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1. Hi Shaf, I have seen their site, but have not reviewed their materials. I think you will be okay. The $79 is a little high, but if the material is great, then it might be worth it. Don't stress this one, you should be okay.

2. Hi there, I live in southern California and wanting to become a certified pharmacy tech. Today I ordered PharmacyTrainer PTCB Print Book Package Deal. Includes PTCB Review Print Book + Top 200 Drug Flash Cards + 300 Online Practice Problems from Pharmacytechnicianstore.com and was wonder if you know any think about this website and their products. Do you think I made a right purchase? I found your website right after I order these materials 🙁

3. Mosby's is pretty thorough and should still cover majority of the information. I do not know of any book that has come out quick enough to cover this gap (yet, I am looking). At this point, just prior to your exam, I recommend purchasing the practice test from PTCB, since they will have that updated and you will get a good feel for what is on the test and how the test is set up.

4. Hi there, I am wanting to self study for the PTCB test. I saw your post that a major revamping of the questions will take place the second half of 2013, and I am looking to take the test this August. With that in mind, would you still recommend me using the Mosby's Review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination? Because this book was published in 2009, I am nervous that it will not be up to date. Is there a newer book you recommend, especially with the upcoming changes that will take place in the test?
   Thank you for your help!

5. There are always minor changes to questions as things change in the profession; however, the major revamping of the questions is not slated to happen until the second half of 2013. Here is the quote from PTCB:

   "PTCB’s most recent Job Analysis Study was completed in February 2012, with over 25,000 pharmacy technicians from across the United States participating in the survey. PTCB’s Certification Council and Board of Governors reviewed the 2012 Job Analysis Study and approved a new blueprint for the PTCE. An exact date for implementing the new blueprint has not been established, but it is anticipated that the PTCE will reflect the new blueprint starting in the latter half of 2013. Note that no changes are planned to the length of the PTCE (90 items across 1 hour and 50 minutes) or type of questions (multiple choice)."

   They have stated what the functional changes will be, but have not provided details.

6. hi rob i just completed a pharmacy technician program and took the ptcb and failed by 14 points!!!!!!!!!! they didn't tell our instructor that they revamped the whole test. so my question to you is the the study materials that are for preparing you for the test are they current with the new test?

7. No, they are all a little different. For your situation, get the Mosby's one. It provides more detail and practice quizzes.

   Rob

8. so the study books are the same?? thanks so much for your help 🙂

9. Hi Eric, the 220 hours of training is part of your 1st year of work. As you look at the jobs in your area, you will need to call and ask if they offer a training program, or even potentially go into a few pharmacies near you and ask. It will help if you have your PTCB when you do this.

10. Hi I'm from New Mexico & I'm just getting started with looking into the Pharmacy technician profession & I was hoping to get a little guidance on what I should do first. I know I plan on taking the exam first instead of school. I do intend to go later but I'm a little lost on where to go to get the on the 220 hours job training. I really don't know where to go or how to approach a store or somewhere about it. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

11. Passing the exam is what gets you the PTCB, so yes you can take the exam (PTCE). Best of luck – Rob

12. Hi Emily, thank you for the positive feedback. Keep your head up and stay motivated. Please let me know if I can ever help. -Rob

13. I have a question… I live in Texas, I just got my Technician Trainee Registration, can I do he PTCB exam?…they have requirements in order to be eligible for PTCB Certification..I don't have this one:

    Passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

    my question: should I do this exam first? and then apply for PTCB? thanks so much?

