaKS Kansas

KY KentuckyLA LouisianaME MaineMD MarylandMA MassachusettsMI MichiganMN MinnesotaMS MississippiMO MissouriMT MontanaNE NebraskaNV NevadaNH New HampshireNJ New JerseyNM New MexicoNY New YorkNC North CarolinaND North Dakota

OH OhioOK OklahomaOR OregonPA PennsylvaniaPR Puerto RicoRI Rhode IslandSC South CarolinaSD South DakotaTN TennesseeTX TexasUT UtahVA VirginiaVI Virgin IslandsVT VermontWA WashingtonWV West VirginiaWI WisconsinWY Wyoming

12

WithdrawalsIf you must withdraw your application from the

examination fax or send by certified mail a writtenwithdrawal request before the withdrawal receipt deadline(see page 3) to:

Professional Examination Service 475 Riverside DriveNew York, NY 10115Fax: (212) 367-4266

If you fax your request, be sure to obtain a faxconfirmation receipt.

Checks for partial refunds ($90) will be issued fourweeks after the withdrawal deadline, a $15 administrativefee applies. If you do not withdraw your application priorto the deadline, you will forfeit the entire $105 fee.Withdrawal requests will only be accepted fromcandidates. Employers or family members may not requestwithdrawal on behalf of candidates. Your application feecannot be applied to a future examination date.

Medical and Personal EmergencyRequests for medical and personal emergency

withdrawals after the withdrawal deadline are handled byPTCB on a case-by-case basis. Emergency withdrawals aregranted for medical emergencies or deaths in theimmediate family. Please mail or fax a letter to PTCBdescribing your situation. Include:• full name and signature; • examination date; • test center location;• social security number; • method of payment (corporate check, money order, etc.);• copy of admission ticket; and• documentation such as emergency room form, letter

from physician, funeral notice, etc.

Send no later than seven days after the examination to:PTCB2215 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20037Fax: (202) 429-7596

Checks for partial refunds ($90) for approved medicaland personal emergency withdrawals are issued four weeksafter the day of the examination, a $15 administrativeprocessing fee applies.

Other AbsencesIf you withdraw or are absent from the PTCE and wish

to take the exam at a future date, you must obtain a newapplication or register online and apply as before. Fees formissed examinations are non-refundable and non-transferable. There are no exceptions.

The Day of the ExaminationAdmission to the Examination

If your application was received and processed by thestated receipt deadline, you will be sent an admissionticket approximately three weeks before the test date. Theadmission ticket will contain the name of the test, thedate on which the test will be given, the address of thetest center, the time you are to report to the test center,and your name and identification number.

If you lose your admission ticket or have not received anadmission ticket one week before the test date, you shouldcontact PES at (877) 782-2888.

In order to be admitted to the examination, PTCEcandidates are required to present one of the following:valid passport, driver’s license with photograph (or non-driver’s identification issued by the Department of MotorVehicles), or U.S. Armed Forces photo identification.Your photo identification must be clear and legible. Yourname must appear as it is on your admission ticket.

If you arrive at the test center without your photo ID(see acceptable forms of ID above) and your admissionticket, you will not be permitted to enter the test center.Also, if your name on your photo ID does not match thename on your admission ticket, you will not be permittedto test. In either instance you will forfeit your exam fee.

Day of the Examination ScheduleYou must arrive at the test center at or before the 8:00

am reporting time indicated on your admission ticket. Ifyou are traveling to an unfamiliar area, allow adequatetime to locate the test center. Seating of candidates,distribution of test materials and testing instructions willbegin shortly thereafter.

The total testing time is three hours. Additional timehas been allowed for instructions. You can expect to leavethe test center around 12:00 noon.

Candidates who arrive after the Chief Examiner hasstarted pre-test instructions and candidates withoutproper government issued photo ID(such as a driver’slicense or passport) or an admission ticket will not beadmitted to the examination and their fees will beforfeited.

7:30 am - 8:00 am Report to the test center. Bring admissionticket, government issued photo ID, severalsharpened No. 2 pencils, and a calculator.

8:30 am Instruction and Examination begin.12:00 pm Examination ends.

Procedures at the ExaminationYou should bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils with

erasers. No reference materials, books, or papers areallowed in the examination room. No test materials,documents, or memoranda of any sort may be taken fromthe examination room. Your test booklet will serve asscratch paper for the examination.

No questions concerning the content of theexamination may be asked during the testing period.Listen carefully to instructions given by the ChiefExaminer and read the directions in the test booklet.

13

You will be given the opportunity to comment inwriting on any question contained in the examinationthat you believe is misleading or deficient in accuracy orcontent. A form for this purpose will be provided. Afterthe exam, each comment will be reviewed by the PTCBCertification Council. However, responses to individualcomments will not be provided.

You also may comment in writing about test centerfacilities, test supervision, or any other matter related tothe testing program to PES within two weeks after the dayof the examination.

Chief Examiners are authorized to maintain a secure andproper test administration environment, includingrelocation of candidates. Candidates may not communicatewith other candidates during the examination. Candidateswill be inspected for recording devices such as hand-heldscanners, cameras, tape recorders, or other recordingdevices. Areas around the testing room (e.g., hallways,restrooms, telephone stalls) are monitored throughout theexamination for security purposes.

Use of CalculatorsYou are allowed to bring a hand-held,

non-programmable calculator that is silent. Only battery-operated or solar-powered calculators will beadmitted. Scientific calculators are not acceptable for useduring the exam. Calculators that perform fractions willbe confiscated.

Suggestions for Taking the ExaminationRead the test booklet directions carefully. You may miss

important information by skipping over directions orreading them too quickly. Answer the questions in order,but do not waste time on questions containing unfamiliaror difficult material. You may come back to thesequestions if there is time remaining at the end.

Make an educated guess at the correct answer ratherthan leaving the answer space blank. The score on theentire test will be based only on the number of correctresponses with no penalty imposed for wrong answers.

Record the answers carefully on the separate answersheet. The numbering of questions in the test bookmatches the numbering of the responses on the answersheet. Erase any previously marked responses thoroughly.Multiple responses to a question will be scored as incorrect.Answers must be recorded on the answer sheet forscoring purposes. Answers recorded on the test bookletwill not be used for scoring purposes.

After The ExaminationReceipt of Scores

PES will mail score reports approximately 60 days orsooner after the examination. Neither the PTCB nor PESwill report individual scores by telephone, fax or e-mail.

Candidates who do not receive score reports within 60days after the test date should contact PES immediatelyin writing and a duplicate score report will be issued at nocost. Written requests for duplicate score reports should besent to:

Professional Examination Service 475 Riverside DriveNew York, NY 10115Fax: (212) 367-4266

Duplicate Score ReportsRequests for duplicate score reports received more than

70 days after the examination date will require a $15processing fee. Please contact PES for more information.

