Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Amanda PharmD

This Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) Test Prep Course was developed from the pharmacy learning videos on my YouTube Channel, Amanda PharmD. This course includes more than 14 hours of educational content for pharmacy technician training and PTCE test preparation.

This course includes lectures, practice quiz videos and practice test videos based on the PTCB PTCE Content Outline. Also included are printable and digital handouts as an additional resource for study time away from the videos and front and back flashcards of the Top 200 Drugs that include brand name, generic name, drug class, and indication.

Read more

This Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) Test Prep Course was developed from the pharmacy learning videos on my YouTube Channel, Amanda PharmD. This course includes more than 14 hours of educational content for pharmacy technician training and PTCE test preparation.

This course includes lectures, practice quiz videos and practice test videos based on the PTCB PTCE Content Outline. Also included are printable and digital handouts as an additional resource for study time away from the videos and front and back flashcards of the Top 200 Drugs that include brand name, generic name, drug class, and indication.

Major topics covered include drug classifications, brand names and generic names of the Top 200 Drugs; DEA Controlled Substance Schedules; Pharmacy Abbreviations, Sig Codes, and Roman Numerals; Various PTCE Content Outline Topics including Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs, Therapeutic Equivalence, and Drug Interactions; Expiration Dates, Lot Numbers, and NDCs; and Pharmacy Calculations, including Basic Math Skills, Ratios and Proportions, Conversions, Days Supply, Alligations, Concentrations, Dilutions, and Weight-Based Dosage Calculations.

New lectures, practice quiz videos, and practice test videos will be added with the printable and digital handouts as I create new pharmacy learning videos for my YouTube channel. 

I have received many messages from pharmacy technician students who have successfully passed the PTCE with the help of my videos, and I hope this course will help you to be well prepared for the PTCE as well.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Generic names, brand names, and classifications of the top 200 drugs
  • Pharmacy sig codes, abbreviations, and roman numerals
  • Pharmacy calculations including days supply, conversions, alligations, ratios, proportions, concentrations, and dilutions
  • A variety of other ptce content outline topics including narrow therapeutic index medications, therapeutic equivalence, lot numbers, expiration dates, and ndcs

Syllabus

An overview of the PTCE Content Outline

This lecture helps you to understand the pharmacy knowledge areas covered on the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to become a CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician). It includes the breakdown of content covered on the test - Medications (40%), Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (26.25%), Order Entry and Processing (21.25%), and Federal Requirements (12.5%). It also includes examples of what to study and a summary of  PTCE study tips.

Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers major topics outlined by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, which is essential for exam preparation and a career in pharmacy
Includes flashcards of the Top 200 Drugs, which is a valuable tool for memorization and quick recall of essential drug information
Explores pharmacy calculations, including alligations and weight-based dosage calculations, which are critical for accurate medication preparation
New lectures and practice quizzes will be added, which ensures the course remains current and aligned with the latest PTCE content
Requires learners to memorize the Top 200 Drugs, which may be challenging for some students without prior pharmacy knowledge
Focuses on pharmacy technician training and PTCE test preparation, which may not be suitable for individuals seeking broader pharmaceutical knowledge

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Ptce test prep course review

