ExCPT vs PTCB

[Moni526]

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What the heck is the difference between these? And which one should I shoot for?

 

[pearljam5a1]

What the heck is the difference between these? And which one should I shoot for?

It seems that the ExCPhT is more geared towards community practice whereas the PTCB has a broader approach and encompasses hospital settings as well. I've honestly never heard of the ExCPhT and I would definitely recommend you take the PTCE if you are thinking of becoming certified just for name recognition alone.

They are both NCCA certified but I don't think all organizations will recognize both. The ExCPhT is endorsed by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. The PTCB is endorsed by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP). Just by endorsements alone you can see who each test is geared towards.

The ExCPhT tends to be a little cheaper to take and used to be the only test offered on demand but both tests offer this option now.

TL;DR

Take the PTCE for name recognition.

 

[Moni526]

It seems that the ExCPhT is more geared towards community practice whereas the PTCB has a broader approach and encompasses hospital settings as well. I've honestly never heard of the ExCPhT and I would definitely recommend you take the PTCE if you are thinking of becoming certified just for name recognition alone.

They are both NCCA certified but I don't think all organizations will recognize both. The ExCPhT is endorsed by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. The PTCB is endorsed by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP). Just by endorsements alone you can see who each test is geared towards.

The ExCPhT tends to be a little cheaper to take and used to be the only test offered on demand but both tests offer this option now.

TL;DR

Take the PTCE for name recognition.

Thank you, and I laughed pretty hard at the TL;DR. =) Of course I read the whole thing! It kind of seemed that way to me also, but I just wanted to make sure! Have you taken the PTCB exam? I am a bit worried because I don't really know many drugs because I work in a compounding pharmacy that deals with mostly hormones. =/

 

[pearljam5a1]

Working in a compounding pharmacy I'm sure you know basic calculations and conversions. I would suggest just getting a book with the top 200 or so brand/generic drugs and giving it a looksy. The test is not difficult and light studying is probably all that's required if any. I took the test without studying and passed but I had worked in a community pharmacy for a year or so. There is some pharmacy law questions sprinkled in but most of them are common sense. Hopefully other people that have taken it more recently can chime in or you can give the forums a search.