PharmTech09
Bluelighter
I am studying to take the PTCB but I have no official schooling. I am studying from materials that I purchased from online. I don't think it is going to be that hard but I want other peoples opinions. Anyone?
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PTCB Hard?
- Thread starter PharmTech09
- Start date
Chaos Butterfly
Bluelight Crew
Granted if people don't know what the PTCB is, they likely won't be able to help, but instead of using FLA's (four letter acronyms) you could be a little clearer. Not everyone knows what you are talking about 
PharmTech09
Bluelighter
Thanks. Does anyone have any comments on the difficulty level of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam? I know that there are four different tests but I would like to hear people's opinion on theirs. If someone else is studying for the PTCB, their input is welcome as well.
Tchort
Bluelight Crew
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2008
- Messages
- 2,390
Be wary of certain study guides. An expensive PTCB study guide I bought contained a lot of inaccurate information (everything from simple typos, like listing the properties of Buprenorphine under Butorphanol, to completely subjective and ridiculous conjecture, such as "Demerol is the most euphoric and sought after opioid". Just two examples from one section of this book).
It can be difficult. There are a lot of questions about obscure medications. Be sure to study up on all types of medications- generic name and function. Memorize all of the systems of measurement and the units, and get good at doing the conversions. Knowing the names of all of the major pharmacy laws and their uses are important, especially HIPAA related stuff, as its encountered daily in the Pharmacy Technicians regular duties.
It isn't that bad though. Complete at least one study guide from the bookstore or Amazon, take a couple practice tests. Thats all you can do to prepare.
It can be difficult. There are a lot of questions about obscure medications. Be sure to study up on all types of medications- generic name and function. Memorize all of the systems of measurement and the units, and get good at doing the conversions. Knowing the names of all of the major pharmacy laws and their uses are important, especially HIPAA related stuff, as its encountered daily in the Pharmacy Technicians regular duties.
It isn't that bad though. Complete at least one study guide from the bookstore or Amazon, take a couple practice tests. Thats all you can do to prepare.
When I took it, I studied solely from the testing materials I was given by Walgreens and passed it on my first attempt. I know that I got everything right on conversions, sig codes, dose volumes, etc.
I know that I missed some on compounding, hospital pharmacy procedures, cancer medications, and a few other things like that just because I had no experience with those and tended to study them less since I assumed they were less important to me in retail pharmacy.
So be sure to remember that the test will cover all aspects of it, even if the job you're currently in doesn't.
I know that I missed some on compounding, hospital pharmacy procedures, cancer medications, and a few other things like that just because I had no experience with those and tended to study them less since I assumed they were less important to me in retail pharmacy.
So be sure to remember that the test will cover all aspects of it, even if the job you're currently in doesn't.
PharmTech09
Bluelighter
Good info, thanks guys.