Tips for Taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

Woman working in the pharmacy used these tips for passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
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By Heather Zielinski

Next time you’re filling a prescription, it might be time to notice the difference between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician.

The technician is the face of the pharmacy. She, or he, provides customer service, handles prescription insurance claims, manages patient records, and, depending upon the state, may repackage prescription medication, and refill prescriptions.
 
The pharmacist studied pharmacology in college. She, or he, has advanced knowledge regarding drugs and their use. The pharmacist advises patients about their medication.
 
If you’re considering a career as an Pharmacy Technician it’s important to know some tips for taking the pharmacy technician certification exam.
 

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Texas

While requirements vary from state to state, to work as a pharmacy technician within the state of Texas, the technician must become certified. Once certified the technician can then be registered with the Board of Pharmacy. So what are the requirements for becoming a certified pharmacy technician?

Studying with a school providing a pharmacy technician program is key to understanding the details of the job. The hands-on education you can learn through a PTCE-Recognized Program® will provide you with the necessary tools to pass the exam and have a successful career as a pharmacy technician.

There are many pharmacy technician jobs available. Pharmacy technicians earn good money. While in an entry-level position, you may earn a bit less, experienced pharmacy technicians in Texas currently have a median income of $35,000 per year. Some earn as much as $45,000 or more. Experienced pharmacy technicians are in high demand. Between 2016 and 2026, the demand is expected to grow statewide by 21 percent. Annually, the Texas pharmacy technician job market is seeking about 3,500 individuals.

What is The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam®?

To work as a certified pharmacy technician in Texas, you must pass the PTCE®. The exam content is diverse and includes learning brand names of medication along with generic names, use for the medication, possible interactions with other medication, storage requirements, and drug stability for oral suspensions, injectables, and so forth. The exam also covers the use of lot numbers and National Drug Code numbers, as well as understanding expiration dates. Other components of the exam include pharmacy technician hygiene, potential errors in filling prescriptions, and Federal Requirements for controlled substances, restricted drugs, drug recalls, and more.

There are requirements for eligibility to take the PTCE® exam. Starting in 2020, and continuing in 2021, candidates must have either taken a PTCE-Recognized Education/Training Program or have a minimum of 500 hours of work experience in the field. 

Tips for Taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

Studying through a PTCE-Recognized Program takes about one year or less. Some tools you will become familiar with and may want to spend more time with include:

These references will remain useful to you throughout your years serving as a certified pharmacy technician.

Furthermore, you will want to study the Official PTCE Practice Tools guide before scheduling your exam. These tips for passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam will help you start your career successfully.

Understanding the need for safety during this time of widespread COVID-19 infections, the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board is allowing testing from home computers under the virtual supervision of a live proctor. 

Taking the training course and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam are important steps in starting your career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. It will be the beginning of a rewarding healthcare career while earning a good income. 

The Pharmacy Technician training program at Southern Careers Institute is a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program that will supply you with the education you need to take and pass the PTCE. Start your career as a pharm tech here.

This article was published on: 01/11/21 12:01 PM

* SCI does not guarantee employment or a starting salary upon graduation, completion, or withdrawal from SCI. As an accredited post-secondary institution, SCI has various federal financial assistance programs available for students who qualify and are enrolled in SCI programs. This does not apply to seminar students.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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