ConfidentialityThe application to take the national PTCE constitutes

written authorization for the test developer to release thatcandidate’s scores to the PTCB and to the candidateonly. Access to candidate scores are limited to those staffmembers at the PTCB and PES who are involved in theproduction and mailing of these reports. Groupperformance data will be utilized by PES, the PTCB, orothers designated by the PTCB for purposes of researchand development and reporting to the profession.Individual test scores are provided to the candidate only.

HandscoringIf you receive a failing score on the test, you may request

a handscore of your answer sheet. Requests for handscoringmust be made in writing to PES within 90 days of the testdate and must include the following information: SocialSecurity number; test date, and signature. Please use theform included in this Guidebook on page 23. Anadministrative fee of $50 (certified check or money order inU.S. dollars, payable to “Professional Examination Service”)will be charged for each handscore request. Do not requesthandscoring services until you have received your scorereport from PES.

Recognition of CertificationOnce you have met all eligibility requirements and

have passed the national Pharmacy TechnicianCertification Examination, you may use the designation“CPhT” after your name. CPhTs have demonstratedtheir knowledge and skills related to the work ofpharmacy technicians. A certificate and wallet card willbe sent to newly Certified Pharmacy Techniciansapproximately 60 days after sitting for the certificationexamination. Certification is valid for two years. CPhTdesignation lapel pins and uniform patches may also bepurchased. See page 29 of this Guidebook for informationand instructions on how to order.

A listing of CPhTs will be maintained by the PharmacyTechnician Certification Board and may be reported in itspublications.

ReexaminationThe Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination

may be taken by eligible candidates as many times asneeded to earn a passing score. A new application includingappropriate documentation and $105 in fees must besubmitted each time to Professional Examination Service.

Applications are available from PTCB via e-mail atwww.ptcb.org, and from your state pharmacy organization.Candidates may also complete an application via theinternet (www.ptcb.org).

14

Passing ScoreA panel of content experts establishes a passing score

for the national Pharmacy Technician CertificationExamination using appropriate standard settingprocedures, under the guidance of PES. The passing scorefor the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination iscriterion referenced rather than normative; that is, it isbased on a standard of performance that experts in theprofession have determined to be acceptable forcertification. It is not based on a “curve” as are someacademic tests.

Candidates must obtain a scaled score of at least 650 topass the PTCE. The passing score was established by apanel of content experts who used the modified-Angoffmethod. Using this method, each question is individuallyevaluated and rated by the panelists. Panelists estimate thepercentage of qualified candidates who will answer eachitem correctly. The overall passing score is computed byaveraging the panelists’ ratings. The PTCB CertificationCouncil recommends the passing score to the Board ofGovernors.

To ensure the security and integrity of the PTCE,multiple forms of the examination with different questionsare used over the years. The passing score is not set as aspecific raw score or number of questions answeredcorrectly because some of these exam forms may beslightly easier or more difficult than other forms. Becauseof the variations in difficulty, the PTCE is equated. Oncethe test forms have been equated, the raw scores areconverted to scaled scores which are equivalent for alladministrations of the PTCE. Thus, a given scaled scorereflects the same level of ability regardless of the form ofthe PTCE that was taken. The range of total scaled scoresfor the PTCE is 300-900.

Equating is a statistical process by which scores ondifferent forms of the PTCE are calibrated onto a common scale. Equating ensures that candidates ofcomparable proficiency will be likely to obtainapproximately the same scaled scores regardless offluctuations in the overall difficulty level from oneexamination administration to another.

After each examination administration, individual testitems are evaluated for their performance. Items identified asbeing ambiguous may be scored with multiple correctanswers with no penalty to the candidates.

Many quality control procedures are used during thescoring process to ensure the accuracy of score reports.Answer sheets are electronically scored and the datastored on computer files from which score reports aregenerated. A preliminary item analysis is conducted andreviewed by the PTCB Certification Council to make surethat the examination items perform as expected and arepsychometrically sound. In addition, comments fromcandidates on exam questions are considered at this time.This review allows for adjustments to scoring if there areflawed test items. All the answer sheets are scoredfollowing the production of a final scoring key. Scorereports are then printed and mailed.

Each candidate will receive a score report which willprovide feedback from the three main function areas ofthe Examination Content Outline. This is done to givethe candidate an idea of how well he/she performed in

each area and to identify areas of weakness. The passingscore, however, is based on the candidate’s performanceon all questions. There is no passing score for each of thefunctions.

Examination PreparationExamination Format

The PTCE contains 125 multiple-choice questions.Four choices are provided for each item, with onlyONE designated as the correct or best answer. ThePTCE is not structured by function; rather, questionsfrom the three functions tested are distributedrandomly throughout the total examination. It is toyour advantage to answer every question on theexamination since the final score is based on the totalnumber of questions answered correctly. You will havethree hours to complete the national PTCE.

The national PTCE samples your knowledge and skillbase for activities performed in the work of pharmacytechnicians. Each question is carefully written, referenced,and validated to determine its accuracy and correctness.The Certification Council and Pharmacy TechnicianResource Panel (composed of pharmacists, pharmacytechnicians, and pharmacy technician educators, drawnfrom various practice settings and geographic areas) havedeveloped the actual test items under the direction of PEStesting experts. In addition, the content framework of theentire examination is supported by a nationwide study ofthe work pharmacy technicians perform in a variety ofpractice settings including community and institutionalpharmacies.

The content of the exam is characterized under threefunction areas:

I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients — 64% of exam

II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems — 25% of exam

III. Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice — 11% of exam

Preparing for the ExaminationThe national Pharmacy Technician Certification

Examination applies to all practice settings. In preparingfor the national Pharmacy Technician CertificationExamination, familiarity with the material contained inany basic pharmacy technician-training manuals or booksmay be helpful. Your supervising pharmacist may also behelpful in designing a study plan. The PharmacyTechnician Certification Board does not endorse,recommend or sponsor any review course, manuals, orbooks for the PTCB examination. Major reference textsused during test item construction, review and editinginclude:• “Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs,” Washington,

DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996. • “Pharmacy Technician Certification: Quick-Study

Guide,” Washington, DC: American PharmaceuticalAssociation, 1999.

15

• “AHFS 99 Drug Information,” Bethesda, MD: AmericanSociety of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.

• “Manual for Pharmacy Technicians,” New 2nd ed.,Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-SystemPharmacists, 1998.

• “Pharmacy Technician Certification Review andPractice Exam,” Bethesda, MD: American Society ofHealth-System Pharmacists, 1998.

• “Pharmacy Certified Technician Training Manual,”Lansing, MI: Michigan Pharmacists Association, 1997.

• “Pharmacy Technician Review Series,” Waverly, IA:Pharmacy Marketing Group, Inc., 1998.

• “The Community Retail Pharmacy TechnicianTraining Manual,” Alexandria, VA: NationalAssociation of Chain Drug Stores, and NationalCommunity Pharmacist Association, 1997.

• “The Pharmacy Technician,” Englewood, CO. MortonPublishing Company, 1999.

