Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Certification?
2. How do I get an application?
3. When and where is the examination administered?
4. What are the eligibility requirements for the PTCB exam?
5. What are the procedures for applying for the examination?
6. What is the cost for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination?
7. I graduate from high school 2 weeks after the exam application deadline. If my principal provides a letter, may I still apply for the exam?
8. I have special needs, will PTCB be able to accommodate me for the examination?
9. If I come to the site on the day of the exam without an admission ticket and there are seats available, may I sit for the exam?
10. If I am certified as a pharmacy technician in one state will that cover me for all states?
11. How do candidates prepare for the exam?
12. How is the PTCB examination developed?
13. Is the PTCB exam a competency-based exam?
14. How is examination scored?
15. What happens if I have an emergency and can't make the exam?
16. What happens if the weather is bad and I cannot get to the test site?
17. How are pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities defined?
18. What is a pharmacy technician?
19. Number of pharmacy technicians?
20. What is the revocation of PTCB certification?
21. What is the recognition of certification?
22. What is the recertification process?
23. Does PTCB have Continuing Education programs?
24. How do I obtain my online recertification passcode?
25. The application instructions say that CE programs do not have to be accredited by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and that ACPE is not a program sponsor. Does this mean that I cannot use the CEs I have with ACPE?
26. May I use college courses toward my CE credits?
27. I thought there was a 90-day extension, why can't I complete my CEs within that time?
28. How do I become reinstated?
29. Are mailing list rentals available?
30. My pharmacists/employer needs proof that I am certified; how can I prove that?
31. How do I replace my certificate and ID card?
32. I was just married/divorced and need to change my name; what is the procedure?
33. I committed a felony 20 years ago; can I apply for the exam now?

 

1. What is Certification?
Certification is the process by which a non-governmental association or agency grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that association or agency.

2. How do I get an application?
To request an application or applications you can call PTCB (800) 363-8012, fax PTCB (202) 429-7596, email PTCBinfo@ptcb.org, or request an application through the PTCB web site www.ptcb.org, or write PTCB and send it to:

PTCB
2215 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20037

3. When and where is the examination administered?
The PTCB exam is administered three times per year in March, July and November at 120 locations in through out United States. Special Sunday test centers are available for candidates who have religious beliefs that prevent them from taking the examination on Saturday. Appropriate documentation is required for a Sunday test site. Professional Examination Service (PES), a testing service agency under contract with the PTCB, administers and scores the examination and issues the score reports.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for the PTCB exam?
To be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, the candidate must have a high school diploma or GED, and have never been convicted of a felony

5. What are the procedures for applying for the examination?
Candidates may now register online for the PTCB exam at www.ptcb.org. Online registration is subject to the same timelines as the paper scannable application process, all PTCB deadlines are Midnight Eastern Standard Time. Application materials are available online at www.ptcb.org or by calling PTCB at (800) 363-8012.

6. What is the cost for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination?
The application fee for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination is $129.
I registered for the exam, and I just wanted to check and see if my application was received?
If you have registered for the national exam, any questions or concerns you have about your application must be directed to PES, the service, which administers the test. Their customer service line is 1-877-782-2888 or you can verify your registration at www.ptcb.org. When you call, hold the line and let the menu play through, and someone will come on the line to speak to you. Please note that wait time may be a little longer than normal as an application deadline approaches, but rest assured that all calls are handled as quickly as possible.

7. I graduate from high school 2 weeks after the exam application deadline. If my principal provides a letter, may I still apply for the exam?
No, you must have received a high school diploma, GED by the application receipt deadline AND have never been convicted of a felony to sit for the PTCB Examination.

8. I have special needs, will PTCB be able to accommodate me for the examination?
If you are completing a paper application, please refer to box 18 on the paper application. You are required to submit documentation with your application. If you have completed an online application, please go to review and edit your information and select the ADA special accommodation you are requesting. You are required to print a short, 1-page form to be mailed with your documentation to PES Appropriate documentation must be enclosed with your application and must sufficiently explain your disability and the need for the accommodation(s). You may include a letter from an appropriate professional (e.g., physician, psychologist, occupational therapist, educational specialist) or evidence of prior diagnosis or accommodation (e.g., special education services). Previous school records may also be submitted to document your disability. Any professional providing documentation should know of your disability, have diagnosed and/or evaluated you, or have provided the accommodation for you. The documentation letter you obtain from that professional must be on official stationery and include the following 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.