According to learners, this course is a highly effective tool for preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Students consistently highlight the clarity of the explanations, particularly for complex topics like pharmacy calculations and the Top 200 Drugs. The course covers essential PTCE content and provides valuable practice materials like quizzes and flashcards. Many students feel well-prepared after taking this course and report passing the exam. While the course is comprehensive, some students mention using it as a primary resource while also supplementing with other materials for additional practice or depth in specific areas.
Some learners sought additional practice.
"While the content is great, I used other practice tests alongside this course."
"Could use even more calculation problems to work through."
"This was my main resource, but I also reviewed other books for different perspectives."
Quizzes and flashcards are helpful.
"The practice quizzes after each section were very useful."
"I used the flashcards constantly for the Top 200."
"Loved the practice tests to simulate the exam."
"Helped solidify my knowledge through practice questions."
Covers key PTCE topics well.
"Great coverage of the Top 200 Drugs and classifications."
"All the necessary calculations are taught thoroughly."
"It covers the essential areas listed in the PTCE outline."
"Feels like it covers everything I need to know."
Concepts are easy to understand.
"The instructor explains everything so clearly, especially calculations."
"Complex topics were broken down into manageable parts."
"I finally understand sig codes and abbreviations thanks to this."
"Lectures are straightforward and easy to follow."
Helps learners pass the PTCE.
"This course helped me pass my PTCE on the first try!"
"I felt very prepared for the exam after completing these modules."
"Definitely recommend this if you're studying for the certification test."
"Passed the exam! Thank you for the clear instruction."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Test Prep with these activities:
Review Basic Math Skills
Strengthen your foundational math skills to prepare for pharmacy calculations.
Show steps
  • Review fractions, decimals, and percentages.
  • Practice solving basic math problems.
  • Take a basic math quiz to assess your understanding.
Review: Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review
Reinforce your understanding of key concepts and practice answering exam-style questions.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
  • Review the answer explanations to identify areas for improvement.
Practice Top 200 Drug Flashcards
Memorize the generic names, brand names, and classifications of the Top 200 Drugs.
Show steps
  • Use flashcards to review drug information.
  • Quiz yourself on drug names and classifications.
  • Focus on drugs you find difficult to remember.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Drug Classification Mind Map
Organize and visualize drug classifications to improve retention and understanding.
Show steps
  • Choose a mind mapping tool or use paper and pen.
  • Start with the main drug classifications as central nodes.
  • Add sub-branches for specific drugs within each classification.
  • Use colors and images to enhance memorization.
Review: The Pharmacy Technician: A Comprehensive Approach
Expand your knowledge of pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to pharmacy law and ethics.
  • Review the sections on medication safety and error prevention.
  • Practice the pharmacy calculation problems.
Create a Pharmacy Terminology Glossary
Compile a glossary of common pharmacy terms and abbreviations to improve communication and understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify key pharmacy terms and abbreviations from the course.
  • Define each term in clear and concise language.
  • Organize the glossary alphabetically for easy reference.
  • Share your glossary with classmates for feedback.
Participate in a Study Group
Collaborate with peers to review course material and prepare for the PTCE exam.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Schedule regular study sessions.
  • Review course materials and practice questions together.
  • Share study tips and resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Test Prep will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pharmacy Technician
A Pharmacy Technician assists licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing customer service. This course directly prepares learners for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, which is often required for employment as a pharmacy technician. The course covers essential topics such as drug classifications, brand names, generic names, DEA controlled substance schedules, pharmacy abbreviations, Sig codes, Roman numerals, and pharmacy calculations, all of which are vital for success in this role. This course offers extensive video instruction, practice quizzes, and test materials, which are crucial when preparing for the certification exam, and for performing the duties of a pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy Data Entry Specialist
A Pharmacy Data Entry Specialist is essential to ensuring the accuracy of patient medication records, which directly impacts patient safety. This career path requires a strong understanding of drug names, classifications and dosages, all addressed in this course. The course’s review of Sig codes, pharmacy abbreviations, and Roman numerals is particularly relevant to data entry, where accuracy is paramount. Those considering a role as a Pharmacy Data Entry Specialist should explore how this course provides comprehensive instruction and practice in these crucial areas.
Medication Reconciliation Technician
A Medication Reconciliation Technician plays a critical role in ensuring patient safety by creating the most accurate list of medications. Pharmacy technicians, who are often tasked with this responsibility, must have a thorough understanding of drug names, classifications, and dosages, all of which are covered in this certification preparation course. This course also covers drug interactions, and therapeutic equivalence, which are useful when assessing medication lists. This course will help when looking for employment as a medication reconciliation technician or for those pharmacy technicians who are working in this capacity.
Pharmacy Purchasing Agent
A Pharmacy Purchasing Agent is tasked with maintaining inventory while ensuring a pharmacy is stocked with the necessary medications and supplies. This role requires a working knowledge of drug names, classifications, and manufacturers, which is covered in detail in this course, especially the training around the Top 200 Drugs. This course focuses on lot numbers, expiration dates, and NDCs, topics which are particularly relevant when doing purchasing, making it a course to review for those interested in this career.
