ExCPT Study Plan 2026: Your 6-Week Roadmap to CPhT Certification
Passing the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) requires more than just showing up. With a pass rate of approximately 63-64%, roughly 1 in 3 candidates fails. The difference between passing and failing almost always comes down to how you study, not just how much.
This guide gives you a structured, week-by-week study plan designed around the actual ExCPT content domains and their weights. Follow this plan for 6 weeks, studying 2-3 hours per day, and you will walk into your exam confident and prepared.
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Before You Start: Understand the Exam Blueprint
The updated ExCPT exam (effective July 2025) tests 4 content domains:
| Domain | Weight | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Medications | 40% | Drug classifications, brand/generic names, interactions, storage, pharmacology |
| Federal Requirements & Patient Safety | 25% | Federal/state law, controlled substances, HIPAA, error prevention, recalls |
| Order Entry & Processing | 20% | Prescription processing, calculations, labeling, insurance, inventory |
| Patient Care & Communication | 15% | Patient interaction, counseling referrals, health literacy, cultural competency |
Exam Format Quick Reference
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 (100 scored, 20 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Passing Score | 390 / 500 (scaled) |
| Testing Method | Computer-based at PSI testing centers |
| Cost | $117-$125 |
The 6-Week Study Plan
Total Study Time: 90-120 Hours
Plan to study 2-3 hours per day, 5-6 days per week. One rest day per week is important for retention. The plan is front-loaded with the heaviest domain (Medications) to give you maximum repetition time.
Week 1: Medications Foundation (Days 1-7)
Focus: Drug Classifications and Top 200 Drugs (Part 1)
Daily Schedule (2.5-3 hours):
| Time Block | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 1:00 | Study drug classifications -- learn major therapeutic categories (cardiovascular, CNS, antibiotics, diabetes, respiratory, GI, pain/inflammation) |
| 1:00 - 1:45 | Top 200 drugs flashcards -- focus on drugs #1-70 (brand/generic pairs, drug class, primary indication) |
| 1:45 - 2:00 | Break |
| 2:00 - 2:30 | Practice questions on medications (15-20 questions) |
| 2:30 - 3:00 | Review wrong answers with AI explanations |
Week 1 Goals:
- Memorize the 7 major drug classification categories
- Learn brand/generic pairs for drugs #1-70 on the Top 200 list
- Understand routes of administration (PO, SL, IM, IV, topical, transdermal, rectal, ophthalmic)
- Know common dosage forms (tablets, capsules, solutions, suspensions, creams, patches)
Top 200 Drugs: Priority Categories for Week 1
| Category | Key Drugs to Learn |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Lisinopril, Amlodipine, Metoprolol, Atorvastatin, Losartan |
| Antibiotics | Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Doxycycline |
| Diabetes | Metformin, Glipizide, Insulin (Lantus, Humalog, Novolog) |
| CNS/Psych | Sertraline, Escitalopram, Alprazolam, Gabapentin, Trazodone |
Week 2: Medications Deep Dive (Days 8-14)
Focus: Top 200 Drugs (Part 2), Interactions, Side Effects
Daily Schedule (2.5-3 hours):
| Time Block | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 0:45 | Review drugs #1-70 (rapid flashcard review) |
| 0:45 - 1:30 | Learn drugs #71-140 (brand/generic, class, indication) |
| 1:30 - 1:45 | Break |
| 1:45 - 2:15 | Drug interactions and contraindications |
| 2:15 - 3:00 | Practice questions (20-25 mixed medication questions) |
Week 2 Goals:
- Learn brand/generic pairs for drugs #71-140
- Know major drug-drug interactions (warfarin, MAOIs, statins + grapefruit, ACE inhibitors + potassium)
- Understand look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) medications
- Know storage requirements (refrigerated, light-sensitive, room temperature)
Critical Drug Interactions to Memorize:
| Interaction | Result | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin + NSAIDs | Increased bleeding risk | Monitor INR closely |
| ACE inhibitors + Potassium supplements | Hyperkalemia risk | Avoid concurrent use |
| MAOIs + Tyramine-rich foods | Hypertensive crisis | Dietary restrictions required |
| Metformin + IV contrast dye | Lactic acidosis risk | Hold metformin before/after procedure |
| Statins + Grapefruit juice | Increased statin levels | Avoid grapefruit |
| Fluoxetine + Tramadol | Serotonin syndrome risk | Use alternative analgesic |
Week 3: Federal Requirements & Patient Safety (Days 15-21)
Focus: Pharmacy Law, Controlled Substances, HIPAA, Error Prevention
Daily Schedule (2.5-3 hours):
| Time Block | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 0:30 | Top 200 drugs review (flashcards, drugs #1-140) |
| 0:30 - 1:15 | Federal pharmacy regulations (DEA, FDA, HIPAA) |
| 1:15 - 1:30 | Break |
| 1:30 - 2:15 | Controlled substance schedules and prescribing rules |
| 2:15 - 3:00 | Patient safety -- error prevention, recalls, adverse event reporting |
Week 3 Goals:
- Memorize all 5 controlled substance schedules with examples
- Understand DEA number verification (checksum calculation)
- Know HIPAA privacy rules (minimum necessary standard, PHI, Notice of Privacy Practices)
- Learn medication error prevention strategies (Tall Man lettering, barcode verification, double-checks)
- Understand drug recall classifications (Class I, II, III)
Controlled Substance Schedules:
| Schedule | Abuse Potential | Medical Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Highest | None accepted | Heroin, LSD, marijuana (federal) |
| II | High | Accepted with restrictions | Oxycodone, Adderall, Fentanyl, Morphine |
| III | Moderate | Accepted | Testosterone, Codeine combinations, Ketamine |
| IV | Lower | Accepted | Alprazolam, Diazepam, Zolpidem, Tramadol |
| V | Lowest | Accepted | Pregabalin, some cough syrups with codeine |
Week 4: Order Entry & Processing (Days 22-28)
Focus: Prescription Processing, Calculations, Sig Codes, Insurance
Daily Schedule (2.5-3 hours):
| Time Block | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 0:30 | Top 200 drugs review (drugs #1-140 + start #141-200) |
| 0:30 - 1:15 | Pharmacy calculations -- days supply, quantity, concentrations |
| 1:15 - 1:30 | Break |
| 1:30 - 2:00 | Sig codes and prescription interpretation |
| 2:00 - 2:30 | Insurance billing, prior authorizations, rejection codes |
| 2:30 - 3:00 | Practice calculations (15-20 problems) |
Week 4 Goals:
- Master all essential pharmacy calculations
- Memorize common sig codes and abbreviations
- Understand prescription label requirements
- Know insurance billing basics (DAW codes, BIN/PCN, rejection troubleshooting)
- Learn inventory management fundamentals
Essential Calculation Formulas:
Days Supply = Total Quantity Dispensed / Daily Dose
Quantity to Dispense = Daily Dose x Days Supply
Concentration/Dilution: C1 x V1 = C2 x V2
Percent Strength = (Solute / Solution) x 100
Common Conversions:
- 1 kg = 2.2 lbs
- 1 oz = 30 mL
- 1 tsp = 5 mL
- 1 tbsp = 15 mL
- 1 grain = 65 mg
- 1 cup = 240 mL
- 1 pint = 473 mL
Must-Know Sig Codes:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QD | Once daily |
| BID | Twice daily |
| TID | Three times daily |
| QID | Four times daily |
| PRN | As needed |
| PO | By mouth |
| SL | Sublingual |
| QHS | At bedtime |
| AC | Before meals |
| PC | After meals |
| UD | As directed |
Week 5: Patient Care, Communication & Top 200 Completion (Days 29-35)
Focus: Patient Interaction, Health Literacy, Remaining Top 200 Drugs, Integration
Daily Schedule (2.5-3 hours):
| Time Block | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 0:45 | Complete Top 200 drugs (drugs #141-200) + full review |
| 0:45 - 1:30 | Patient care and communication -- counseling referrals, cultural competency, health literacy |
| 1:30 - 1:45 | Break |
| 1:45 - 2:30 | Mixed domain practice exam (50 questions) |
| 2:30 - 3:00 | Review weak areas identified by practice exam |
Week 5 Goals:
- Complete all 200 drugs (brand/generic, class, indication, major side effects)
- Understand technician scope of practice vs pharmacist responsibilities
- Know when to refer patients to the pharmacist
- Learn OTC product recommendations and limitations
- Take your first mixed-domain practice exam and identify weak areas
Patient Care Key Concepts:
- Pharmacy technicians may NOT provide drug counseling -- always refer to the pharmacist
- Understand health literacy barriers and how to communicate clearly with patients
- Know cultural competency principles in healthcare settings
- Recognize when a patient interaction requires immediate pharmacist intervention (adverse reactions, drug allergies, suicidal ideation)
Week 6: Full Practice Exams & Final Review (Days 36-42)
Focus: Timed Practice Exams, Weak Area Review, Exam Day Preparation
Daily Schedule (3 hours):
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 36 | Full practice exam #1 (120 questions, 130 minutes, timed) + detailed review |
| Day 37 | Review all wrong answers from practice exam #1. Targeted study on weakest domain. |
| Day 38 | Full practice exam #2 (120 questions, timed) + detailed review |
| Day 39 | Review wrong answers. Top 200 drugs speed drill. Calculation practice (20 problems). |
| Day 40 | Full practice exam #3 (timed). If scoring 80%+, you are ready. If below, focus on weak areas. |
| Day 41 | Light review only. Skim flashcards, review key tables (schedules, sig codes, conversions). Prepare logistics for exam day. |
| Day 42 | Rest day. No studying. Get a good night's sleep. Prepare what you need for the testing center. |
Week 6 Goals:
- Complete at least 3 full-length timed practice exams
- Score consistently above 80% on practice exams before your test date
- Eliminate any remaining knowledge gaps in your weakest domain
- Build test-taking stamina for 130 minutes of sustained concentration
- Prepare all exam day logistics
Use AI to Fill Your Knowledge Gaps
Stuck on a pharmacy calculation? Cannot remember if Losartan is an ARB or ACE inhibitor? Our AI study assistant provides instant, personalized explanations. Highlight any drug, concept, or regulation and get a clear breakdown.
