ExCPT Pharmacy Tech - Frequently Asked Questions
Examination | Recertification | Tech Training Manual
Examination
When are you offering your next test?
Tests can usually be taken within 2-3 business days after registration. Once you call LaserGrade, you will schedule a specific time and place for your test. Visit www.Lasergrade.com for a location near you, and call 1-800-211-2754 to register for the ExCPT.
I just took my exam. When will I get my certificate?
Certificates are mailed within 4 weeks. However, a candidate receives the results immediately upon completion of the exam via a printout. The printout can be used at your pharmacy until the certificate comes in the mail.
Do I need to do anything else to be registered as a certified technician in my state?
Requirements for technician education, registration, licensing and certification vary by state. You may check the state-by-state requirements posted on www.nationaltechexam.org for more information or contact the State Board of Pharmacy for your state. A list of State Boards of pharmacy is also on our website at www.nationaltechexam.org.
Is the ExCPT exam accepted in my state?
Requirements for technician education, registration, licensing and certification vary by state. You may check the state-by-state requirements for more information or contact the State Board of Pharmacy for your state. A list of State Boards of pharmacy is also on our website at www.nationaltechexam.org.
Do you have a practice test online that I can practice with before taking the exam?
ICPT offers two practice tests that can be taken on line. One practice test tests on all knowledge areas. Another practice test focuses just on math questions. Each test, offered for $25 each, is a timed test of 50 questions. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the test. One purpose of these tests is to allow the technician to practice with questions of the type typically seen on a certification exam but taken under similar timed conditions. You can access these practice tests at http://nationaltechexam.coursehost.com.
I would like to practice my math. Do you have some sample math questions I can take before the exam?
ICPT offers a practice test that is all math. This practice test offers 50 math/calculations questions that are similar to those that might be seen on a national certification exam. This test can be accessed at http://nationaltechexam.coursehost.com.
How do I register for your test?
Call 1-800-211-2754 to register for the ExCPT at a location near you. Available sites can also be located by visiting www.Lasergrade.com and clicking on "Locate A Test Center." Next, select the ExCPT exam from the drop down menu, type in your zip code and click on "Find Testing Center." Then, call 1-800-211-2754 to register for the ExCPT.
Where can I take the ExCPT exam?
Available sites can also be located by visiting www.Lasergrade.com and clicking on "Locate A Test Center." Next, type in your zip code and click on "Find Testing Center." Then, call 1-800-211-2754 to register for the ExCPT.
What are the testing conditions like?
All testing centers must follow strict requirements that can be found on the Lasergrade.com website.
Do I get to use my calculator and scratch paper or will these be provided?
A calculator on the computer, two pieces of paper, and a pencil will be provided.
When do I get my test results?
Immediately upon completion of the exam.
How much does the exam cost?
$105, which can be paid with a credit card at the time of registration.
How many times can I take the exam if I do not pass the first time?
You must wait a month before taking the exam a subsequent time. You may take it as many times as needed. A fee is required for each exam session.
How long am I certified for?
Certification is for a 2 year period after which you must recertify in order to keep your certification current. Recertification information is available as part of the Candidate's Guide on our website and also below.
How much time do I get to take the exam?
The exam must be completed within 2 hours.
Recertification
I am licensed through October and I think I need to recertify. What do I need to do?
You must complete a recertification form and send the appropriate renewal fee. To recertify you can download an application form or complete the online application process (online version coming early August). Please note that recertifications are subject to random audit and review. Please keep your documentation of continuing education and recertification in order. Information on recertification is located our website. Learn More...
Can I recertify online?
Yes, you can recertify online, and, receive a discount. Just click on the Recertification link on our home page and select Online Application and Payment. If you prefer mail, you will find a form you can download and send to ICPT with payment.
I think my certification is lapsed. Do I need to take the test again?
Pharmacy technician certification must be renewed every two years. If you have not recertified within the 90-day grace period following the expiration date on your certificate, you are no longer certified. You may, however, be eligible to have your recertification status reinstated if you do so within 18 months of the expiration date. Reinstated certification will expire on the same date that it would have expired had you recertified on time - there is no extension of the expiration date.
To reinstate your certification status, you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education (CE), including at least one hour of pharmacy law. All CE requirements are the same as for recertification. To recertify, technicians must use the ICPT Reinstatement Form (PDF) (available at www.nationaltechexam.org) and send it to ICPT along with full payment by the postmark deadline. The fee for reinstatement is $80. Applications not completed correctly will be returned and will require an additional $10 reapplication fee.
Reinstatement is not available in the following circumstances:
(1) certification has expired for more than 18 months,
(2) certification has been revoked, or
(3) the pharmacy technicians has been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony.
If recertification has lapsed more than 18 months, you must retake the ExCPT.
Tech Training Manual
What is covered in the tech training manual?
The National Pharmacy Technician Training Program covers a variety of topics included on the exam such as duties of a technician, controlled substances, federal laws and regulations, drug classification, the top 200 most prescribed medications, medical terminology, dispensing process, calculations, repackaging, sterile product preparation and aseptic technique. A complete blueprint of the exam topics can be found in the Candidate's Guide.
Do I need to purchase the manual before I take the exam?
No, but studying one of the pharmacy techncian training manuals available from a variety of sources is a good idea. A partial list is posted in the Candidate's Guide. Many pharmacy technicians, however, have used The National Pharmacy Technician Training Program offered by ICPT.
How much does the manual cost?
The cost of the The National Pharmacy Technician Training Program is $61 (which includes $9 shipping) for every state. The Virginia Pharmacy Technician Training Manual is $49 (which includes $9 shipping.) Express shipping is available for an added charge.
I ordered a manual from you. Where is my order?
Orders with regular shipping should be received within 10-12 days. Express shipped orders should be received within 5 days. Please call ICPT (314)-442-6775 if you have an order in question.
Do you offer volume discounts on orders of 10 or more manuals?
Volume discounts are available for orders of 10 or more manuals shipped to the same address. Contact ICPT by calling (314) 442-6775 for more details.
I have a copy of the manual, but, what is the latest version?
The National Pharmacy Technician Training Program is now in its 7th edition. The 7th edition was published in January 2010. If you do not have the latest version, you may not be taking advantage of all the latest information for pharmacy technicians.
The latest version of the Virginia Pharmacy Technician Training Manual is the 4th edition, published in June 2008.