• Durgin, J.I., Hanan, Z.I., Mastanduono, J. “PharmacyPractice for Technicians,” 2nd ed., Albany, NY.Delmar Publishers, 1999.

• Ballington, D.A. “Pharmacy Practice,” St. Paul, MN.EMC Paradigm Publishers, 1999.

• Ballington, D.A., Laughlin, M.M: “Pharmacy Math forTechnicians,” St. Paul, MN. EMC ParadigmPublishers, 1999.

• Ballington, D.A., Laughlin, M.M: “Pharmacology forTechnicians,” St. Paul, MN: EMC ParadigmPublishers, 1999.

• Ballington, D.A., Laughlin, M.M: “PharmacologyWorkbook for Technicians,” St. Paul, MN: EMCParadigm Publishers, 1999.

• Ballington, D.A., Laughlin, M.M: “PharmacologyInstructor’s Guide for Technicians,” St. Paul, MN.EMC Paradigm Publishers, 1999.

• Bradshaw, M.C., Garcia, D.E., Johnson, L.J.“Pharmacy Sterile Products Training Manual,”Houston, TX: Pharmacy Education Resources, Inc.,1997.

• Garcia, D.E., Wilroy, L.J. “Pharmacy TechnicianEssentials, A Comprehensive Study Guide,” Houston,TX: Pharmacy Education Resources, Inc., 1997.

• Hunt M. “Training Manual for IntravenousAdmixture Personal, 5th ed.” Precept Press, 1995.

• Nielsen J.R. “Handbook of Federal Drug Law,”Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins,1992.

• Stoklosa M., Ansel H. “Pharmaceutical Calculations,”10th ed., Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams &Wilkins, 1996.

You may use these books to review and refresh yourknowledge, particularly in those areas of the examcontent outline with which you are not familiar. Thephone numbers for the publishers of these books andother useful numbers are listed in this Guidebook on page28. NOTE: Your review for the examination should notbe limited to these noted sources only. Various trainingand educational opportunities are available for pharmacytechnicians. Contact your local/state pharmacyorganization or pharmacy technician training programsfor further information.

Pharmacy TechnicianCertification ExaminationContent Outline

PTCB has recently concluded the latest review of thetasks performed by pharmacy technicians. This study,conducted by PTCB with the assistance of theProfessional Examination Service (PES), surveyed agroup of randomly selected CPhTs throughout theUnited States. Survey participants represented diversepractice settings and other demographics. Data from thistask analysis has been used to update the test contentoutline. The content outline of the examination is theblue print by which the exam is constructed.

Please review pages 18-20 for the knowledgestatements that are required for the functions ofpharmacy technicians according to the latest taskanalysis. The listing of knowledge statements willassist you in studying for the exam. If you are notfamiliar with a particular area, consult yoursupervising pharmacist.

For purposes of national certification, pharmacytechnicians are defined as individuals working in apharmacy, who under the supervision of a licensedpharmacist, assist in pharmacy activities not requiringthe professional judgement of a pharmacist.

The following functions and responsibilities are asubset of functions performed in pharmacy practicedetermined and verified through the national taskanalysis of pharmacy technicians. The PharmacyTechnician Certification Examination samplescandidates’ knowledge and skill base for activitiesperformed in the work of pharmacy technicians.State rules and regulations as well as job-centerpolicies and procedures may specifically definefunctions and responsibilities of pharmacytechnicians.

The pharmacy technician is accountable to thesupervising pharmacist, who is legally responsible byvirtue of state licensure for the care and safety ofpatients served by the pharmacy. The pharmacytechnician performs activities as the result of havingcertain knowledge and skills. These are characterizedunder three function areas:

I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients—64% of Examination

II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory ControlSystems—25% of Examination

III. Participating in the Administration andManagement of Pharmacy Practice—11% ofExamination

16

The specific responsibilities and activities that pharmacytechnicians may perform within each function area are:

I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients

1. Receive prescription or medication order(s) frompatient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or otherhealthcare professional:— Accept new prescription or medication orderfrom patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, orother healthcare professional— Accept new prescription or medication orderelectronically (for example, by telephone, fax, orcomputer— Accept refill request from patient/patient’srepresentative, prescriber , or other healthcareprofessional— Accept refill request electronically (for example,by telephone, fax, or computer)— Contact prescriber/originator for clarification ofprescription or medication order refill

2. At the direction of the pharmacist, assist inobtaining from the patient/patient’s representativesuch information as diagnosis or desired therapeuticoutcome, medication use, allergies, adverse reactions,medical history and other relevant patientinformation, physical disability, and reimbursementmechanisms

3. At the direction of the pharmacist, assist inobtaining from prescriber, other healthcareprofessionals, and/or the medical record suchinformation as diagnosis or desired therapeuticoutcome, medication use, allergies, adverse reactions,medical history and other relevant patientinformation, physical disability, and reimbursementmechanisms

4. At the direction of the pharmacist, collect data (forexample, blood pressure and glucose) to assist thepharmacist in monitoring patient outcomes

5. Assess prescription or medication order forcompleteness (for example, patient’s name andaddress), accuracy (for example, consistency withproducts available), authenticity, legality, andreimbursement eligibility

6. Update the medical record/patient profile with suchinformation as medication history, allergies,medication duplication, and/or drug-disease, drug-drug, drug-laboratory, and drug-food interactions

7. Process a prescription or medication order:— Enter prescription or medication orderinformation onto patient profile— Select the product(s) for a generically writtenprescription or medication order— Select the product(s) for a brand-nameprescription or medication order (consultingestablished formulary as appropriate)— Obtain medications or devices from inventory— Measure, count, or calculate finished dosageforms for dispensing— Record preparation of prescription or medication,

including any special requirements, for controlledsubstances— Package finished dosage forms (for example,blister pack, vial)— Affix label(s) and auxiliary label(s) tocontainer(s)— Assemble patient information materials— Check for accuracy during processing of theprescription or medication order (for example,matching NDC number)— Verify the measurements, preparation, and/orpackaging of medications produced by othertechnicians— Prepare prescription or medication order for finalcheck by pharmacist

8. Compound a prescription or medication order:— Assemble equipment and/or supplies necessary forcompounding the prescription or medication order— Calibrate equipment (for example, scale orbalance, TPN compounder) needed to compoundthe prescription or medication order— Perform calculations required for usual dosagedeterminations and preparation of compounded IVadmixtures— Compound medications (for example, ointments,reconstituted antibiotic suspensions) for dispensingaccording to prescription formula or instructions— Compound medications in anticipation ofprescription or medication orders (for example, bulkcompounding for a specific patient)— Prepare sterile products (for example, TPNs,piggybacks)— Prepare chemotherapy— Record preparation and/or ingredients ofmedications (for example, lot number, controlnumber, expiration date)

