Hey guys!!! 

I SERIOUSLY need tips for the PTCE exam. I already followed Amanda pharm D and use the PTCE practice bank. 

I think I spent far too much time trying to study every single drug the generic, brand name, indication and drug class..

I've actually memorized 150 individual drugs to a T. Not just the generic and brand name, but also the class and indications. I just think I've gone way overboard. Like, Is that even necessary? Lol  

This worries me because I feel like I've neglected the rest of my studies. I've studied sig codes, some of law, DEA schedules, etc. I have to take the test by the last week of August, so it's a bit time sensitive and I don't want to waste any time studying things I don't need to know everything about..

I just want to focus on subjects that will actually be on the test? 

I'm dreading math mainly. But I'm not sure how much of that is on the test? 

But I was hearing DEA schedules, laws, refills, etc is important to know. 

Suffixes of drug classes too.

I was hoping that some of you who recently took the test last year or this year (2026) could point me in the right direction? 

I have very little experience as a tech and went to college awhile ago, but it's been several years since I was in school. I want to make sure I'm focusing on topics that will actually be covered in the test and not over-studying on topics I don't absolutely need to know everything about lol.

Any advice on which specific topics to focus on would be appreciated!!! Thank you in advance!!!

I have 3 years of experience in private retail, and I am looking to get hired somewhere remotely because I might pursue CLS training, but would still need to support myself financially.
I am considering getting a medical billing and PA certification through the PTCB, I can also get a regulatory affairs certificate as I already bought these course. But what else can I do to support my resume for a remote job?

Hello all! I finished a Pharmacy Technician program at my community college back in June and have passed the exam! 🎉 I truly appreciate this thread for giving me the study tips I needed to pass.
To those of you who passed the exam and aren’t currently working at a pharmacy
Do you have to wait to get a job first before registering with the state or once my results are on the PTCB I can register with the state of Texas?

They become… well-Versed in it!

I start working at CVS last month as a pharmacy tech trainee I just finished training at my training store and started getting go back to home I'm hired as a part-time pharmacy tech at CVS.
One week I'm scheduled for 19 hours, but the following week I'm only scheduled for 9 hours.

Is that normal for part-time employees? Do your hours usually vary that much, or do they become more consistent over time?

I'm still new, so I'm wondering what other people's experiences have been.

I'm hoping someone's selling the official NHA study guide (the one launched back in March 2025) + practice test (printed version), Newstone's Excpt 2026 test prep, flashcards, laminated charts, etc. for laws/regulations, conversions, top drugs with details, dispensing, and billing.

Financial situation is tough rn, and the official guide with tests costs almost as much as the test itself. I live in NJ, so if ever I can do meetups! Out of state, i'm open to have it shipped.

I graduated in May as a pharmacy technician registration level. I’m studying for my PTCB and will be submitting my CA license application soon.
I had a job interview with CVS inside a target. Yesterday and was offered the job, Does anyone have any advice as to how I should prepare for my training? Thanks in advance

I'm taking my national test on August 5th, so about 2 weeks from now. I'm relatively new to the job, and just started working for about 3 months in walmart. I want to get it done before college class start so I do it earlier. I've been doing practice exams online, watch videos on youtube, memorizing medications. I'm not really feeling it, since I just started studying literally yesterday so maybe it will be different. I will prioritize to study at least 2-3 hours a day. Will I pass by doing this?

I haven’t started register or drive-thru yet, and I’m nervous because customer interaction is my weakest area. I also had to call a patient to update their insurance, and they gave me their information so fast that I had to ask them to slow down. They sounded annoyed, and it made me feel flustered.

What tips helped you become more confident with customers, phone calls, register, and drive-thru?

Any advice is appreciated!

Like back up please lmfao

does anybody work in the chicago or chicagoland area and have a 3-4 12s schedule? or even 7 on 7 off? if so where do you work?

I moisturize every chance I get. Both at work and at home. At home I use a thick moisturizer followed by aquaphor and my skin STILL peels nonstop. Please help 😫

I was wondering if it would be reasonable to target $18 to $20 an hour? I am registered in my state and have PTCB Certification. I also am willing to train as an immunizer and have almost fully open availability. I have a few years of relevant experience and education, but it isn’t in pharmacy. Is this a good range, or should I target a different range, or approach it differently?

What is hospital outpatient like? Do you like it?

