ExCPT (NHA) Practice Test
Your complete guide to passing the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
📊 Complete ExCPT Mock Exams
ExCPT Practice Test 1
Full simulation covering all 4 domains. Start your journey here.
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ExCPT Practice Test 2
Realistic questions with a focus on the dispensing process.
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ExCPT Practice Test 3
Test your knowledge on Federal/State laws and safety.
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ExCPT Practice Test 4
Advanced review for drug therapy and calculations.
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ExCPT Practice Test 5
Final comprehensive exam to assess readiness.
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🎯 Domain-Specific Drills
Overview & Laws
Domain 1 (25%): HIPAA, DEA, FDA, and Regulations.
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Drugs & Drug Therapy
Domain 2 (15%): Brands, Generics, and Classifications.
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Dispensing Process
Domain 3 (45%): The biggest section. Calculations & Entry.
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Medication Safety & QA
Domain 4 (15%): Error prevention, RCA, and Hygiene.
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💊 Top 200 Drug Quiz Series
Top 200 Set 1
Questions 1-25: High volume brands & generics.
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Top 200 Set 2
Questions 26-50: Common antibiotics and cardiac meds.
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Top 200 Set 3
Questions 51-75: PPIs, ED meds, and specialized therapies.
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Top 200 Set 4
Questions 76-100: Inhalers, anticoagulants, and more.
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Top 200 Set 5
Questions 101-125: Final review of essential drugs.
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📚 ExCPT (NHA) Study Guide & Info
1. About the Exam
The ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) is a nationally recognized certification exam conducted by the NHA (National Healthcareer Association). Passing this exam awards you the CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) credential.
Website: nhanow.com
Credential: CPhT – Certified Pharmacy Technician (NHA)
Credential: CPhT – Certified Pharmacy Technician (NHA)
2. Who Should Take the ExCPT?
- Students enrolled in pharmacy technician programs.
- Pharmacy assistants seeking certification.
- Retail pharmacy employees (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.).
- Hospital pharmacy support staff.
- Individuals seeking national-level recognition.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the ExCPT, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Age: Minimum 18 years old.
- Education: High school diploma or GED/equivalent.
- Training/Experience (One of the following):
- Completion of a Pharmacy Technician Training Program (within the last 5 years).
- OR 1 year of supervised work experience (minimum 1,200 hours) within the last 3 years.
- OR Military pharmacy experience.
- Background: No major felony convictions; must comply with NHA Code of Ethics.
4. Exam Format & Fees
| Total Questions | 100 (scoreable) |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Multiple Choice, 4 options |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Mode | Computer-based (PSI Centers or Remote Proctoring) |
| Passing Score | 390 (Scale: 200–500) |
| Exam Fee | $125 (Retake fee is also $125) |
5. Exam Content Outline (The 4 Domains)
Domain 1: Overview and Laws (25%)
- Federal & State Pharmacy Laws
- DEA Drug Schedules & Forms (222, 106, 41)
- HIPAA, FDA, & OBRA '90
- Controlled Drug Handling
- Ethics & Record Keeping
Domain 2: Drugs and Drug Therapy (15%)
- Brand/Generic Names (Top 200)
- Therapeutic Classes & Indications
- Common Side Effects & Contraindications
- Drug Interactions & Allergies
Domain 3: Dispensing Process (45%)
- Prescription Entry: Sig codes, DAW codes, Billing/Insurance.
- Preparation: Counting, Pouring, Reconstitution, Compounding.
- Math: Dosage calculations, Ratios, Flow rates.
- Inventory: Hazardous drugs, Storage requirements.
Domain 4: Medication Safety & QA (15%)
- Medication Error Prevention (ISMP)
- High-Alert Medications & LASA Drugs
- Barcoding & Verification
- Sterile Technique Basics
- Documentation & Audits
6. Pharmacy Math Required
The math on the ExCPT is generally considered moderate (less intense than PTCB). Key topics include:
- Ratios & Proportions
- Dosage Calculations (Pediatric & Adult)
- Metric Conversions
- Alligations & Dilutions
- IV Flow Rates (gtt/min, mL/hr)
- Percent Strength & Milliequivalents
- Days' Supply Calculations
7. Registration Process
- Create an account at nhanow.com.
- Submit your eligibility documents (Proof of HS diploma + Training/Work experience).
- Pay the $125 exam fee.
- Schedule your exam date at a PSI testing center or choose live remote proctoring.
- Receive your confirmation email and study instructions.
8. Scoring, Validity & Renewal
- Score Report: Results are usually available immediately or within 48 hours. A digital certificate is issued upon passing.
- Validity: Certification is valid for 2 years.
- Renewal Requirements: Complete 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every 2 years. 1 hour must be in Pharmacy Law.
- Renewal Fee: Approximately $55.
9. Career & Salary Outlook
The ExCPT is accepted in 49 states and by major employers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. It opens doors to various roles:
| Setting | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Retail Pharmacy | $32,000 – $45,000 |
| Hospital Pharmacy | $42,000 – $55,000 |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) | $38,000 – $49,000 |
| Specialty Pharmacy | $45,000 – $58,000 |
Job Roles: Pharmacy Technician, Retail Tech, Hospital Tech, Compounding Tech, Billing Specialist, Inventory Specialist.
10. ExCPT vs. PTCB (Quick Comparison)
| Feature | ExCPT (NHA) | PTCB (PTCE) |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Harder |
| Questions | 100 | 90 |
| Passing Score | 390 / 500 | 1400 / 1600 (scaled) |
| Math Content | Moderate | Intense |
| Law Content | Moderate | Heavy |
| Recognition | 49 States | 50 States |
11. Tips to Easily Pass the ExCPT
- Memorize the Top 200 Drugs: Know brand/generic pairs and indications.
- Practice Math Daily: Solve 20–30 problems a day (flow rates, days' supply).
- Master the Laws: Know DEA schedules (I-V) and key forms (222, 106).
- Understand Insurance: Practice rejection codes and DAW codes.
- Use Practice Tests: NHA practice tests and our free mock exams above are the most accurate way to gauge readiness.