9. Provision of medication to patient/patient’srepresentative:— Store medication prior to distribution— Provide medication to patient/patient’srepresentative— Place medication in dispensing system (forexample, unit-dose cart, robotics)— Deliver medication to patient-care unit— Record distribution of prescription medication— Record distribution of controlled substances— Record distribution of investigational drugs

10. Determine charges and obtain reimbursement forservices

11. Communicate with third-party payers to determineor verify coverage and obtain prior authorizations

12. Provide supplemental information (for example,patient package leaflets, computer generatedinformation, videos) as requested/required

13. Ask patient if counseling by pharmacist is desired14. Perform drug administration functions under

appropriate supervision (for example, performdrug/IV rounds, anticipate refill of drugs/IVs)

15. Assist the pharmacist in monitoring patient laboratoryvalues (for example, blood pressure, cholesterol values)

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II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory ControlSystems

1. Identify pharmaceuticals, durable medicalequipment, devices, and supplies to be ordered (forexample, want book)

2. Place orders for pharmaceuticals, durable medicalequipment, devices, and supplies (includinginvestigational and hazardous products anddevices), and expedite emergency orders incompliance with legal, regulatory, professional,and manufacturers’ requirements

3. Receive goods and verify against specifications onoriginal purchase orders

4. Place pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment,devices, and supplies (including hazardousmaterials and investigational products) ininventory under proper storage conditions

5. Perform non–patient-specific distribution ofpharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment,devices, and supplies (for example, crash carts,nursing station stock, automated dispensingsystems)

6. Remove from inventory expired/discontinued/slow-moving pharmaceuticals, durable medicalequipment, devices, and supplies

7. Remove from inventory recalled pharmaceuticals,durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies

8. Communicate changes in product availability (forexample, formulary changes, recalls) to pharmacystaff, patient/patient’s representative, physicians,and other healthcare professionals

9. Implement and monitor policies and procedures todeter theft and/or drug diversion

10. Maintain a record of controlled substancesreceived, stored, and removed from inventory

11. Perform required inventories and maintainassociated records

12. Maintain record-keeping systems for repackaging,bulk compounding, recalls, and returns ofpharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment,devices, and supplies

13. Compound medications in anticipation ofprescription/medication orders (for example, bulkcompounding)

14. Perform quality assurance tests on compoundedmedications (for example, for bacterial growth; forsodium, potassium, dextrose levels; forradioactivity)

15. Repackage finished dosage forms for dispensing16. Participate in quality assurance programs related to

products and/or supplies (for example, orange bookequivalence, formulary revision, nursing unitaudits, performance evaluations of wholesalers)

17. Communicate with representatives ofpharmaceutical and equipment suppliers

III. Participating in the Administration andManagement of Pharmacy Practice

1. Coordinate written, electronic, and oralcommunications throughout the practice setting(for example, route phone calls, faxes, verbal andwritten refill authorizations; disseminate policychanges)

2. Update and maintain information (for example,insurance information, patient demographics,provider information, reference material)

3. Collect productivity information (for example, thenumber of prescriptions filled, fill times, moneycollected, rejected claim status)

4. Participate in quality improvement activities (forexample, medication error reports, customersatisfaction surveys, delivery audits, internal auditsof processes)

5. Generate quality assurance reports6. Implement and monitor the practice setting for

compliance with federal, state, and local laws,regulations, and professional standards (forexample, Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS],eyewash centers, JCAHO standards)

7. Implement and monitor policies and proceduresfor sanitation management, handling of hazardouswaste (for example, needles), and infection control(for example, protective clothing, laminar flowhood, other equipment cleaning)

8. Perform and record routine sanitation,maintenance, and calibration of equipment (forexample, automated dispensing equipment,balances, robotics, refrigerator temperatures)

9. Maintain and use manual or computer-basedinformation systems to perform job-relatedactivities (for example, update prices, generatereports and labels, perform utilizationtracking/inventory)

10. Maintain software for automated dispensingtechnology, including point-of-care drugdispensing cabinets

11. Perform billing and accounting functions (forexample, personal charge accounts, third-partyrejections, third-party reconciliation, censusmaintenance, prior authorization)

12. Communicate with third-party payers to determineor verify coverage

13. Conduct staff training14. Aid in establishing, implementing, and monitoring

policies and procedures

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Knowledge StatementsThe knowledge base required to perform activitiesassociated with each function of the pharmacytechnician are:

I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients1. Knowledge of federal, state, and/or practice site

regulations, codes of ethics, and standardspertaining to the practice of pharmacy

2. Knowledge of pharmaceutical, medical, and legaldevelopments which impact on the practice ofpharmacy

3. Knowledge of state-specific prescription transferregulations

4. Knowledge of pharmaceutical and medicalabbreviations and terminology

5. Knowledge of generic and brand names ofpharmaceuticals

6. Knowledge of therapeutic equivalence7. Knowledge of epidemiology8. Knowledge of risk factors for disease9. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology10. Knowledge of signs and symptoms of disease states11. Knowledge of standard and abnormal laboratory

values12. Knowledge of drug interactions (such as drug-

disease, drug-drug, drug-laboratory, drug-nutrient)13. Knowledge of strengths/dose, dosage forms, physical

appearance, routes of administration, and durationof drug therapy

14. Knowledge of effects of patient’s age (for example,neonates, geriatrics) on drug and non-drug therapy

15. Knowledge of drug information sources includingprinted and electronic reference materials

16. Knowledge of pharmacology (for example,mechanism of action)

17. Knowledge of common and severe side or adverseeffects, allergies, and therapeutic contraindicationsassociated with medications

18. Knowledge of drug indications19. Knowledge of relative role of drug and non-drug

therapy (for example, herbal remedies, lifestylemodification, smoking cessation)

20. Knowledge of practice site policies and proceduresregarding prescriptions or medication orders

21. Knowledge of information to be obtained frompatient/patient’s representative (for example,demographic information, allergy, third-partyinformation)

22. Knowledge of required prescription order refillinformation

23. Knowledge of formula to verify the validity of aprescriber’s DEA number

24. Knowledge of techniques for detecting forged oraltered prescriptions

25. Knowledge of techniques for detecting prescriptionerrors (for example, abnormal doses, early refill,

incorrect quantity, incorrect patient ID #, incorrectdrug)

26. Knowledge of effects of patient’s disabilities (forexample, visual, physical) on drug and non-drugtherapy

27. Knowledge of techniques, equipment, and suppliesfor drug administration (for example, insulinsyringes and IV tubing)

28. Knowledge of non-prescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) formulations

29. Knowledge of monitoring and screening equipment(for example, blood pressure cuffs, glucosemonitors)

30. Knowledge of medical and surgical appliances anddevices (for example, ostomies, orthopedic devices,pumps)

31. Knowledge of proper storage conditions32. Knowledge of automated dispensing technology33. Knowledge of packaging requirements34. Knowledge of NDC number components35. Knowledge of purpose for lot numbers and

expiration dates36. Knowledge of information for prescription or

medication order label(s)37. Knowledge of requirements regarding auxiliary

labels38. Knowledge of requirements regarding patient

package inserts39. Knowledge of special directions and precautions for

patient/patient’s representative regardingpreparation and use of medications

40. Knowledge of techniques for assessing patient’scompliance with prescription or medication order

41. Knowledge of action to be taken in the event of amissed dose

42. Knowledge of requirements for mailing medications43. Knowledge of delivery systems for distributing

medications (for example, pneumatic tube,robotics)