Clinical Research Assistant
A Clinical Research Assistant assists in the conduct of clinical trials, often involving the handling of medications, and the management of patient data. The course content, which focuses on drug names, classifications, and dosage calculations, is useful as a Clinical Research Assistant. This course can help prepare a learner to work on clinical trails. This course may be useful for anyone looking to begin working in this field, as it provides a strong foundation in the medications used in research.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative promotes and sells pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals, meaning a comprehensive understanding of drug names, classifications, and therapeutic uses is helpful. This course provides a strong foundation in these areas and includes training on the Top 200 Drugs, which are frequently encountered by healthcare providers. This course may be a good introduction for those considering beginning a career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.
Pharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst
A Pharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst ensures that pharmaceutical products meet specific quality standards through testing and analysis. This role requires a strong foundation in drug formulations, stability, and the handling of medications, which this course can help to provide. This course focuses not only on drug names and classifications, but also on topics such as drug stability, expiration dates, and lot numbers which are essential for the work of a Pharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst. This course offers some basic knowledge for those interested in pursuing this career path.
Pharmacy Informatics Analyst
A Pharmacy Informatics Analyst manages and optimizes pharmacy information systems, working with medication data and technology. This position greatly benefits from knowledge of drug names, classifications, and pharmacy operations, all covered in this course. The course's focus on topics such as drug interactions and therapeutic equivalence may also be helpful. While this course offers a general overview of pharmacy practice, it can be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a role as a Pharmacy Informatics Analyst.
Medical Coder
A Medical Coder assigns standardized codes to medical procedures, and diagnoses for insurance billing and data purposes. While this role focuses more on coding procedure and diagnosis, a knowledge of medications is important, and this course can help. This course introduces learners to drug names, classifications, and other pharmacy-related terms which are valuable when reading patient charts, and coding for insurance. A background in pharmacy can be helpful, so those interested in becoming a Medical Coder may find this course useful.
Medical Claims Processor
A Medical Claims Processor evaluates medical claims for accuracy and completeness, often involving verification of medication information. Although this role is more focused on claims, knowledge of medications helps in the review process. A course that provides a foundation in drug names and classifications can be useful. This course may be helpful for a prospective Medical Claims Processor as it provides an overview of common prescription drugs, and may add to one's knowledge base.
Veterinary Technician
A Veterinary Technician assists veterinarians in animal care. This often includes administering medications and keeping accurate records, meaning a strong understanding of drug names, dosages, and routes of administration is essential. Although this course is focused on medications for humans, it can be a solid start for working in the veterinary space. This course may be useful for those who are considering a career as a Veterinary Technician.
Certified Medical Assistant
A Certified Medical Assistant performs administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare facilities, sometimes including assisting with medication administration, and updating patient medication lists. This role requires a basic knowledge of common medications, which this course can provide. This course covers drug names, classifications, and dosage forms, which are a foundation for those entering this role. This may be a helpful course to take for those interested in a career as a Certified Medical Assistant.
Medical Transcriptionist
A Medical Transcriptionist transcribes audio recordings of medical procedures and patient encounters into written reports, including medication details. This course, which reviews drug names, classifications, and typical pharmacy abbreviations may be helpful for the role. While the focus is not specifically on transcription, this course helps to build a background in common medical language. This course may be a benefit for someone looking to begin a career as a Medical Transcriptionist.
Medical Scribe
A Medical Scribe assists healthcare providers by documenting patient encounters, often including medications prescribed. Accuracy in documentation of drug names, dosage, and administration is important, which may make this course useful. This course introduces learners to common medications, their classifications, and typical pharmacy abbreviations. Though not directly related to scribing, this course may help an aspiring Medical Scribe understand the medical jargon, and provide a useful background in pharmaceutical terminology.
Health Educator
A Health Educator promotes wellness and provides information on health-related topics, which may include medication use and safety. While this role is broader than pharmacy specific topics, an understanding of medications can be useful in educating patients. The course covers basic drug information, common drug names, and drug classifications, which can be helpful. The course may be beneficial for a those who are seeking a career as a Health Educator.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Test Prep.
Provides a comprehensive review of all topics covered on the PTCE exam. It includes practice questions, study tips, and detailed explanations of key concepts. It valuable resource for students preparing for the exam and can be used as a reference throughout the course. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Offers a detailed overview of pharmacy technician duties and responsibilities. It covers topics such as pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacy calculations. It useful reference tool for students and practicing pharmacy technicians. This book adds more depth to the existing course.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser