ExCPT Exam Test Plan for Pharmacy
Technicians
Overview of the ExCPT Exam
Exam Structure and Format
The ExCPT exam consists of 100 scored items and 20 pretest items, totaling 120
questions.
Candidates have 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete the exam, which tests knowledge
and critical thinking skills.
The exam is divided into four main domains, each with specific sub-domains and item
counts.
Summary of Domains and Weighting
Domain 1: Overview and Laws (25 items) covers the role of pharmacy technicians, laws,
and controlled substances.
Domain 2: Drugs and Drug Therapy (15 items) focuses on drug classifications and
frequently prescribed medications.
Domain 3: Dispensing Process (45 items) includes prescription intake, preparation,
dispensing, and calculations.
Domain 4: Medication Safety and Quality Assurance (15 items) emphasizes safety
protocols and quality assurance measures.
Detailed Outline of Domain 1: Overview and Laws
Role, Scope of Practice, and General Duties
Pharmacy technicians perform tasks under the supervision of pharmacists, including
medication preparation and inventory management.
Key responsibilities include maintaining pharmacy security and assisting in medication
reconciliation and therapy management.
Understanding the scope of practice is crucial for compliance and effective pharmacy
operations.
, Laws and Regulations
Pharmacy technicians must comply with federal laws such as HIPAA, CMEA, and the
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Knowledge of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act is essential for understanding
medication tracking and safety.
Familiarity with laws related to bioequivalence and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act
is necessary for safe pharmacy practice.
Detailed Outline of Domain 2: Drugs and Drug Therapy
Drug Classification
Understanding drug classifications helps in identifying therapeutic uses and potential
side effects.
Common classifications include analgesics, antibiotics, and antihypertensives, each with
specific indications and contraindications.
Frequently Prescribed Medications
Knowledge of frequently prescribed medications is vital for effective patient care and
medication management.
Examples include common medications like lisinopril for hypertension and metformin for
diabetes.
Detailed Outline of Domain 3: Dispensing Process
Prescription and Medication Order Intake and Entry
Accurate intake and entry of prescriptions are critical to prevent medication errors.
Pharmacy technicians must verify patient information and medication details before
processing orders.
Preparing and Dispensing Prescriptions
Preparation involves compounding medications and ensuring proper labeling and
packaging.
Dispensing requires final verification by a pharmacist to ensure safety and compliance.
Calculations
Technicians
Overview of the ExCPT Exam
Exam Structure and Format
The ExCPT exam consists of 100 scored items and 20 pretest items, totaling 120
questions.
Candidates have 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete the exam, which tests knowledge
and critical thinking skills.
The exam is divided into four main domains, each with specific sub-domains and item
counts.
Summary of Domains and Weighting
Domain 1: Overview and Laws (25 items) covers the role of pharmacy technicians, laws,
and controlled substances.
Domain 2: Drugs and Drug Therapy (15 items) focuses on drug classifications and
frequently prescribed medications.
Domain 3: Dispensing Process (45 items) includes prescription intake, preparation,
dispensing, and calculations.
Domain 4: Medication Safety and Quality Assurance (15 items) emphasizes safety
protocols and quality assurance measures.
Detailed Outline of Domain 1: Overview and Laws
Role, Scope of Practice, and General Duties
Pharmacy technicians perform tasks under the supervision of pharmacists, including
medication preparation and inventory management.
Key responsibilities include maintaining pharmacy security and assisting in medication
reconciliation and therapy management.
Understanding the scope of practice is crucial for compliance and effective pharmacy
operations.
, Laws and Regulations
Pharmacy technicians must comply with federal laws such as HIPAA, CMEA, and the
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Knowledge of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act is essential for understanding
medication tracking and safety.
Familiarity with laws related to bioequivalence and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act
is necessary for safe pharmacy practice.
Detailed Outline of Domain 2: Drugs and Drug Therapy
Drug Classification
Understanding drug classifications helps in identifying therapeutic uses and potential
side effects.
Common classifications include analgesics, antibiotics, and antihypertensives, each with
specific indications and contraindications.
Frequently Prescribed Medications
Knowledge of frequently prescribed medications is vital for effective patient care and
medication management.
Examples include common medications like lisinopril for hypertension and metformin for
diabetes.
Detailed Outline of Domain 3: Dispensing Process
Prescription and Medication Order Intake and Entry
Accurate intake and entry of prescriptions are critical to prevent medication errors.
Pharmacy technicians must verify patient information and medication details before
processing orders.
Preparing and Dispensing Prescriptions
Preparation involves compounding medications and ensuring proper labeling and
packaging.
Dispensing requires final verification by a pharmacist to ensure safety and compliance.
Calculations
