Is participating in a Pharmacy Technician program necessary to pass the PTCE?

[Tiniie]

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I live in California and I have been doing much research on how to become a pharmacy technician. I've found posts online indicating that one simply needs to buy/study a preparation book to pass the PTCE.

I would like to know the pros/cons of participating in a program and how it will affect my applying for jobs at hospital pharmacies, Walgreens, CVS...etc. in the future. I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry and I plan to attend Pharmacy school after obtaining my bachelor's degree to become a Pharmacist.

Thank you in advance for your help. It is much appreciated.

 

[Tenor CS]

You do not need formal schooling to pass the PTCB. Many on here will tell you that it is VERY easy, especially for someone of the intelligence level of a bio-chem major planning on becoming a RPh.

If you get hired at a CVS, they have a training program to get you ready for the PTCB.

I'm a Tech at CVS now, I have the state license, I'm just waiting to hit my 6-month mark so I can have CVS pay the test fee. I'm also a M&MBio Major planning on going to Pharmacy school.

Avoid the fake "career colleges," as most of them are a huge rip-off.

During down times, my lead tech and RPh quiz me, and they tell me I should have no problem passing the test.

If you want some study materials, I got a really good course off of eBay, of all places. PM me if you want the seller's info. It was less than $100 and I was very impressed with the quality. It even included printed, spiral bound books, and DVD's where she'd walk you through the lessons.