ExCPT Exam 2026: Your Complete Certification Guide
The ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) is a nationally recognized certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Passing the ExCPT earns you the CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) credential, qualifying you to work in pharmacies across all 50 states.
The ExCPT is one of two pathways to becoming a CPhT—the other being the PTCE (administered by PTCB). Both credentials are widely accepted by employers and state boards of pharmacy.
Exam Format & Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 questions (90 scored, 10 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice |
| Passing Score | 390 (scaled, out of 500) |
| Pass Rate | ~70% |
| Testing Method | Computer-based at PSI testing centers |
| Cost | $117 exam fee (with study materials ~$200) |
The ExCPT uses scaled scoring from 200-500, with 390 being the passing threshold. The 10 pretest questions are unscored and used to develop future exam versions.
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ExCPT Content Domains
The ExCPT tests your knowledge across 5 major content domains:
1. Regulations and Technician Duties (25%)
This is the largest content area, focusing on pharmacy law and the technician's role:
- Federal regulations (DEA, FDA, HIPAA)
- Controlled substance schedules (I-V)
- Record-keeping requirements
- Prescription transfer regulations
- Technician scope of practice
- Inventory management
- Pharmacy policies and procedures
- Communication with patients and healthcare providers
2. Drugs and Drug Therapy (17%)
Understand medications and their therapeutic uses:
- Drug classifications and therapeutic categories
- Generic vs brand name medications
- Common drug interactions
- Contraindications and side effects
- Dosage forms (tablets, capsules, solutions, etc.)
- Routes of administration
- Storage requirements (refrigeration, light-sensitive)
- Look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) medications
3. Dispensing Process (25%)
The mechanics of filling prescriptions accurately:
- Prescription interpretation (sig codes, abbreviations)
- Calculations (dosage, days supply, quantity)
- Label preparation and requirements
- Compounding basics (non-sterile)
- Unit dose packaging
- Reconstitution of medications
- Auxiliary labels
- Medication dispensing systems
4. Medication Safety (15%)
Preventing errors and ensuring patient safety:
- Error prevention strategies
- Look-alike/sound-alike medications
- High-alert medications
- Proper storage conditions
- Recall procedures
- Adverse drug reactions (ADR) reporting
- Quality assurance processes
- ISMP safety guidelines
5. Quality Assurance (18%)
Maintaining pharmacy standards and compliance:
- Quality control procedures
- Equipment maintenance and calibration
- Inventory management (ordering, receiving)
- Beyond-use dating
- Documentation requirements
- Continuous quality improvement
- Hazardous drug handling
- Waste disposal procedures
Free Practice Questions & Study Materials
Each chapter includes:
- Detailed content explanations
- ExCPT-style practice questions
- Drug reference charts
- Key takeaways for quick review
ExCPT Eligibility Requirements
To take the ExCPT, you must meet one of the following pathways:
Pathway 1: Formal Training
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of an NHA-approved pharmacy technician training program
Pathway 2: Work Experience
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 1 year (1,200 hours) of supervised pharmacy technician experience
Additional Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No felony convictions related to controlled substances
- Background check may be required by state
ExCPT vs PTCE: Which Should You Choose?
Both exams lead to the CPhT credential. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | ExCPT (NHA) | PTCE (PTCB) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 100 (90 scored) | 90 (80 scored) |
| Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 390/500 | 1,400/1,600 |
| Cost | $117 | $129 |
| Pass Rate | ~70% | ~70% |
| Accepted | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Recertification | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | 20 hours/2 years | 20 hours/2 years |
Key Differences
ExCPT Advantages:
- Lower exam fee ($117 vs $129)
- Some find the question style more straightforward
- Multiple study package options through NHA
PTCE Advantages:
- More widely recognized historically
- PTCB offers additional specialty certifications
- Some employers specifically require PTCB certification
Bottom Line: Both are valid pathways to becoming a CPhT. Check with potential employers in your area to see if they have a preference.
Study Timeline for ExCPT Success
| Week | Focus | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Foundation | Regulations, Technician Duties, Drug Classifications |
| 3-4 | Core Skills | Dispensing Process, Calculations, Sig Codes |
| 5 | Safety | Medication Safety, Error Prevention |
| 6 | Final Review | Quality Assurance + Full Practice Exams |
Recommended: 80-120 hours total study time
Top 200 Drugs: Essential Knowledge
Memorizing the Top 200 drugs is critical for ExCPT success. Focus on:
- Brand and generic names
- Drug classifications
- Common indications
- Key side effects and interactions
High-Priority Drug Categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Amlodipine |
| Antibiotics | Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin |
| Diabetes | Metformin, Insulin, Glipizide |
| CNS/Psych | Sertraline, Alprazolam, Gabapentin |
| Pain/Inflammation | Ibuprofen, Tramadol, Prednisone |
| Respiratory | Albuterol, Montelukast, Fluticasone |
Pharmacy Calculations: Must-Know Formulas
Master these essential calculations:
Days Supply
Days Supply = Total Quantity / Daily Dose
Quantity to Dispense
Quantity = Daily Dose x Days Supply
Concentration/Dilution
C1 x V1 = C2 x V2
Percent Strength
% = (Solute / Solution) x 100
Common Conversions
- 1 grain (gr) = 65 mg
- 1 kg = 2.2 lbs
- 1 oz = 30 mL
- 1 tsp = 5 mL
- 1 tbsp = 15 mL
Essential Sig Codes and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BID | Twice daily |
| TID | Three times daily |
| QID | Four times daily |
| PRN | As needed |
| PO | By mouth |
| SL | Sublingual |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| IV | Intravenous |
| QHS | At bedtime |
| AC | Before meals |
| PC | After meals |
| UD | As directed |
Test-Taking Strategies
Before Exam Day
- Review Top 200 drugs - Know brand/generic names cold
- Practice calculations - Speed and accuracy matter
- Memorize sig codes - Don't lose easy points
- Take full practice exams - Build stamina for 2 hours
During the Exam
- Read questions carefully - Watch for keywords like "EXCEPT" or "NOT"
- Manage your time - 100 questions in 120 minutes = 72 seconds each
- Eliminate wrong answers - Improve your odds on tough questions
- Flag and return - Don't get stuck on difficult questions
- Trust your preparation - Your first instinct is often correct
Recertification Requirements
CPhT certification must be renewed every 2 years:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 20 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Pharmacy Law | 1 hour required |
| Patient Safety | 1 hour required |
| Renewal Fee | ~$40 |
Continuing education can be obtained through:
- NHA online CE courses
- ACPE-accredited providers
- Pharmacy employer training programs
- State pharmacy association events
Career Outlook for Certified Pharmacy Technicians
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,790/year (BLS 2024) |
| Job Growth | 5% projected (2022-2032) |
| Work Settings | Retail, hospital, mail-order, compounding |
| Advancement | Lead tech, pharmacy buyer, specialty areas |
Advancement Opportunities
With experience and additional certification:
- Sterile Compounding (CSPT) - IV preparation
- Chemotherapy Technician - Oncology specialty
- Medication History Technician - Clinical roles
- Pharmacy Supervisor/Lead - Management track
Pass the ExCPT Exam with Confidence
Join thousands of pharmacy technician candidates who passed their ExCPT exam using our comprehensive, 100% FREE study materials. Our course includes:
- 5 complete chapters covering all content domains
- Top 200 drugs reference guide
- Pharmacy calculations practice
- AI-powered study assistance for instant explanations
- Regularly updated for 2026 exam content
No credit card required. Start studying today.
Official Resources
- NHA ExCPT Official Page - Exam registration and information
- PSI Testing Centers - Exam scheduling
- PTCB (alternative certification) - PTCE information
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Pharmacy Technicians
- Your State Board of Pharmacy website