This page will cover Preparing for the ExCPT (the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.)
This test and certification program is run by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.
The first thing we'll cover is the content of the exam itself, then we'll go through a checklist of study materials, and finally a walk-through of what you need to do once you're ready to take the test.
Exam Content
The exam covers the following content:
ExCPT Exam Format
The format for the exam is 110 multiple-choice questions.
Each question will have four possible answers, with one answer being the correct or best answer.
You earn points for every correct answer, and incorrect answers do not count against you.
This means it will be important to answer every question, even if you're not 100% certain about the correct answer.
Of the 110 questions, 100 will count toward your score, and the other 10 are test questions for future exams.
There is no way to know which questions are the practice questions, so answer every question to try and earn the maximum number of points.
Practice Test Information
The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians offers an online practice test. Details can be found on their website ICPT website
The cost for the practice test is $25 and it consists of 50 practice questions.
This practice exam will give you a good idea of what you may need to study, and it is highly recommended that you take it prior to registering for the actual exam.
After taking the practice test, try to figure out which areas of study you need to work on the most.
Then, use the following list of resources. These resources cover all topics on the exam, and are used to source a lot of the information.
Use these resources to help prepare for your examination. Once you feel comfortable with the various content that you'll be tested on, you will need to schedule your Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.
Prior to scheduling, be sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
You'll need:
Also be prepared to bring state issued identification with you, such as a Passport, driver's license or state ID card.
If your address has changed, be sure to bring a current utility bill with your current address with you in case they ask for it.
The full eligibility list is posted online at the ICPT website.
If you have any questions, be sure to contact them ahead of time to ask. Don't wait until the day of the test to find out you're not eligible.
For the exam itself, you'll have two hours (120 minutes) to answer 110 questions.
No cell phones or electronic devices are allowed, so leave them at home.
There is a calculator provided on the computer you take the test on.
Remember, every question is multiple-choice, so you need to answer roughly one question per minute to stay on pace to finish the examination within the time limit.
You'll be supplied with two blank pieces of paper to use as scratch paper during the exam and you cannot ask any questions once the exam has begun.
You will be allowed to provide comments on the exam after you finish, if you feel any questions were ambiguous or unclear.
After you finish the exam, your score will be available to you immediately. This means you'll know right away if you passed or failed.
If you failed, you will be provided with a list of questions you missed to help you study for your next attempt. You're eligible to re-take the exam four weeks after an unsuccessful attempt. 72% of technicians pass on the first attempt. Good luck with your attempt to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Additional Resources:
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