Top PTCB Exam Study Guides for 2022

This article has been updated for 2024! Please click here: Top 5 PTCB Study Guides for 2024

The next critical step after completing an accredited pharmacy technician training program is to obtain your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. To help you pass the exam and obtain your CPhT designation, we’ve compiled the Top 5 PTCB Study Guides for 2022.

This highly-regarded credential is required in the majority of states. Having this CPhT credential also provides pharmacy technicians with more job opportunities and higher a earning potential. Many states require the CPhT designation for employment as a pharmacy technician.

Certain requirements must be met before becoming a certified pharmacy technician. One of these important requirements is to take and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) administers the PTCE, which is recognized in all 50 states. The PTCB establishes national standards for pharmacy technicians to improve medication safety and patient care.

The PTCE is a nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification exam that has 283,000 currently active PTCB CPhTs.

In addition to passing the exam, you must also meet the following requirements to be eligible for the PTCB certification:

  • Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (usually a GED or diploma from a foreign country)
  • You must fully disclose any criminal and license actions or registrations brought against you by the State Board of Pharmacy
  • Must comply with applicable policies for the PTCB Certification

After completing your pharmacy tech program and meeting the requirements of your State Board of Pharmacy, your next step is to prepare for and pass the PTCE. If you concentrate and plan carefully, you may be able to pass the PTCE exam on your first attempt!

We strongly advise you to use a good PTCE study guide (or two!) to help you pass this crucial exam.

Preparing with solid, well-respected study guides can make or break your test score. At the same time, these guides will help you gain the confidence you need to take the exam.

We have compiled a list of the top 5 PTCE study exam guides for 2022 that are available for purchase.

Top 5 PTCB Exam Study Guides for 2022

1. PTCB Exam Study Guide 2022-2023: Comprehensive Review Questions, Practice Quizzes, and Answer Explanations for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Test 1st Edition

Newly updated for 2022-2023 is Ascencia’s PTCB exam study guide. This guide provides all that you need to pass the PTCB exam – including:

  • A summary of the concepts covered on the PTCB
  • Online flashcards, cheat sheets, and other resources are available
  • Experienced pharmacy technicians share their tips and tricks

The prep book adheres to the official PTCE framework. Among the topics covered are:

  • Pharmacology
  • Compounding Pharmaceuticals
  • Assisting the Pharmacist
  • Pharmacy Law and Ethics
  • Pharmacy Math
  • Administration and Management of the Pharmacy

To get you ready to pass the test, the guide also includes a comprehensive practice test with detailed answer explanations.

All excellent tools for giving you an advantage on the exam!

2. PTCB Exam Study Guide 2021-2022: Prep Book with Practice Test Questions for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE): [6th Edition]

Created by Test Prep Books experts for PTCB exam takers looking to get a high score, this exam guide was with the following features and benefits:

  • A quick overview
  • Strategies for test-taking – tips to overcome the exam
  • Test introduction – understand what exactly is on the exam
  • Medications – include pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, therapeutic equivalence & proper storage of medications
  • Federal Requirements of prescriptions
  • Safety and quality assurance for patients
  • Entry and processing of orders

Also included are practice questions along with detailed answers to the questions.

3. PTCB Exam Study Guide 2022: Pharmacy Technician Certification

This great exam guide gets straight to the point giving you everything needed to pass the exam on the first try and is updated with the latest test outline.

Some of the important topics include:

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug classifications and interactions
  • Medical terms
  • Pharmacy abbreviations
  • Pharmacy law and regulations
  • Sterile and non-sterile compounding
  • Medication safety
  • Pharmacy math
  • Pharmacy quality assurance
  • Medication fill process and order entry
  • Inventory management
  • Billing and reimbursements
  • Information systems

It also contains 2 complete practice tests as a trial run.

4. PTCE: Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Premium: 4 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron’s Test Prep)

Improve your understanding with a thorough review based on the most recent exam blueprint with this exam guide written by skilled educators at Barron’s.

Within this guide, you’ll find 3 complete practice tests, which include a pretest to help focus, and another complete practice test online.

The most recent exam blueprint of major topics and knowledge domains are reviewed in-depth.

At the end of each chapter are practice questions to help remember what you’ve learned.

The appendices cover the top 200 medications, common vitamins, and natural supplements, frequently used medical terminology, pharmacy abbreviations, and more.

5. Pharmacy Technician Certification Study Guide 2021-2022: PTCB Exam Secrets Book, Full-Length Practice Test, Step-by-Step Review Video Tutorials: [3rd Edition] Study Guide Edition

This study guide is a great all-around solution for preparing to pass the PTCB examination.

Not only does the guide provide comprehensive printed materials, it also comes with step-by-step video materials to help you learn concepts more deeply.

The guide is laid out in a logical and organized manner, allowing each section to flow naturally and keep you focused. Practice test questions with detailed explanations are included, as well as a thorough review of each test section and test-taking tips and strategies.

The Mometrix guide gives your the concepts, principles, procedures, and vocabulary related to the following sections of the PTCB exam:

  • Medications
  • Abbreviations and terminology
  • Federal requirements
  • Administrative and management
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
  • State requirements and practice standards
  • Inventory management
  • Billing and reimbursement
  • Health and wellness
  • Order entry and processing

Many of the concepts covered in the guide include links to online videos with step-by-step instructions provided by instructors.

Bonus PTCE study material!

PTCB Exam Flashcards: PTCB Review Flash Cards Study Guide 2022-2023 with Practice Test Questions for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam [2nd Edition] Cards – December 31, 2021

If you’re looking for a different way to prepare for this difficult exam, this flashcard system might be the next best thing!

Using a flashcard-based study system has proven to be an extremely effective method of learning and remembering information.

The flashcards with what is likely to appear on the PTCB exam cover each section of the exam. The following topics are covered by the flashcards:

  • Tips for studying
  • Medications
  • Patient safety and quality control
  • Federal laws and regulations
  • Entry and processing of orders

These portable, color-coded cards will give you an extra advantage in passing the test.

Conclusion

All of the top PTCB exam study guides for 2022 mentioned above will provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to pass the PTCB exam.

Remember that to obtain your CPhT credential from the PTCB, you must also:

  • Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent – such as a GED
  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • Accept responsibility for adhering to all PTCB Certification rules, regulations, and policies
  • Provide disclosure of any criminal actions taken against you, as well as any State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions taken against your license in the past.
  • Take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and succeed!

With one or two of the above-mentioned guides, as well as your determination and focus, you’ll be well on your way to success.