Pharmacy Technician Licensure By Julia Szymanski, CPhT

ptcb.org

First and foremost, you need to take the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination) How? Apply for certification online at ptcb.org Schedule your exam online or by phone once your application is approved Take the exam at the designated testing location Application and exam fee = $129

Ways to study for the PTCE Purchase a PTCE study book Mosby's Review for the PTCB Certification Examination, 1e (Mosby's Review Series) $50 new on Amazon $35 used What you will be tested on: • simple math (conversions, proportions) • top 200 brands/generics and drug class • pharmacy laws • pharmaceutical abbreviations

Congratulations, you passed! Passing score is 650 (72%), with scores ranging 300-900 Scaled grading system: scores on different forms of the PTCE are calibrated onto a common scale CPhT

A Common Misconception: You’re not done yet! Complete another application for licensure once your certificate comes in the mail (fee $80) Live Scan Fingerprint ($20 + processing fees at UCSD Police Department) Notarize documents (namely the PTCE certificate) http://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/forms/tch_app_pkt.pdf Send it to: you will receive your license by mail in ~5 months

Practice PTCE question Which route of administration has the quickest onset of action? IM IV PO PR

Practice PTCE question Which route of administration has the quickest onset of action? IM (intramuscular, i.e. an injection) IV PO (by mouth) PR (per rectum, i.e. a suppository) Answer is b) An intravenous (IV) injection will result in the quickest onset of action.