Becoming a certified pharmacy technician offers you the chance to work in the healthcare field and have contact with patients, all without needing to spend years in school. To start working as a pharmacy tech, you need to receive certification, which you can obtain from either the National Healthcareer Association or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
These two organizations offer either the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). But when it comes to choosing between ExCPT vs. PTCE, how do you know which is the right choice for you? Take a closer look at what these two exams are and how they differ.
What Is the ExCPT?
The ExCPT is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which is one of the most recognized names in certification. To be eligible to take the ExCPT, you must:
- Have a GED or high school diploma
- Have completed a pharmacy technician training education program within the last five years. (Alternatively, you must have at least 1,200 hours of experience working as a pharmacy tech.)
What Is The ExCPT Test Like?
The ExCPT exam is a multiple-choice test that contains 100 questions and 20 pre-test questions. You’ll need to complete the exam in one session that lasts two hours and 10 minutes.
You will be tested on the scope of the job, the general duties of a pharmacy tech, the laws and regulations that apply to the position, and all matters regarding controlled substances. Furthermore, you’ll also have to answer questions on drug classifications and the most frequently prescribed medications.
Other sections of the exam include the dispensing process, calculations, compounding, and sterile and non-sterile products. There will also be questions on medication safety and quality assurance.
What Happens if You Pass?
If you pass the ExCPT, you will need to renew your certification every two years. This process requires that you receive 20 hours of continuing education credits. At least one hour must be in patient safety and another in pharmacy law.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the ExCPT?
To take the test, you’ll have to pay a registration fee of $125. Currently, each renewal costs $55. You can take the test at your school, testing centers, or through live online proctoring at your location of choice.
What Is the PTCE?
The PTCE is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This organization only certifies pharmacy techs, so they offer career-specific information, test prep, and guidance.
To be eligible to take the PTCE, you will need to:
- Live in the United States or its territories
- Completion of a PTCB-recognized education/Training Program or equivalent work experience
What Is The PTCE Test Like?
The PTCE is a multiple-choice test made up of 90 questions, only 80 of which will count toward your score. It will take about two hours to complete.
The exam will test you on four key areas, beginning with medications. You will need to demonstrate knowledge of the generic and brand names of common medications, storage procedures, drug stability, and regulations related to controlled substances.
You’ll also be tested on federal requirements, including how to handle various substances, deal with controlled drugs, and understand FDA recalls. The third test section will involve patient safety and quality assurance, which covers how prescription errors occur and what circumstances require the intervention of a pharmacist.
Additionally, the exam will contain questions on order entry and processing. It will test your knowledge of non-sterile product compounding, the processing of formulas, and other important topics.
What Happens if You Pass?
You’ll need to renew your certification every two years. To do so, you’ll have to complete 20 hours of continuing education.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the PTCE?
The exam currently costs $129 to take, and the renewal is $55. There are testing sites as well as online proctoring options to give you maximum convenience in where and when you take the test.
Key Differences Between ExCPT and PTCE
When considering ExCPT vs. PTCE, it’s vital to have a clear idea of their differences. One of the biggest differences between these options is that the ExCPT has 200 questions, while the PTCE has 90. They’re structured differently, too. The PTCB exam focuses more on medications and dosages, while the ExCPT deals more with the role of the pharmacy technician.
There are also differences in eligibility between PTCE vs. ExCPT. The PTCE only requires 500 hours of experience or the completion of an approved program, but the ExCPT requires 1,200 hours.
Additionally, only the PTCE is recognized in all 50 states. The ExCPT is accepted everywhere except for Wyoming, Louisiana, and Indiana. Many employers also prefer the PTCE.
Costs aren’t particularly significant when deciding between PTCE vs. ExCPT because the former costs $129 and the latter $125. Renewal costs are identical.
PTCE vs. ExCPT: Which Exam Is Harder?
Both exams are very similar when it comes to difficulty levels. If you struggle with medication names and remembering dosages, you may find the PTCE a bit more complex because that is its focus.
How to Decide Which Certification Is Right for You
When deciding on which exam you should take, consider your unique circumstances. For example, if you live in Indiana, Wyoming, or Louisiana, it won’t be helpful to take the ExCPT because it’s not recognized in those states.
Take a close look at the employment opportunities in your area and see what the requirements are. You may start noticing that the majority of employers prefer the PTCE where you live, so factor that into your decision.
If you prefer to focus more on the scope of the profession and how to maintain patient safety, then the ExCPT is the right choice. On the other hand, if you feel more comfortable with medications and their dosages, the PTCE could be the better option.
How Can RxCe Help You Maintain Your Pharmacy Tech Certification?
If you have your certification or are planning on getting it soon and want to ensure that you have everything you need to maintain it, the knowledgeable team at RxCe can help. We offer comprehensive continuing education that meets the PTCB and NHA requirements.
Explore your state’s requirements to find the right credits for your needs today.