44. Knowledge of requirements for dispensingcontrolled substances

45. Knowledge of requirements for dispensinginvestigational drugs

46. Knowledge of record-keeping requirements formedication dispensing

47. Knowledge of automatic stop orders48. Knowledge of restricted medication orders49. Knowledge of quality improvement methods (for

example, matching NDC number, double-countingnarcotics)

50. Knowledge of pharmacy calculations (for example,algebra, ratio and proportions, metric conversions,IV drip rates, IV admixture calculations)

51. Knowledge of measurement systems (for example,metric and avoirdupois)

52. Knowledge of drug stability53. Knowledge of physical and chemical

incompatibilities

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54. Knowledge of equipment calibration techniques55. Knowledge of procedures to prepare IV admixtures56. Knowledge of procedures to prepare chemotherapy57. Knowledge of procedures to prepare total parenteral

nutrition (TPN) solutions58. Knowledge of procedures to prepare reconstituted

injectable and non-injectable medications59. Knowledge of specialized procedures to prepare

injectable medications (for example, epidurals andpatient controlled analgesic [PCA] cassettes)

60. Knowledge of procedures to prepareradiopharmaceuticals

61. Knowledge of procedures to prepare oral dosage forms(for example, tablets, capsules, liquids) in unit-dose ornon–unit-dose packaging

62. Knowledge of procedures to compound sterile non-injectable products (for example, eyedrops)

63. Knowledge of procedures to compound non-sterileproducts (for example, ointments, mixtures, liquids,emulsions)

64. Knowledge of procedures to prepare ready-to-dispense multidose packages (for example,ophthalmics, otics, inhalers, topicals, transdermals)

65. Knowledge of aseptic techniques (for example,laminar flow hood, filters)

66. Knowledge of infection control procedures67. Knowledge of requirements for handling hazardous

products and disposing of hazardous waste68. Knowledge of documentation requirements for

controlled substances, investigational drugs, andhazardous wastes

69. Knowledge of pharmacy-related computer software fordocumenting the dispensing of prescriptions ormedication orders

70. Knowledge of manual systems for documenting thedispensing of prescriptions or medication orders

71. Knowledge of customer service principles72. Knowledge of communication techniques73. Knowledge of confidentiality requirements74. Knowledge of cash handling procedures75. Knowledge of reimbursement policies and plans76. Knowledge of legal requirements for pharmacist

counseling of patient/patient’s representative

II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory ControlSystems

1. Knowledge of drug product laws and regulations andprofessional standards related to obtaining medicationsupplies, durable medical equipment, and products (forexample, Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; ControlledSubstances Act; Prescription Drug Marketing Act;USP-NF; NRC standards)

2. Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry procedures forobtaining pharmaceuticals

3. Knowledge of purchasing policies, procedures, andpractices

4. Knowledge of dosage forms5. Knowledge of formulary or approved stock list6. Knowledge of par and reorder levels and drug usage

7. Knowledge of inventory receiving process8. Knowledge of bioavailability standards (for example,

generic substitutes)9. Knowledge of the use of DEA controlled substance

ordering forms10. Knowledge of regulatory requirements regarding

record-keeping for repackaged products, recalledproducts, and refunded products

11. Knowledge of policies, procedures, and practices forinventory systems

12. Knowledge of products used in packaging andrepackaging (for example, child-resistant caps andlight-protective unit-dose packaging)

13. Knowledge of risk management opportunities (forexample, dress code, personal protective equipment[PPE], needle recapping)

14. Knowledge of the FDA’s classifications of recalls15. Knowledge of systems to identify and return expired

and unsalable products16. Knowledge of rules and regulations for the removal

and disposal of products17. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and

professional standards governing operations ofpharmacies (for example, prepackaging, differencebetween compounding and manufacturing)

18. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements andprofessional standards (for example, FDA, DEA, stateboard of pharmacy, JCAHO) for preparing, labeling,dispensing, distributing, and administeringmedications

19. Knowledge of medication distribution and controlsystems requirements for the use of medications invarious practice settings (for example, automateddispensing systems, bar coding, nursing stations, crashcarts)

20. Knowledge of preparation, storage requirements, anddocumentation for medications compounded inanticipation of prescriptions or medication orders

21. Knowledge of repackaging, storage requirements, anddocumentation for finished dosage forms prepared inanticipation of prescriptions or medication orders

22. Knowledge of policies, procedures, and practicesregarding storage and handling of hazardous materialsand wastes (for example, Materials Safety Data Sheet[MSDS])

23. Knowledge of medication distribution and controlsystems requirements for controlled substances,investigational drugs, and hazardous materials andwastes

24. Knowledge of the written, oral, and electroniccommunication channels necessary to ensureappropriate follow-up and problem resolution (forexample, product recalls, supplier shorts)

25. Knowledge of quality assurance policies, procedures,and practices for medication and inventory controlsystems

III. Participating in the Administration andManagement of Pharmacy Practice

1. Knowledge of the practice setting’s mission, goalsand objectives, organizational structure, andpolicies and procedures

2. Knowledge of lines of communication throughoutthe organization

3. Knowledge of principles of resource allocation (forexample, scheduling, cross training, work flow)

4. Knowledge of productivity, efficiency, andcustomer satisfaction measures

5. Knowledge of written, oral, and electroniccommunication systems

6. Knowledge of required operational licenses andcertificates

7. Knowledge of roles and responsibilities ofpharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and otherpharmacy employees

8. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements forpersonnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies (forexample, space requirements, prescription filestorage, cleanliness, reference materials, storage ofradiopharmaceuticals)

9. Knowledge of professional standards (for example,JCAHO) for personnel, facilities, equipment, andsupplies

10. Knowledge of quality improvement standards andguidelines

11. Knowledge of state board of pharmacy regulations12. Knowledge of storage requirements and expiration

dates for equipment and supplies (for example,first-aid items, fire extinguishers)

13. Knowledge of storage and handling requirementsfor hazardous substances (for example,chemotherapeutics, radiopharmaceuticals)

14. Knowledge of hazardous waste disposalrequirements

15. Knowledge of procedures for the treatment ofexposure to hazardous substances (for example,eyewash)

16. Knowledge of security systems for the protection ofemployees, customers, and property

17. Knowledge of laminar flow hood maintenancerequirements

18. Knowledge of infection control policies andprocedures

19. Knowledge of sanitation requirements (forexample, handwashing, cleaning counting trays,countertop, and equipment)

20. Knowledge of equipment calibration andmaintenance procedures

21. Knowledge of supply procurement procedures22. Knowledge of technology used in the preparation,

delivery, and administration of medications (forexample, robotics, Baker cells, automated TPNequipment, Pyxis, infusion pumps)