I’m a trainee technician so technically I’m still in the dispenser role. I work in a community pharmacy that has two departments, shop main floor and offices. I work in the offices so barely get patient interaction, unless it’s on the phone. I’m in the UK and just got an offer for an outpatient dispenser role (as a trainee technician)

is pharmacy technician an anxiety accepted job? (idk now else to write that question lol)

ive always wanted to work in medicine and with that i know will come difficult clients but would you consider your job to still be quite “stressful” outside of that aspect?

im currently studying vet tech but im starting to question if i can handle the high stress environment it can be. i’d be looking more into hospitals than retail.

any advice or guidance would be really appreciated or even if you have other job suggestions i could look into in any of the medical fields.

I recently did an externship at a retail pharmacy for 3 weeks. During the period, I mainly pulling/putting away meds, pickups, and RTS...However, when it comes to unexpected situations like:Rx not covered or doing a refill/transfer/drop-off, i didnt know what to do and usually sought helps from the pharmacist/techs. I was aware that they were also busy but i was not confident enough to do by myself then cause mistakes.

After the 3 weeks, i was eventually offered the position by the manager but right now im not sure if i should accept the position. I know that i can work at retail for a few years then transition to a non-customer-facing pharmacies like inpatient or LTC. But I'm not sure if i should commit to this or just find a different job like working in a manufacture/warehouse...save enough money...then buy a mobile home (I live in nor Cal so regular house is beyond my reach).

Overall, I am thankful that i had supportive pharmacists and techs to help me during the externship. Once if hired, I understand that I will eventually need to interact with customers but im not sure if i will be able to handle it effieciently, especially during busy hours and some angry customers. I really just want to get a stable income and start saving for the mobile home.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!.

i stay in texas and want to travel as a pharmacy technician with the travel and rent paid for to either nyc or oregon , i’ve heard you can do that and the company’s pay for your rent and flights on a contract 1-12 months ? plsss someone let me know real info lol i need human comments thanks for reading 🫶🏻🌀

I cannot seem to pooooooooost

I sat the exam about fifteen years ago, so I’m not sure the policy now. My sister is about to schedule exam. I read on the ptcb website that, 7 months ago, they changed it where PTCE cannot be taken remotely. Is that correct?

Anybody ever bring their own anti-fatige mat to work? Asking for a friend. 😁

My sister and I got into a fight. She called the cops and told them I took a knife, which I did. I was telling her to stay away from me after she chocked me for a minute until I almost passed out. I was arrested, and she felt bad at the end. She told them she doesn’t want to press charges or need a restraining order against me. I was able to return home with the order of the judge saying not to harass her or assault her. I moved out the next day after my release. I ended up finding an apartment, which I’m moving into in a couple of days. Right now, I’m kind of homeless, but I found a place until I get my key to my apartment. I’m so disappointed, but this situation has taught me so much. I have had so much support from everyone I know. I’m 28. I have never gotten into any trouble. I’m all to myself, I don’t go out I stay out of trouble i don’t even argue with people. I just go to work and come straight home. I got a pharmacy tech license. I’m scared something might happen to my license.She tried to ruin my life. Please advise me last week I almost did the unthinkable to myself.I was so depressed I couldn’t stop crying I wasn’t able to make it to work. I went to work once I was crying the whole time I didn’t tell them what happened but everyone was so caring they offer to give any days I wan extra off. My anxiety are back and are 10x worst.
Location: New York

Hi guys.
I have an interview with Sam's Club tomorrow.

It says the pay range is $20.50-$28.50. Do they pay the same $3 premium that Costco does for CPhTs?

Also, how are the interviews there? What do they ask & how are they conducted?

How is working there vs CVS, Walgreens, etc.?

Studying for the ptcb right now, mostly because every thread here treats certification like a given. But when I actually ask the certified techs at my store what it got them, the answer is like, a dollar. maybe.

The prep book, the exam fee, the CEs forever after, it adds up on what we make. So before I sink more weekends into this, does the cpht actually move your pay, or does it mostly just keep you employable as states tighten requirements?

What ive found so far is muddy. Job postings in my area list certified and non certified at the same starting wage, which was discouraging. Someone in an old thread here swore hospital systems pay certified techs a real premium and linked levels.fyi as proof, but the tech entries on there were so thin for my region I couldnt confirm it either way.

so, certified techs, what did the piece of paper actually change for you, if anything. ill probably finish studying regardless, im too far in, but id like to know if im buying a raise or just insurance.