Top 200 Drugs Study Strategy
The Top 200 drugs are the backbone of the Medications domain (40% of the exam). Here is how to tackle them efficiently:
Phase 1: Categorize (Week 1)
Group drugs by therapeutic category. Learning drugs in clusters (all beta-blockers together, all SSRIs together) is faster than memorizing an alphabetical list.
Phase 2: Flashcard Daily Practice (Weeks 1-4)
Create or use pre-made flashcards with:
- Front: Brand name
- Back: Generic name, drug class, primary indication, 1-2 major side effects
Do 50-70 flashcards per day using spaced repetition (review cards you got wrong more frequently).
Phase 3: Speed Drills (Weeks 5-6)
Time yourself: can you match all 200 brand/generic pairs in under 20 minutes? This speed is what you need on exam day.
High-Priority Drug Categories
| Category | # of Drugs in Top 200 | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | 35-40 | ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, statins, CCBs |
| CNS/Psychiatric | 25-30 | SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants |
| Antibiotics/Anti-infectives | 20-25 | Penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones |
| Endocrine/Diabetes | 15-20 | Insulins, metformin, sulfonylureas, thyroid medications |
| Pain/Inflammation | 15-20 | NSAIDs, opioids, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants |
| Respiratory | 10-15 | Inhalers, antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors |
| GI | 10-12 | PPIs, H2 blockers, antiemetics, laxatives |
Pharmacy Calculations: Daily Practice Approach
Calculations appear on approximately 15-20% of the exam. Here is how to make them automatic:
Week 1-2: Learn the Formulas
Understand the logic behind each formula, not just the formula itself. Know when to use days supply vs quantity to dispense vs concentration calculations.
Week 3-4: Practice Sets
Do 10-15 calculation problems every day. Mix problem types so you practice recognizing which formula to use.
Week 5-6: Speed and Accuracy
Time your calculation practice. Aim to solve each problem in 60-90 seconds. On exam day, you have approximately 65 seconds per question total.
Sample Calculation Problems
Problem 1: A prescription reads: Amoxicillin 500mg capsules, Sig: 1 cap PO TID x 10 days. How many capsules should be dispensed?
- Answer: 1 cap x 3 times/day x 10 days = 30 capsules
Problem 2: A patient receives a 150mL bottle of amoxicillin suspension 250mg/5mL, Sig: 5mL PO BID. What is the days supply?
- Answer: 150mL / (5mL x 2 doses/day) = 150/10 = 15 days
Problem 3: Convert a 165 lb patient's weight to kilograms.
- Answer: 165 / 2.2 = 75 kg
Free vs Paid Study Resources Comparison
| Resource Type | Free Options | Paid Options | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Questions | OpenExamPrep (300+ questions), Quizlet sets | NHA study packages ($200-$350), Achievable ($79) | Start free, add paid only if needed |
| Top 200 Drugs | OpenExamPrep drug reference, free Quizlet decks | Mosby's Top 200 ($25), RxPrep flashcards ($35) | Free resources are usually sufficient |
| Textbooks | Library copies, free online pharmacy tech resources | Mosby's Pharmacy Technician ($60-$80) | Borrow before buying |
| Practice Exams | OpenExamPrep full-length exams, NHA free demo exam | NHA official practice exam ($48), ExCPT Prep books ($25-$40) | Take free exams first, then assess |
| Calculations | OpenExamPrep calculations practice, YouTube tutorials | Pharmacy Calculations Workbook ($20-$30) | Free calculators + daily practice |
| AI Study Help | OpenExamPrep AI assistant (10 free questions/day) | ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo) | Free AI is usually enough |
Bottom line: You can absolutely pass the ExCPT using only free resources. Paid materials can supplement your preparation, but they are not required. The most important factor is consistent daily study for 6 weeks, not how much money you spend.
Exam Day Checklist
The Night Before
- Confirm your testing center location and appointment time
- Prepare two forms of valid photo ID
- Set 2 alarms (do not rely on one)
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Do NOT cram -- light flashcard review only
Day Of
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Eat a balanced meal (protein + complex carbs)
- Bring your IDs and confirmation number
- No phones, notes, or personal items allowed in the testing room
- Use the restroom before starting
During the Exam
- Read every question carefully -- watch for "EXCEPT" and "NOT"
- Budget your time: 120 questions in 130 minutes = ~65 seconds each
- Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- Do not change answers unless you have a clear reason
- If stuck, eliminate 2 wrong answers first, then choose between remaining options
Your 6-Week Journey Starts Today
This 6-week plan has helped thousands of pharmacy technician candidates pass the ExCPT on their first attempt. Our free platform provides everything you need: practice questions for every domain, AI-powered explanations, drug reference tools, and full-length practice exams.
No credit card required. No excuses. Start Week 1 today.