23. Knowledge of purpose and function of pharmacyequipment

24. Knowledge of documentation requirements forroutine sanitation, maintenance, and equipmentcalibration

25. Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Actrequirements (for example, physical accessibility)

26. Knowledge of manual and computer-based systemsfor storing, retrieving, and using pharmacy-relatedpharmacy information (for example, druginteractions, patient profiles, generating labels)

27. Knowledge of security procedures related to dataintegrity, security, and confidentiality

28. Knowledge of downtime emergency policies andprocedures

29. Knowledge of backup and archiving procedures forstored data and documentation

30. Knowledge of legal requirements regardingarchiving

31. Knowledge of third-party reimbursement systems32. Knowledge of healthcare reimbursement systems

(for example, home health, respiratory medications,eligibility and reimbursement)

33. Knowledge of billing and accounting policies andprocedures

34. Knowledge of information sources used to obtaindata in a quality improvement system (for example,the patient’s chart, patient profile, computerizedinformation systems, medication administrationrecord)

35. Knowledge of procedures to document occurrencessuch as medication errors, adverse effects, andproduct integrity (for example, FDA Med WatchProgram)

36. Knowledge of staff training techniques37. Knowledge of employee performance evaluation

techniques38. Knowledge of employee performance feedback

techniques

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The following sample questionsare illustrative of those found in thePharmacy Technician CertificationExamination.

1. How many mL of 3% acetic acidmust be mixed with 15% acetic acidto give 2500 mL of 10% acetic acid?

1. 1040 mL2. 2080 mL3. 1460 mL4. 2460 mL

2. To dispense an order calling for:prednisone 5 mg, one t.i.d. X 3 days;one b.i.d. X 3 days; one q.d. X 3days, the total medication needed is:

1. 15 tablets.2. 18 tablets.3. 21 tablets.4. 24 tablets.

3. A pharmacy receives a wholesalerinvoice reading, “$6,000, net 30.”Under these payment terms, thepharmacy will be:

1. granted a discount of $30 if theinvoice is paid upon receipt.

2. charged no interest if theinvoice is paid in full within 30days.

3. charged no interest if 30% ofthe $6,000 is paid immediatelyupon receipt of the invoice.

4. charged $30 interest for eachmonth that a balance remainsdue on the invoice.

4. A physician orders 125 mg/5 mLDilantin suspension to replace anorder reading, “Dilantin 100 mg,Dispense: #30, Sig: 1 t.i.d.” Whatquantity of suspension should bedispensed?

1. 100 mL2. 120 mL3. 300 mL4. 360 mL

5. Keto-Diastix is used to monitorwhich one of the followingconditions?

1. Tuberculosis2. Hepatitis3. Colon Cancer4. Diabetes

6. A common name for an inventoryprocess that relies on pharmacy staffto write down items to be reordered is:

1. a formulary system.2. a want list.3. bar-coding.4. bulk storage.

7. Before disposal, expired ScheduleI and II controlled substances mustbe reported to the:

1. Drug EnforcementAdministration.

2. American PharmaceuticalAssociation.

3. Food and Drug Administration.4. State Board of Pharmacy.

8. The appearance of crystals inmannitol injection would indicatethat the product:

1. was exposed to excessive cold.2. has settled during shipping.3. contains impurities and should

be returned.4. was formulated using sterile

saline.

9. Persons handling Efudex creamshould be informed that it:

1. can be used on open wounds.2. can be applied liberally as

needed.3. must be applied using gloves.4. is available over the counter.

10. Upon receipt of a phone callregarding accidental poisoningestion, the pharmacytechnician may do all of thefollowing except:

1. recommend contacting theemergency room.

2. ask the pharmacist to handlethe call.

3. recommend contacting theregional/local poison controlcenter.

4. recommend induction ofvomiting.

11. A prescription order for anantibiotic preparation includes thedirections, “ii gtt AU q.i.d.” Whatauxiliary label should be affixed tothe prescription order container?

1. Take with Meals.2. For the Eye.3. For Rectal Use.4. For the Ear.

12. An example of a major drug-drug interaction would be:

1. warfarin-aspirin.2. digoxin-diltiazem.3. penicillin-cephalexin.4. hydrocodone-codeine.

13. Heparin 25,000 Units in 250 mLD5W is running through anadministration set delivering 60drops/mL. The flow rate required todeliver a heparin dose of 15Units/min is:

1. 0.9 drops/min2. 54.0 drops/min3. 9.0 drops/min4. 90.0 drops/min

14. What is the generic name forCompazine?

1. Promethazine2. Prochlorperazine3. Procainamide4. Propranolol

15. A device that detects the signalsand controls the flow of informationbetween two computerscommunicating via a telephone lineis the:

1. monitor.2. modem.3. optical scanner.4. archive.

Sample Questions

Visit PTCB’s websiteat www.ptcb.org

to review a practice exam.

1....12....23....24....25....46....27....18....1

9......310....411....412....113....314....215....2

Answers:

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Current Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

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Request Form for New Certificate and/or Name & Address Change

Remember: No Personal Checks Are Accepted.701

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Do not submit this form until after you have received your score report.

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Fee:$50. Please enclose a certified check or money order made payable in U.S. dollars to Professional Examination

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Send To: Professional Examination Servicec/o PTCB (701) Testing Office475 Riverside DriveNew York City, NY 10115

Please complete the following with your current name and address:

Amount enclosed for handscoring of answer sheet $_____________

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I hereby request PES to handscore my answer sheet.

Candidate’s Signature: ________________________________________________ Date:______________________

No Personal Checks Accepted.701

Request for Handscoring of Answer Sheet

Steps to Recertification Recertification (renewal of your PTCB certification) is required every two years.

Step 1 Complete 20 hours of continuing education during your two-year certification period; 1 hour must be in pharmacy law.Maintain your own records of continuing education during your two-year certification period. Do not send them to PTCBunless requested.

Step 2 Review the entire recertification application packet sent to you from PTCB. You should expect to receive this informationapproximately 60 days prior to your recertification date

Step 3 Complete the application, remembering to sign the application and submit the recertification fee. Step 4 Mail the completed recertification application and fee prior to the postmark deadline. If the postmark date is after your

recertification date but before the 90-day late fee period deadline, you must also include a $15 late fee.Step 5 Once PTCB has received your recertification materials and approved your application, you will receive a new PTCB

certificate and wallet card in approximately sixty (60) days. If your application is returned for corrections, you will needto make the required changes, provide copies of your Certificates of Participation and submit the required fees; this willdelay the recertification process.

Step 6 If you are audited, you will need to submit copies of your Certificates of Participation along with your completed application.Step 7 Keep copies of your continuing education for at least one year after your certification expiration date.

