PREPARE AND APPLY
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A Step Toward Your Advanced CPhT (CPhT-Adv)
Earning this certificate takes you one step closer to becoming a PTCB Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician™ (CPhT-Adv™). Active PTCB CPhTs who have completed at least four of the certificate programs, or three certificate programs and the Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician® (CSPT®) Certification, and 3 years of work experience will be eligible to earn a CPhT-Adv credential.
Eligibility Requirements
A candidate must hold an active PTCB CPhT Certification and complete a PTCB-Recognized Nonsterile Compounding Education/Training Program.
View a list of PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Programs for the Nonsterile Compounding Certificate.
PTCB-Recognized Programs have been reviewed and found to provide learners with foundational knowledge that will help them be successful on PTCB exams. Please note that PTCB-Recognized Programs may not cover all information that appears on your exam. It is important that you review the exam content outline as part of your preparation and seek supplemental resources as needed.
Exam Fee
The fee to apply for this certificate exam is $89.
How to Apply and Schedule
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Apply by logging into your PTCB Account.
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Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with your authorization to schedule your exam.
The Nonsterile Compounding Certificate Exam is administered through online proctored testing and in-person at more than 1,400 Pearson Professional Centers nationwide, including more than 100 military on-base sites.
Prepare for Your Exam
Online Testing Requirements Overview
This quick video explains the requirements and policies for online proctored testing.
Pearson VUE Tutorial
The Pearson VUE tutorial provides a preview of the testing experience and functionality for PTCB exams.
Exam Content Outline
Be sure to review the content outline as part of your exam preparation.
Regulations, Standards, and Guidelines (28%) |
Terminology and acronyms used in regulations, standards and guidelines related to nonsterile compounding |
Roles of various standards setting, regulatory, and accreditation bodies |
Roles of pharmacy technicians in nonsterile compounding |
References used for nonsterile compounding (e.g., technical, clinical, regulatory) |
Nonsterile Compounding Processes (72%) |
Drugs and components used in nonsterile compounding including physical and chemical compatibility criteria |
Nonsterile compounding dosage forms and routes of administration |
Container closure systems and packaging used for nonsterile compounding |
Nonsterile compounding equipment calibration, maintenance, cleaning, and use |
Appropriate use of disposable supplies |
Cleaning, sanitization, and appropriate use of reusable supplies |
Weighing, measuring, and mixing techniques |
Compounding process for nonsterile dosage forms |
Processes to minimize potential for error (e.g., bar code scanning, electronic transmission of weighted components, cameras) |
Garb and PPE used for nonsterile compounding (HD and non-HD) |
Agents, supplies, and techniques used for deactivating, decontaminating, cleaning, and sanitizing for HD and non-HD areas |
Calibration, maintenance, and use of equipment for environmental monitoring (e.g., temperature, humidity, and pressure) |
Quality assurance and quality control processes including documentation requirements used prior to and throughout the compounding process (e.g., from vendor qualification to documenting and investigating patient complaints) |