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What steps would you recommend to prepare to become a pharmacy tech?

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Dewan’s Answer

Hi there! Love your question, since I am also in the process of becoming a certified pharmacy technician. As for my study plan, I bought a textbook over material found in the PTCE, which also provided me with a handful of practice questions and note cards that I am using for the foundation of my learning. Other than that, I would reccomend looking up "pharmacy technician" videos on Youtube, since there are some creators that specifically post videos on topics found in the test. Plus, you can always find free questions on the internet, or choose to buy practice questions from the PTCB site itself. The important thing to remember is that practice is perfect, since the more that you go over the information, the better it is going to stick. Whenever you feel like you have mastered the information for the PTCE, schedule an appointment and take your test!

However, if you are looking at becoming a pharmacy technician without certification, that usually entails a different procedure and most likely, more years of experience in the pharmacy world, either as a pharmacy clerk or as an assistant to the pharmacist (if those options are available).

Hope that helps!
Thank you comment icon Hi Dewan! I'm not the original poster, but I found this answer helpful and I was hoping you could help clarify some things! Based on your post, it sounds like you're becoming a pharm tech and mostly self-studying. Are you taking any specific courses towards that, or are you just planning on taking the certification exam when you feel that you're prepared? I am also interested in becoming a pharm tech and I live in Texas, but I was having a hard time finding information about whether courses/training is required, or just the exam for certification. Divya
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Belle Estee’s Answer

Hi Robert! Dewan covered a lot of great topics like important study material if you choose to become a certified pharmacy technician and general work experience if you are looking to be a pharmacy technician without certification.

I worked at Walgreens for 5 years as a pharmacy intern and something I found very interesting when observing my pharmacy manager sift through countless applications is how important performing well on their "personality assessment," which above all highlights the value of customer service skills. I think it would be worthwhile to read up on effective customer service practices, then beginning to integrate these practices into your daily life so they become second nature when you are practicing as a pharmacy technician. Something unique about working in a pharmacy is how accessible you are to the community, so maintaining professionalism and poise, even during very frustrating and often stressful situations, is of utmost importance. Employers will try to gauge this upon hiring by your professionalism and continually evaluate how well you make your patients feel satisfied and valued during their interactions at the pharmacy.

I hope this helps and good luck!
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Dinah’s Answer

There are a few ways you can become a certified pharmacy technician, but there is one way that is a little easier. I am currently a nationally certified pharmacy technician as well as a pharmacy intern. Applying for a pharmacy technician position and working for two years in the pharmacy before getting nationally certified as a pharmacy technician is the best way. You are able to learn pertinent information in those two years, which can help in taking the exam. Purchasing a PTCE exam prep book is another good idea because it has many practice questions, which can help gage your learning. You can purchase the prep book off of Amazon for around $30-$40. Using quizlet is another good way to study the top 200 drugs you need to know for the exam as well. The PTCB website also has practice questions that you can purchase as well. After all this is done and you think you are reading, go ahead and schedule the exam at the nearest testing facility that is near your home.
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