PTCB Exam Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is the purpose of prescription refill authorization?
✔✔To ensure ongoing therapy is approved and monitored by the prescriber.
What does NDC stand for on medication packaging?
✔✔National Drug Code, which identifies the drug, strength, and manufacturer.
Why must controlled substances be stored separately from other medications?
✔✔To prevent diversion and comply with DEA regulations.
Why is a drug interaction check necessary before dispensing medication?
✔✔To prevent harmful interactions that could endanger the patient.
What does “BID” on a prescription mean?
✔✔Twice a day.
1
,Why should pharmacy technicians read the SIG on a prescription carefully?
✔✔It provides the correct dosage, route, and administration instructions.
What is the primary responsibility of a pharmacy technician in a retail setting?
✔✔To assist pharmacists in preparing, dispensing, and managing medications safely.
Why must a pharmacy technician verify patient allergies before dispensing medications?
✔✔To prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure patient safety.
What does the abbreviation “PO” on a prescription mean?
✔✔By mouth (orally).
What does “PRN” indicate on a prescription?
✔✔As needed.
Why is it important to check the expiration date of medications before dispensing?
✔✔Expired medications may be ineffective or harmful.
2
,What should a pharmacy technician do if a prescription is unclear?
✔✔Contact the prescriber for clarification before dispensing.
Why is maintaining accurate inventory records critical in a pharmacy?
✔✔To prevent stockouts, ensure patient safety, and comply with regulations.
What is the purpose of DEA Form 222?
✔✔To order or transfer Schedule II controlled substances legally.
What is the difference between generic and brand-name medications?
✔✔Generic medications contain the same active ingredient, strength, and dosage form as the
brand-name drug.
Why must medications be stored at the recommended temperature?
✔✔Improper storage can reduce efficacy or cause spoilage.
What does “QD” mean on a prescription?
✔✔Once daily.
3
, Why is patient counseling by a pharmacy technician important?
✔✔To improve adherence, safety, and treatment outcomes.
What is the role of a pharmacy technician in compounding medications?
✔✔To prepare medications according to formulas under pharmacist supervision.
Why must pharmacy technicians practice proper hand hygiene?
✔✔To prevent contamination and maintain sterility of medications.
What is the purpose of a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) review?
✔✔To optimize medication use and improve patient outcomes.
Why is barcode scanning used in pharmacies?
✔✔To reduce dispensing errors and verify the correct medication.
What should a pharmacy technician do if a patient reports an adverse drug reaction?
✔✔Notify the pharmacist and document the event according to protocol.
4
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is the purpose of prescription refill authorization?
✔✔To ensure ongoing therapy is approved and monitored by the prescriber.
What does NDC stand for on medication packaging?
✔✔National Drug Code, which identifies the drug, strength, and manufacturer.
Why must controlled substances be stored separately from other medications?
✔✔To prevent diversion and comply with DEA regulations.
Why is a drug interaction check necessary before dispensing medication?
✔✔To prevent harmful interactions that could endanger the patient.
What does “BID” on a prescription mean?
✔✔Twice a day.
1
,Why should pharmacy technicians read the SIG on a prescription carefully?
✔✔It provides the correct dosage, route, and administration instructions.
What is the primary responsibility of a pharmacy technician in a retail setting?
✔✔To assist pharmacists in preparing, dispensing, and managing medications safely.
Why must a pharmacy technician verify patient allergies before dispensing medications?
✔✔To prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure patient safety.
What does the abbreviation “PO” on a prescription mean?
✔✔By mouth (orally).
What does “PRN” indicate on a prescription?
✔✔As needed.
Why is it important to check the expiration date of medications before dispensing?
✔✔Expired medications may be ineffective or harmful.
2
,What should a pharmacy technician do if a prescription is unclear?
✔✔Contact the prescriber for clarification before dispensing.
Why is maintaining accurate inventory records critical in a pharmacy?
✔✔To prevent stockouts, ensure patient safety, and comply with regulations.
What is the purpose of DEA Form 222?
✔✔To order or transfer Schedule II controlled substances legally.
What is the difference between generic and brand-name medications?
✔✔Generic medications contain the same active ingredient, strength, and dosage form as the
brand-name drug.
Why must medications be stored at the recommended temperature?
✔✔Improper storage can reduce efficacy or cause spoilage.
What does “QD” mean on a prescription?
✔✔Once daily.
3
, Why is patient counseling by a pharmacy technician important?
✔✔To improve adherence, safety, and treatment outcomes.
What is the role of a pharmacy technician in compounding medications?
✔✔To prepare medications according to formulas under pharmacist supervision.
Why must pharmacy technicians practice proper hand hygiene?
✔✔To prevent contamination and maintain sterility of medications.
What is the purpose of a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) review?
✔✔To optimize medication use and improve patient outcomes.
Why is barcode scanning used in pharmacies?
✔✔To reduce dispensing errors and verify the correct medication.
What should a pharmacy technician do if a patient reports an adverse drug reaction?
✔✔Notify the pharmacist and document the event according to protocol.
4
