Working with ingestive and intravenous drugs requires proper training, and proper certification and licensing are awarded to workers in this field to ensure that trained professionals handle prescriptions.
The job of a PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) professional is to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service in a pharmacy setting.
PTCB license applicants need to prepare and appear for an objective, written exam that tests their theoretical and practical knowledge.
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PTCB Exam: What To Expect?
For the PTCB exam, you are given a total of two hours to answer 90 questions, 10 of which are unscored. Candidates are provided with 10 minutes for the PTCB Exam tutorial as well as a survey at the end of the exam.
This is a computer-based multiple-choice exam where, out of four given choices, you have to select the correct or most appropriate option.
The syllabus for the PTCB examination is as follows:
- Medication: general terms, brand names, classification, and toxicology. Candidate needs to remember the initiation and side effects of all medicines, and what dose to administer for patients of different age groups.
- Legal and Federal Regulations: Legal constraints and guidelines issued by the federal government for chemists. Similarly, the candidate must be aware of standardized ethical standards and compliances.
- Pharmacy Technician Duties: Understand roles, responsibilities, and professional conduct in a pharmacy setting. Similarly, learn about medication storage, handling, and error prevention.
- Pharmacy Calculations: Candidates should master dosage calculations, conversions, and compounding measurements. Develop a learning of principles and techniques for preparing sterile and non-sterile medications.
How To Apply and Set Exam Date
Appearing for the PTCB examination is necessary to qualify for a certification of professional competency. Applicants should apply for certification at the official website of PTCB, i.e., ptcb.org.
Step 1: For first-time applicants, you must register for a PTCB account. Candidates who already have an account should log in to their registered accounts to apply.
Step 2: Once your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your 90-day window to schedule and take the exam.
Step 3: Take a system test to check your computer’s compatibility with the online exam software. As part of the test, you will also require a mobile phone to take pictures of you in the location you will be appearing for the exam.
Step 4: After successful completion of the system test, go to your PTCB account and select the exam link under Pre-approved Exams.
Step 5: You will receive a prompt asking you Where you want to take your Exam? With the options being At a test center or OnVUE online at my home or office, select the second option.
How To Start The Exam?
On your scheduled date, start your PTCB certification exam by following these steps:
Step 1: Check in 30 minutes before the scheduled time for system testing. To check-in, select My Scheduled Exam after logging onto your PTCB account.
Step 2: Click on your scheduled exam under Open Online Exams, and then Begin Exam. Answer the prompts to complete the process and start your exam.
Step 3: Focus on finishing your exam on time. Maintain a steady wifi connection. Finally, hit the Submit button.
Final Thoughts
The PTCB examination is a big step in the journey of a certified pharmacy technician. The exam is standardized, analytical, and based on the foundations of pharmaceutical medicine. Today, it is also necessary for a PCTB to be aware of other medical tests, equipment, and therapeutic techniques so that they can make an informed decision in critical situations.
