Exam Details
Master the ExCPT Exam
Comprehensive preparation courses for pharmacy technician certification success
110 Questions
Multiple-choice format covering all essential pharmacy technician knowledge areas
2 Hours
Multiple-choice format covering all essential pharmacy technician knowledge areas
390+ to Pass
Scaled scoring system with immediate results and national recognition
ExCPT exam content
Below is a summary of the ExCPT exam content. You can find a more detailed outline, including how many exam items are associated to each topic, on the NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Test Plan.
Overview and Laws
A. Role, Scope of Practice, and General Duties of the Pharmacy Technician
B. Laws and Regulations
C. Controlled Substances
Drugs and Drug Therapy
A. Drug Classification
B. Frequently Prescribed Medications
Dispensing Process
A. Prescription and Medication Order Intake and Entry
B. Preparing and Dispensing Prescriptions
C. Calculations
D. Sterile and Nonsterile Products, Compounding, Unit Dose, and Repackaging
Medication Safety and Quality Assurance
*Test Plan based on results of the Job Analysis Study completed in 2016
ExCPT exam eligibility
In order to take the ExCPT exam, you must have you high school diploma or GED and meet one of the following:
- Complete a pharmacy technician training/education program. If you’ve completed a pharmacy technician program in the last 5 years , you are eligible to take the ExCPT exam.
- 1 year of work experience (minimum of 1,200 hours). If you’ve worked for at least a year as a pharmacy technician (minimum of 1,200 hours), you are also eligible to take the exam even if you have not gone to school.
Requirements to Pass the ExCPT Exam
The ExCPT exam has to be taken at a testing center, an NHA-affiliated school, or with a Live Remote Proctor.
To pass the ExCPT exam, you must answer at least 80 of the 100 scored questions correctly. You have to complete your examination within the 2-hour and 10-minute time limit.
Students who do not pass their exam the first time are allowed two additional attempts with a 30-day waiting period in between. If you do not pass on your third attempt, you must wait 12 months to be eligible to try again.