PTCB Exam

[mtgirl]

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Can anyone who has taken this exam let me know how much effort went into studying? I have worked as a tech for CVS for a year. I am completing my second yr. of college and finishing up all my pre reqs. I don't really need the national certification, but I thought it would look good on my pharm school application. I am scheduled to take it March 11, but I am still burnt out from studying for the Jan. PCAT!!! I just can't get motivated to look at the study guides for this test. What are my chances of passing if I go in cold?

Thanks

 

[pAwSN]

You need to know how to do a lot of calculations. To be honest being a tech at a retail store does not help as much as at a hospital. It's not just knowing the brand and generic names, but rather being able to calculate dosage, pharmacy law, and pharmacy management. Not as much studying as the PCAT though. Review those things and you should be okay. Don't review too much of the brand/generic stuff because there is a minimal amount of questions on that.

 

[pAwSN]

I passed it in November by the way

 

[jlpolla]

When I took the exam I had worked at Walgreens for two years...I studied the entire week before (because it was my spring break) and did fine. Honestly, just look over some of those review books. Study calculations, IV prep, regulations/laws. I focused mostly on the math and it helped me a lot!

 

[Moxxie]

I totally agree with the above posters. The main thing that you'll see on the exam is pharmacy math; it seemed to me like over half the exam involved simple calculations. There was a little bit of brand/generic and pharmacology (VERY basic - like, "this drug would be indicated for a patient with what type of condition.") There was also a fair amount of pharmacy law.

I also took the test this last November. I used Delmar's book plus a couple others I picked up at used book stores.

Good luck!

 

[2badr]

I agree with the above posters as well. ( I took mine in 2004 before they started charging 🙄 $29 for the practice exam.)

I also agree about those IV calculations as well. I think you will do fine. You have more than enough time to prepare if you are taking it in March. 🙂