ExCPT Exam 2026: Comprehensive NHA Pharmacy Technician
Certification Practice Test — Pharmacology, Pharmacy Law,
Medication Safety, Prescription Processing, Compounding &
Inventory Management — 190 Multiple-Choice Questions with
Answers & Detailed Rationales
Domain 1: Medications (Questions 1-67)
Question 1
Which of the following medications is classified as a proton pump inhibitor?
A. Ranitidine
B. Omeprazole
C. Famotidine
D. Sucralfate
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Omeprazole (Prilosec) irreversibly blocks the hydrogen-potassium ATPase
enzyme in gastric parietal cells, making it a PPI. Ranitidine and famotidine are H2 blockers.
Question 2
A pharmacy technician receives a prescription for amoxicillin 500 mg PO TID for 10 days.
What is the total quantity to dispense?
A. 20 capsules
B. 30 capsules
C. 40 capsules
D. 50 capsules
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: TID means three times daily. For 10 days, the calculation is 3 doses per day × 10
days = 30 capsules total.
Question 3
What is the generic name for the brand medication Lipitor?
A. Simvastatin
B. Atorvastatin
C. Rosuvastatin
D. Pravastatin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Atorvastatin is the generic name for Lipitor, a statin used to treat
hyperlipidemia. Simvastatin is Zocor and rosuvastatin is Crestor.
Question 4
Which auxiliary label should be placed on a prescription for metronidazole?
A. "May cause drowsiness"
B. "Do not drink alcoholic beverages"
C. "Take with food"
D. "Avoid sunlight"
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, producing
severe nausea, vomiting, and flushing. This warning label is required.
Question 5
A patient presents a prescription for oxycodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg. What is the DEA
schedule for this medication?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule III
C. Schedule IV
D. Schedule V
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high abuse potential.
Combination products containing oxycodone remain Schedule II.
Question 6
Which medication class is used to treat hypertension by blocking the conversion of
angiotensin I to angiotensin II?
A. Beta-blockers
B. ACE inhibitors
C. Calcium channel blockers
D. ARBs
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) block the angiotensin-converting enzyme. ARBs
block the receptor directly, while beta-blockers affect heart rate.
Question 7
A patient is prescribed levothyroxine. When should the technician advise the patient to take
this medication?
A. With breakfast
B. On an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
C. With dinner
D. At bedtime
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal
absorption. Food and other medications can significantly interfere with its effectiveness.
Question 8
Which of the following is the appropriate antidote for a heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Flumazenil
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antidote for heparin. Vitamin K reverses
warfarin, naloxone reverses opioids, and flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines.
Certification Practice Test — Pharmacology, Pharmacy Law,
Medication Safety, Prescription Processing, Compounding &
Inventory Management — 190 Multiple-Choice Questions with
Answers & Detailed Rationales
Domain 1: Medications (Questions 1-67)
Question 1
Which of the following medications is classified as a proton pump inhibitor?
A. Ranitidine
B. Omeprazole
C. Famotidine
D. Sucralfate
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Omeprazole (Prilosec) irreversibly blocks the hydrogen-potassium ATPase
enzyme in gastric parietal cells, making it a PPI. Ranitidine and famotidine are H2 blockers.
Question 2
A pharmacy technician receives a prescription for amoxicillin 500 mg PO TID for 10 days.
What is the total quantity to dispense?
A. 20 capsules
B. 30 capsules
C. 40 capsules
D. 50 capsules
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: TID means three times daily. For 10 days, the calculation is 3 doses per day × 10
days = 30 capsules total.
Question 3
What is the generic name for the brand medication Lipitor?
A. Simvastatin
B. Atorvastatin
C. Rosuvastatin
D. Pravastatin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Atorvastatin is the generic name for Lipitor, a statin used to treat
hyperlipidemia. Simvastatin is Zocor and rosuvastatin is Crestor.
Question 4
Which auxiliary label should be placed on a prescription for metronidazole?
A. "May cause drowsiness"
B. "Do not drink alcoholic beverages"
C. "Take with food"
D. "Avoid sunlight"
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, producing
severe nausea, vomiting, and flushing. This warning label is required.
Question 5
A patient presents a prescription for oxycodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg. What is the DEA
schedule for this medication?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule III
C. Schedule IV
D. Schedule V
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high abuse potential.
Combination products containing oxycodone remain Schedule II.
Question 6
Which medication class is used to treat hypertension by blocking the conversion of
angiotensin I to angiotensin II?
A. Beta-blockers
B. ACE inhibitors
C. Calcium channel blockers
D. ARBs
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) block the angiotensin-converting enzyme. ARBs
block the receptor directly, while beta-blockers affect heart rate.
Question 7
A patient is prescribed levothyroxine. When should the technician advise the patient to take
this medication?
A. With breakfast
B. On an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast
C. With dinner
D. At bedtime
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal
absorption. Food and other medications can significantly interfere with its effectiveness.
Question 8
Which of the following is the appropriate antidote for a heparin overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Flumazenil
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific antidote for heparin. Vitamin K reverses
warfarin, naloxone reverses opioids, and flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines.