Recertification FeesRecertification fees are made payable to “PTCB” in the amount of $25 in the form of a check or money order and must be included withyour application. Any recertification applications received after the postmark deadline must include an additional late fee of $15, for atotal of $40. Returned applications require a $10 reprocessing fee and $15 late fee if the corrected application is postmarked after yourrecertification date.

AuditsA certain number of CPhTs will be chosen at random for an audit of continuing education. If you are audited, list all continuing education hours on the application AND send photocopies of the Certificates of Participation and the PTCB Universal ContinuingEducation Form(s). All continuing education documentation should be kept at least 1 year beyond your certification expiration date.CPhTs may be audited at any time at the discretion of PTCB.

Returned Recertification ApplicationsPTCB will return applications not completed correctly. Please read all directions carefully. Please send the completed application wellin advance of the postmark deadline in order to allow time for the application to be returned if an error was made in completing theapplication. There will be no exceptions or extensions to the postmark deadlines.

• When resubmitting a corrected recertification application, you will be required to submit copies of your Certificates of Participation and/or copies of your completed PTCB Universal Continuing Education Form and the required $10 reprocessing fee.

• Failure to successfully complete the recertification requirements will result in the loss of PTCB certification.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINESfor Continuing Education for Certified Pharmacy Technicians

Summary of Recertification Process• PTCB certification must be renewed every 2 years. The recertification application packet will be sent to you approximately 60 days

before your certification expiration date. Be sure to keep your address information current with PTCB.

• 20 hours of continuing education are required for recertification; 1 must be in pharmacy law. A maximum of 10 hours may be earnedby completing in-service projects using the PTCB Universal Continuing Education Form.

• All continuing education must be earned within the two-year certification period.

• CPhTs are given 90 days to submit completed recertification applications after their expiration date. This 90-day late fee period is onlyfor sending in required paperwork. Continuing education hours cannot be earned during this period.

• The recertification fee is $25. An additional late fee of $15 (for a total of $40) is required for those applications submitted during the90-day late fee period. A $10 reprocessing fee applies to returned applications.

Recertification Postmark Deadline ($25) 90-day Late Fee Postmark Deadline ($40)

March 31 June 30 July 31 October 31

November 30 February 28

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Continuing EducationComplete 20 hours of continuing education within your two-year certification period; 1 hour must be in pharmacy law. All continuingeducation programs must be credited during your two-year certification period. • Additional hours are not carried over to the next recertification date.• American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) accreditation is not mandatory for attended programs for pharmacy

technicians to receive continuing education credit. ACPE is not a CE program sponsor.• A maximum 10 hours may be earned at your workplace by completing in-service projects under the direct supervision of the

pharmacist(s) using the PTCB universal Continuing Education form

In-Service Projects/ PTCB Universal Continuing Education FormIn-service projects are not the same as working your regular duties. CPhTs should make arrangements with the supervising pharmacistfor the completion of specially assigned in-service projects or training.• In-service project examples include inventory control, IV admixtures, videos, self-study articles from professional pharmacy journals,

etc. The projects should be selected with the CPhTs individual needs in mind.• The supervising pharmacist must complete and sign the PTCB Universal Continuing Education Form for in-service projects (found on

the back cover).• The PTCB Universal Continuing Education Form should not be completed for those courses that issue a Certificate of Participation. • Each time the PTCB Universal Continuing Education Form is used, the program is considered an in-service project.

Acceptable Continuing Education Subject MatterYou must earn your continuing education hours in pharmacy-related subject matter. Programs felt to be appropriate for CPhTs mustpertain to the following topics:

• Medication distribution • Calculations • Organizational skills& inventory control systems • Programs specific to pharmacy technicians • Pharmacy law*

• Pharmacy operations • Interpersonal skills • Pharmacology/drug therapy

*At least one contact hour in pharmacy law is required.

Acceptable Documentation for Continuing Education Contact Hours Certificates of Participation must include the following information:• Name of participant • Title and date of program • Program sponsor or provider• Number of hours awarded • Dated signature of sponsor representative* (company or organization name)

*Please note if the date of the program is not printed on the certificate, the dated signature will be used as the date the continuing education hour(s) was earned.

Acceptable Certificates of ParticipationCertificates of Participation generated by national, state and local pharmacy professional organizations, state boards of pharmacy, andeducational organizations.

Locating Continuing Education• Pharmacy professional organizations

– National pharmacy organizations such as American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), American Society of Health-SystemPharmacists (ASHP), American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT), etc.

– State pharmacy organizations such as Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP), Michigan Pharmacists Association(MPA), etc.

– Local chapter affiliates of state pharmacy organizations.• Pharmaceutical industry• Colleges of pharmacy• Pharmacy technician training programs • Universities, colleges, community colleges• Employers• Internet

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Types/Categories of Continuing Education Available

Lecture/Workshop ProgramsThis type of program may be a live presentation, teleconference, in-service, videotape panel discussion, workshop, etc. Speakers/Educators may include pharmacists, CPhTs, health care personnel (physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, etc.),and pharmaceutical industry representatives. If you do not receive a Certificate of Participation for the program, your supervising pharmacist may complete the Universal Continuing Education Form for you to receive credit. Note: if the PTCBUniversal Continuing Education Form is used, only a maximum of ten hours are allowed.

Credit hour allocation for lecture programs• You will receive credit for the same number of hours as the number of lecture hours attended (or the number of

hours approved for attendees). The minimum unit of credit that may be awarded for any single lecture program isone contact hour.

• ACPE accreditation of the program provider is not mandatory for attended programs for CPhTs to receive continuingeducation credit.

Home study/Self-study ProgramsCPhT’s may complete pharmacy journal articles; audio and videocassette tape study programs; computer-assisted instruction;web site (internet) courses; and correspondence courses.

Credit hour allocation for self-study programs• The minimum unit of credit awarded for any single program is one hour.• ACPE accreditation of the program provider is not mandatory for credit to be awarded to CPhTs.• If you do not receive a Certificate of Participation for a course, your supervising pharmacist may complete the PTCB

Universal Continuing Education Form for you to receive credit. The subject matter of the program must pertain to the topics outlined in these guidelines. A minimum score of 70% must be earned on related quizzes.

College CoursesTo receive continuing education for any college course, you must complete the course with a grade of “C” or better. As a general guideline, the following categories of course work are eligible for continuing education credit:

• Courses in a pharmacy technician-training program such as those offered by a community college.• Any course in mathematics or calculations.• A life science course relating to pharmacy, e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, etc.• Any course in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Other course work may be approved on a case-by-case basis by writing a letter to the PTCB and including a syllabus for thecourse. PTCB will assess the relevance of the course to the work of CPhTs and notify you of its decision.

Contact hour allocation for college courses• PTCB will accept 1 college course for a maximum of 15 contact hours per two-year certification period. • A grade report (or official transcript) will be considered as the Certificate of Participation if audited.

Name and Address Change

PTCB must be notified of name* andaddress changes. Send your full name andCertification Number or Social SecurityNumber, with your new mailing address tothe address provided below.