14. Hi Rob,

    I came across this cool website of yours and I really must say that I learned so much already about pharmacy technician related issues and information! I'm from New York, and just found out today that my state does not regulate Pharmacy Technicians and was wondering what that was. So I googled it. I came across your answer on the yahoo page and decided to check out this website. I'm so glad that I did! I just spent the last 2 hours here and I'm having so much fun! =D

    I was working as a pharmacy technician/cashier at a chain pharmacy (Eckerd) during my college years. I went and took the PTCE right away when I first started. I studied as much as I could on my own at home but failed the exam by only a few points. I was going to retake it again but I decided to finish up my Bachelors degree first. It took a while for me to finish college and towards the end, I quit my job as a pharmacy technician in order to focus more with my college study. I majored in psychology and minored in health and nutritional science. After I graduated, my friend hooked me up with a job at Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and boy did I like the job! Looking at diamonds all day! Haha But things didn't go well a year or so later and I was no longer happy working there. I quit the job and decided I should go back to doing what I love most. I signed up for PTCE and I'm self-studying once again. I was hesitant at first because I haven't touched this field for about 3 years and wasn't sure if this is what I should do. But after reading the articles you wrote and listening to the podcasts you made, made me realize that I really made the right decision and that I should get the license no matter what!

    I brought some books online a few months ago and didn't know about your website yet. But seeing that you posted up majority of the study books that I brought makes me happy. This means I'm learning from the right resources and now I am more confident in studying for the exam. I do have a lot of trouble with the conversions and math related questions. I also feel so overwhelmed and don't know if I can study all of the topics, memorizing all the drugs, etc within 3 months. I have roughly 2 more months left and I am nervous already. After coming across your website, it gave me my motivation back and the hope that I need. Sorry I typed up so much for you to read. I just really felt down the past week and stopped studying. So I really appreciate that you take your time to help out others. It brings tears to my eyes that there are actually very nice people like you out there, who would take the time that they have and dedicate themselves to helping people like us. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if I were to ever need any help or that extra push, I'll know where to go now =) You're the best! Keep up the good work on the website!

    Sincerely,
    Emily Huang

15. thanks so much for the article. so helpful 🙂

16. Hi Sharon, thank you for the correction. They do a nice job at that site. -Rob

17. Hi there! I can't help but notice that the web site is incorrect. That's why it doesn't exist. The correct web site is: http://www.pharmacy-tech-study.com. I visit this site often myself. It's very good! I hope this helps! 🙂

    Sharon F in Texas

18. Hi Larry, the Shroff book is good, it is a little more expensive. I think the Mosby's is more thorough. The Secrets book is good becuase it covers the basics of what you need and provides additional study helps. I think you would be good with any of the three, especially since you are in a program learning most of the stuff anyway. Best of luck, -Rob

19. Hi Rob….

    What makes secrets of the PTCB exam worth buying? I will graduate from a pharm Tech program soon and we are using mosby's Pharm Tech PP 3rd edition (hooper). Someone told me to purchase exam prep materials directly from PTCB, I have heard Reference guide for pharm tech 2nd edition is good (shroff).
    Any test prep material suggestions would be appreciated.

    Larry

20. No such site as of 10/10/2012

21. Thanks for the information. I will check them out and leave your recommendation.

22. Pharmacytechstudy.com is really helpful in passing the exam.

23. Hi Robert, (great name by the way, I know you must be a good guy)

    I don't know of a great website for helping her pass the exam. I typically recommend the Mosby's book, but it depends on how much she already knows. Mosby's is fairly lengthy, but it has a bunch of practice exams that are really helpful. You can see more about my recommendations on the certification tab at the top of the page on the website. Let me know if she has any specific questions she needs help with.

24. Josue_Javier,

    Thank you for the comment and feedback. It sounds like Puerto Rico has stronger requirements than we do in the states. Remember, show them some of that Navy attention to detail and hard work when you are getting your 1000 hours in. Make sure that when you are done, the staff in the pharmacy throw in a good word for you with the manager. If you can do that, you will be set for a job when an opening comes, or at minimum, they will give you a glowing recommendation. Best of luck and please let me know if I can help in anyway.

    Rob

25. Hi, I live in Puerto Rico and this week I started taking classes to become a Pharmacy Tech, here in P.R. you either get a Certificate or an Associates Degree, you also have to complete 1,000 hours of on the job training in order to take the test and get certified.
    Like you I was in the Navy but I worked in aviation (ABF) and my goal is to eventually become a Pharmacist. I really have enjoyed your podcast and I will sure pass questions along the way, thank you!