9. If I come to the site on the day of the exam without an admission ticket and there are seats available, may I sit for the exam?
PTCB does not have a stand-by policy for the exam. You must be registered and have been issued an admission ticket in order to sit for the exam.

10. If I am certified as a pharmacy technician in one state will that cover me for all states?
PTCB's certification is a national certification that is valid nationwide. However the regulations to work in a pharmacy vary from state to state for practicing technicians. It would be wise to contact the state board of pharmacy for whatever state you would prefer to practice in or visit www.nabp.org.

11. How do candidates prepare for the exam?
There are many reference manuals that help prepare a candidate for the exam, but we proudly consider our PharmacyTech Now course to be the most comprehensive coverage of pharmacy technology - and at a price everyone can afford.

12. How is the PTCB examination developed?
The content framework of the PTCB examination is supported by a nationwide study of the work pharmacy technicians performs in a variety of practice settings including community and institutional pharmacies. The results of the practice analysis serve as the blueprint for question development, question classification, and test development efforts. Each form of the exam meets the test blueprint specifications from the practice analysis. The PTCB exam measures a defined set of knowledge and skills required for the performance of responsibilities. PTCB completed its most recent practice analysis in 1999.

13. Is the PTCB exam a competency-based exam?
Yes. The 1985 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing define a competency test as "an achievement test that measures the level of skill or knowledge possessed by test takers in relation to some defined domain of skills or knowledge." In 2000, PTCB and PES conducted a certification standard setting study that established a passing score for the PTCB exam. As part of the study, panelists defined minimum knowledge and skill requirements for PTCB certification. Panelists used these criteria during the rating process in the study. Thus, the PTCB also meets the definition of a competency-based test that involves testing the acquisition of skills in accordance with a defined standard.

14. How is examination scored?
A panel of content experts establishes a passing score for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination using appropriate standard setting procedures, under the guidance of PES. The passing score for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination is criterion referenced rather than normative; that is, it is based on a standard of performance that experts in the profession have determined to be acceptable for certification. It is not based on a "curve" as are some academic tests. Candidates must obtain a scaled score of at least 650 to pass the PTCE.

15. What happens if I have an emergency and can't make the exam?
If you must withdraw your application from the examination fax or send by certified mail a written withdrawal request before the withdrawal receipt deadline (see cover page) to:
Professional Examination Service
475 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10115
Fax: (212) 367-4266
If you fax your request, be sure to obtain a fax confirmation receipt. Checks for partial refunds ($105) will be issued four weeks after the withdrawal deadline, a $15 administrative fee applies. If you do not withdraw your application prior to the deadline, you will forfeit the entire $120 fee. Withdrawal requests will only be accepted from candidates. Employers or family members may not request withdrawal on behalf of candidates.Your application fee cannot be applied to a future examination date.

16. What happens if the weather is bad and I cannot get to the test site?
In the event of inclement weather, PES will coordinate with their on-site Chief Examiners and proctors to determine conditions at affected test centers. Cancellations will be recommended by PES if any one of the following conditions 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 test center.
If any one these conditions exists, PES and PTCB will cancel the test administration at that center. PES will work through the Chief Examiner to place notices with local news services indicating the examination cancellation. No alternate date will be scheduled. Affected candidates will be allowed to sit for the examination on the next test date and will be contacted at a later date with information on any procedures that need to be followed. Visit PTCB's web site www.ptcb.org and voice line on 202-429-7576 ext. 7 two days prior to the exam for test center address changes or cancellations.

17. How are pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities defined?
State rules and regulations as well as job-center policies and procedures may specifically define functions and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians. The pharmacy technician is accountable to the supervising pharmacist, who is legally responsible by virtue of state licensure for the care and safety of patients served by the pharmacy.

18. What is a pharmacy technician?
For purposes of national certification, pharmacy technicians are defined as individuals working in a pharmacy, who under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in activities not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist.

19. Number of pharmacy technicians?
There is no definitive information on the number of pharmacy technicians in the United States. The 1996 APhA/ASHP White Paper on Pharmacy Technicians estimated 150,000 pharmacy technicians nationwide. Current estimates of 200,000 + pharmacy technicians in total seem reasonable.