Send to:2215 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20037

Fax: 202-429-7596Or visit PTCB’s web site at www.ptcb.org

*Changes in name must be accompanied byappropriate documentation (notarized copyof marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.).

Visit PTCB’s web site atwww.ptcb.org

Pharmacy Technician Certification BoardUniversal Continuing Education Form

(for in-service projects)Please note that if the continuing education sponsor provides a Certificate of Participation this form should not be completed.CPhTs may submit up to 10 hours of continuing education earned in the practice site for recertification by using this form. These10 in-service hours may not be earned by working 10 hours at the technician’s regular duties. To earn these hours, the supervisingpharmacist may arrange selected in-service projects or training (including self-study articles from professional pharmacy journals)for the technician. The supervising pharmacist completes and signs this Universal Continuing Education Form to verify completion of the project.

Instructions1. The supervising pharmacist must complete and sign this form.2. Complete all information. Please type or use a black pen so copies are legible.3. The summary should describe how the project relates to the work of the CPhT.4. Each project must have at least two learning objectives listed.5. One form must be completed for each CPhT and for each project.6. This form may be photocopied but must have an original signature of the pharmacist.7. Direct all inquiries regarding the use of this form to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, 2215 Constitution Avenue,

NW, Washington, DC 20037; www.ptcb.org.8. Do not send this form to PTCB unless otherwise directed.

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE.

Title of Project, Training Program, etc.:_____________________________________________________________________________

Source of Project: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Summary:______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Learning Objectives1._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CPhT Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Certification #:________________________

Date of Program Completion: __________________ Contact Hours: ________________

Pharmacist Name: __________________________________________________________________ Licensed: _____________________________

Pharmacist Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Date:________________________________

Employer/Company Name: ___________________________________________________________

(State)

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Useful Numbers

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board2215 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20037-2985

www.ptcb.orgPhone (202) 429-7576

Fax (202) 429-7596

Contact PTCB for application requests, national certification program questions, addresschanges, and recertification information.

Professional Examination Servicec/o PTCB (701) Testing Office111 Eighth Avenue, Suite 526

New York City, New York 10011Phone (877) PTCB-888

Fax 212-367-4266

Contact PES regarding receipt of application, fees, and test center locations.

Publisher ListingAmerican Pharmaceutical Association (800) 237-2742 or (202) 628-4410

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (301) 657-3000

Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (815) 227-9292

Michigan Pharmacists Association (517) 484-1466

Delmar Publishers (800) 842-3636

EMC Paradigm Publishers (800) 535-6865

Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins (800) 638-0672

Morton Publishing Company (303) 761-4805

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (703) 549-3001

National Community Pharmacists Association (703) 683-8200

Pharmacy Marketing Group, Inc. (319) 352-4440

Precept Press (800) 225-3775

Wear the Pin.....Be Proud of YourCredentials

Each day on the job you’re entitled to wear the CPhT logo gear. These special CPhT insignia identify you to pharmacists, peers, and patientsas one of a distinguished group who has earned certification.

ORDER FORM Please type or print clearly

MAILING ADDRESS

Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Home Phone Work Phone

CPhT Lapel Pins(As shown above)

The CPhT Lapel Pin features the CPhTlogo etched on a 10 karat gold-filled rec-tangle. The background is hand-filledwith green enamel, baked, and polishedto a bright and colorful finish. A deluxeround clutch back secures your pin inplace. Wearing this pin is the perfect wayto proudly announce your certification

*plus applicable state sales tax, shipping and handling.

CPhT Uniform PatchesThe Uniform Patch will identify you as aCertified Pharmacy Technician. Thisbeautifully embroidered gold and greenuniform patch is also designed in the logoform and measures 2.25” by 4”. You’llwant to buy one for each of your labcoats.

*plus applicable state sales tax, shipping and handling.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

■■ Personal Check Enclosed■■ Money Order Enclosed■■ Bill Charge Card

Write Visa # or Master Card # __________________________________________

Authorized Signature Expire Date

Name of Card Holder (Please print)

JUST

$19.95*ONLY$5.00*each

Here’s How to Order Yours Today. . .

QTY TOTAL

_________CPhT Lapel Pin @ $19.95 ea $ ____________

_________CPhT Uniform Patch @ $5.00 ea $ ____________

SubTotal $ ____________

Sales Tax $ ____________(6.25% IL res.only)

Shipping & Handling** $ ____________

GRAND TOTAL $ ____________

Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery

**SHIPPING AND HANDLINGPlease add charges based on your SubTotal amount$5 to $49.99.........................$5.95

$50.00 to $$74.99 ...............$6.95

$75.00 to $99.99 .................$7.95

$100.00 to $149.00 .............$8.95

$150.00 to $199.99 .............$9.95

$200 or more......................$10.95

Send orders to:CPhT Logo Gear4430 Manchester Drive, Ste G 2Rockford, IL 61109-1656

( ) ( )

Certified Pharmacy Technician

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PTCB REGISTRATION

C H E C K L I S T

To ensure that your application is complete, please use the following checklist. An

incomplete or inaccurate application and/or lack of supporting documentation will result in

a delay in the processing of your application. You may not be able to sit for the

examination on the date desired.

❑ Verify that you have a 2001 aqua application (previous applications no longer valid).

❑ Enclose a certified check, money order or corporate check (payable to “Professional

Examination Service” in U.S. dollars). Ensure that the check is signed and the

amount is correct. Applicant name(s) should appear on corporate checks and related

documentation. If you are paying by credit card, make sure that the credit card

number and expiration date are filled in correctly on the credit card payment form.

❑ Provide all information requested on the paper application. Include the state code

(BOX 21), printed on the cover of your Application Instructions.

❑ Enter the test center number of your choice on the application form (BOX 13).

Check to ensure that the number is correct. Remember you are not required to

test in your state of residence or employment site.

❑ If requesting a Sunday test date, provide the correct Sunday test date, and

required documentation.

❑ If requesting special accommodations (BOX 18), provide appropriate

documentation of any stated disability and requested special accommodation.

❑ Indicate the date of the examination you wish to take in Box 17.

❑ Complete and sign the original paper application.

❑ Provide postage and your return address on the enclosed pre-addressed

envelope for your application materials.

❑ Stamp and address the enclosed postcard so that PES can confirm receipt of

your application materials.

❑ Please note: application deadlines are receipt deadlines. If you are submitting

your application close to the deadline, it is recommended that you use an

expedited mail service. Saturday deliveries will not be accepted; nor will hand-

delivered items.

❑ Visit PTCB’s web site (www.ptcb.org) to review the practice test.

Professional Examination Service • c/o PTCB (701) Testing Office

475 Riverside Dr • New York City, NY 10115

For a copy of the PTCB Application Instructions accompanied by the paper application, contact your state pharmacy association or PTCB; 2215 Constitution Avenue, NW; Washington, DC, 20037-2985; or apply online at www.ptcb.org.