PTCB top 200 drugs: Your study companion
The PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is a vital step for those seeking pharmacy technician jobs and national certification. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the essential knowledge and skills required for pharmacy technicians, with a strong emphasis on drug names and classifications. The PTCB top 200 drugs list represents the medications most commonly featured on the PTCE.
Within the medications section of the PTCE, a key focus is on understanding generic names, brand names, and drug classifications, all critical topics for Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) pathways. This subsection tests your ability to accurately identify generic and brand drug names and classify medications into their therapeutic categories. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) strongly recommends mastering top brand and generic drug names, as detailed in the table below. Knowing drug names, classifications, and their uses is essential knowledge for the PTCE exam and in daily pharmacy practice.
What is the PTCE?
The PTCE is a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge and skills required to be a pharmacy technician, distributed by the PTCB. The exam consists of 90 questions covering four major sections: Medications, Patient Safety and Quality Assurance, Order Entry and Processing, and Federal Requirements. Medications make up the largest portion of test questions: 40% of the exam is devoted to medication names, classifications, interactions, and related content areas.
PTCE vs. ExCPT
The other major certification exam for pharmacy technicians is the ExCPT, or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. This exam is distributed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and has a content outline that mirrors the PTCE, though the test emphasizes different areas. For the ExCPT, dispensing processes make up the largest proportion of the exam content, though knowledge of medications and classifications is also tested.
PTCB Top 200 drugs table
To be fully prepared for the PTCE, test takers should memorize the following medications, active ingredients, and drug classes. The drugs below represent some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S.:
Click here to access the full table of drugs most commonly found on the PTCE.
How to study for the PTCE medication section
Remembering a long list of medications can be daunting, but there are some tactics you can use to commit these drugs and their qualities to memory. Making flashcards, either by hand or online, can help with quick retention and recall. Try using mnemonic devices: for example, to remember SSRI treatment names, you can use something like Let’s Pack the Car PLZ:
- Lexapro
- Paxil
- Celexa
- Prozac
- Luvox
- Zoloft
To further your comprehension, think about how you’d use pharmacy knowledge in a professional setting. If a patient is suffering from a certain condition, what treatment options are available to them? Tying medicines together based on their intended use will take your prep beyond rote memorization and allow you to develop well-rounded pharmaceutical knowledge.
Key takeaways
At first glance, reviewing a list of top medications, their active ingredients, and drug classes may seem like an intimidating task for those taking the PTCE. However, you’ll notice that many generic names and prescription classifications are closely linked to the brand names and intended uses, making this chart an essential reference for anyone preparing to enter the pharmacy industry. Since pharmacy technician jobs often require quick recall and solid familiarity with common prescriptions, gaining proficiency with this list provides a significant advantage in your daily role.