20. What is the revocation of PTCB certification?
The PTCB 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 pharmacy technician certification;
* documented, gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the performance of services as a pharmacy technician;
* conviction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude (including the illegal sale, distribution or use of controlled substances and other prescription drugs);
* irregularity in taking, cheating on or failing to abide by the rules regarding confidentiality of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (including post-examination conduct);
* failure to cooperate with PTCB during the investigation of another Certified Pharmacy Technician;
* making false or misleading statements in connection with certification or recertification.

21. What is the recognition of certification?
Individuals who meet all eligibility requirements and who successfully pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination may use the designation "CPhT" after their name. A certificate and wallet card will be sent to newly Certified Pharmacy Technicians approximately six to eight weeks after sitting for the examination. Certification is valid for two years.

22. What is the recertification process?
Renewal of certification is required every two years from your certification date. A total of twenty hours in pharmacy-related continuing education is must be completed within the two-year period. At least one hour must be in the area of pharmacy law.

23. Does PTCB have Continuing Education programs?
PTCB does not produce or endorse any Continuing Education programs however if you go to the PTCB Links section of our website there is a listing of Continuing Education providers.

24. How do I obtain my online recertification passcode?
To obtain your PTCB online recertification passcode you can call (800) 363-8012, fax (202) 429-7596, or email PTCB (recert@ptcb.org).

25. The application instructions say that CE programs do not have to be accredited by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and that ACPE is not a program sponsor. Does this mean that I cannot use the CEs I have with ACPE?
The ACPE logo on your certificate indicates that the program sponsor is accredited by ACPE; however they are not a Program Sponsor. ACPE accredits the CE program as valid however the CE was not produced by ACPE it was produced by another organization or web site. For this reason, when you list those CEs on your recertification application, please list the name of the CE provider, not ACPE, as the Program Sponsor.

26. May I use college courses toward my CE credits?
You may use one college course during your 2-year certification period and that course is worth 15 CE hours. You must pass with a "C" or better, and the course must be in mathematics or calculations, or in the life sciences (i.e. chemistry, biology, physics) or any course in the pharmaceutical sciences. If you are audited, you must submit a grade sheet or official transcript.

27. I thought there was a 90-day extension, why can't I complete my CEs within that time?
The 90-day grace period is for submitting your paperwork. All of your CEs must be completed within your 2-year certification period, even if you submit your application during the 90-day grace period. If you do not complete all of your CEs within that time, you must complete the reinstatement process in order to maintain your certification.

28. How do I become reinstated?
To complete the reinstatement process, you must complete 20 continuing education hours, including 2 hours of pharmacy law. The application and fee may be submitted up to 1 year after your expiration date. (For example, if your recertification date is July 31, 2002, you have until July 31, 2003 to submit your reinstatement application).

29. Are mailing list rentals available?
Mailing list rentals are available. For more information please go to www.ptcb.org and click on the News & Information Section and go to Marketing to view all the details.

30. My pharmacists/employer needs proof that I am certified; how can I prove that?
Beginning September 2, 2003 all PTCB Verifications must be made at www.ptcb.org. However until then PTCB verification requests should be submitted in writing by fax or mail on company letterhead to the following address:
PTCB
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20027
Fax: 202-429-7596<
Please include names, addresses, social security numbers and a signature. Allow at least one week for a response.

31. How do I replace my certificate and ID card?
Contact PTCB at 202-429-7576 and request a form to fill out and return to the Professional Examination Service (PES) office. The charge for a new certificate and ID card is usually $15.00.

32. I was just married/divorced and need to change my name; what is the procedure?
PTCB requires proof of your name change by showing a copy of notorized documentation i.e. marriage certificate or divorce decree. The documentation can be faxed or mailed to PTCB at 2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 or Fax: 202-429-7596. If you would like a new certificate or ID card please submit the request a form will be sent to you to return to the PES office.

33. I committed a felony 20 years ago; can I apply for the exam now?
The eligibility requirements to take the national PTCE are receiving a high school diploma or GED by the application receipt deadline and have never been convicted of a felony. PTCB's policy state's interested candidates with a felony conviction are ineligible to take the examination. This policy has been in existence since the founding of PTCB in 1995. In the event that PTCB alters its policy regarding the eligibility requirements, we will contact you in writing. Please reply with your complete mailing address.