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ExCPT's Categories1. Regulations and Pharmacy Duties

A. Overview of Technician Duties and General Information

B. Controlled Substances

C. Other Laws and Regulations

2. Drugs and Drug Therapy

A. Drug Classification

B. Most Frequently Prescribed Medications

3. Dispensing Processes

A. Prescription Information

B. Preparing/Dispensing Prescriptions

C. Calculations

D. Sterile Products, Unit Dose, and Repackaging

This ExCPT Curriculum Mapping Guide* correlates the ExCPT test standard blueprint to the individual courseware in Paradigm’s Pharmacy Technician Series.

Pharmacy Practice for Technicians, Sixth Edition–the flagship courseware of the series–addresses all of the standards. Its companions in the Pharmacy Technician Series fulfill the standards. that are specifically related to the content of each courseware title. Consequently, instructors and students who use Paradigm’s Pharmacy Technician Series can be assured that their program of study prepares students for ExCPT's test standards for certification.

*The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is an independent national professional certification that offers the ExCPT. The NHA has had no participation in this mapping alignment guide.

About Paradigm’s ExCPT Curriculum Mapping Guide

Pharmacy Practice for Technicians, Sixth EditionThis sixth edition and its student resources on the Course Navigator address all of the ExCPT test standards on some level with Pharmacy Labs for Technicians, Third Edition, providing the hands-on skills practice.

1: Regulations and Pharmacy Duties


1. Ensure all work performed by the technician is checked by the pharmacist. Chs. 1, 2, 4, 7–15

2. Identify medication prescribing and/or use patterns requiring pharmacist intervention. Chs. 7, 10, 11, 14

3. Differentiate between tasks that may be performed by a pharmacy technician and those that must be performed by a pharmacist. Chs. 2, 7–11, 13, 14

4. Comply with rules and regulations when filling prescriptions. Chs. 2, 7–15

5. Follow policies and procedures with regard to pharmacy workflow. Chs. 2, 7–16

6. Maintain a clean work environment in the pharmacy and patient areas. Ch. 14

7. Maintain pharmacy security by following proper procedures (e.g., alarms, personnel admitted, restricted areas). Chs. 1, 14–15

8. Remove recalled, discontinued, and overstocked products from inventory. Chs. 9, 11, 14

9. Assist the pharmacist in managing inventory by placing, receiving, verifying, and stocking orders. Chs. 9, 11, 14

10. Communicate to staff, healthcare professionals, and patients any changes in product availability (e. g., new, discontinued, back-ordered, and recalled products).

Chs. 2, 7, 11, 14

11. Maintain proper supplies of prescription vials, caps, bottles, and other supplies. Ch. 9

12. Identify expired products in a pharmacy's inventory. Chs. 9, 11, 14

13. Dispose of drugs using proper procedures. Ch. 15


1. Properly file all classes of prescriptions. Chs. 7, 14

2. Differentiate among the controlled substance schedules and the products within them. Chs. 2, 7, 11, 14, supplement

3. Comply with rules and regulations when refilling prescriptions. Chs. 7, 14

4. Follow the proper rules and regulations regarding the transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies. Ch. 7

5. Follow the proper rules and regulations for noncontrolled substances when handling refills and/or partial filling of prescriptions. Chs. 7, 11

6. Follow the correct procedures for handling requests for pseudoephedrine. Ch. 9

7. Comply with laws that pertain to handling sales of Schedule V and regulated nonprescription products. Chs. 2, 7, 9

8. Follow laws and regulations of the Controlled Substances Act with regard to ordering, storage, inventory, and dispensing. Chs. 2, 7, 9, 11, 14

9. Differentiate between legitimate versus illegitimate DEA numbers. Chs. 7, 14


1. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with patients. Chs. 2, 7, 15

2: Drugs and Drug Therapy


1. Differentiate among different therapeutic classes of drugs. Ch. 4, supplements

2. Differentiate among various dosage forms (e.g., tablets versus capsules, ointments versus creams, controlled-release versus immediate-release, parenteral versus oral).

Ch. 5

3. Match commonly used OTC products with their most common indications. Chs. 4, 9

4. Interpret what is represented by each of the three components of the NDC number. Chs. 3, 7, 11, 14


1. Interpret basic medical terminology commonly used in the pharmacy in order to effectively assist the pharmacist. Chs. 3–6, 12, Appendix A, supplement

2. Match brand and generic names of commonly used prescription drugs. Chs. 4, 7, 8, 14, supplement

3. Contrast generic and brand-name medications with regard to cost and effectiveness. Chs. 1–4, 7, 8, 11

4. Match commonly used prescription drugs with their most common indications. Ch. 4

5. Recognize common and serious adverse drug reactions, contraindications, and drug interactions. Chs. 4, 14

6. Recognize physical interactions and incompatibilities in the preparation of compounded parenteral medications. Ch. 13

3: Dispensing Processes


1. Analyze a prescription form for completeness and gather any information that is missing. Chs. 7, 14

2. Properly process telephone, facsimile, and electronic prescription orders. Chs. 7, 11, 14

3. Obtain prescription refill authorization requests from prescribers. Ch. 7

4. Obtain information from patients pertaining to demographics, medication history, health conditions, allergies, and third party payers.

Chs. 7, 8, 11, 14, 16

5. Correctly translate a prescriber's directions for use into accurate and complete directions for the patient. Chs. 7, 6, 14, Appendix A

6. Interpret abbreviations used on prescriptions. Chs. 4–7, 14, Appendix A

7. Avoid common misinterpretations of prescription abbreviations. Chs. 7, 14, Appendix A


1. Maintain and calibrate sterile compounding equipment. Chs. 12, 13

2. Identify drugs that require special handling procedures. Chs. 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14

3. Communicate appropriately and professionally with patients. Chs. 7, 11, 14, 15

4. Communicate appropriately and professionally with healthcare professionals. Chs. 7, 11, 14, 15

5. Follow proper record-keeping procedures pertaining to the pharmacy. Chs. 7–9, 11, 12–14, 15

6. Follow the pharmacy's quality assurance policies and procedures. Chs. 7, 11, 12–14, 15

2. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with healthcare professionals. Chs. 2, 7, 15

3. Comply with HIPAA requirements regarding collection, storage, and disclosure of patient information. Chs. 2, 7, 15

4. Comply with laws and regulations regarding generic substitution. Chs. 2–4, 7, 8, 14

5. Identify the practitioners who are authorized to prescribe specific medications. Chs. 2, 7, 11, 14

6. Interpret prescriber identifier numbers (e. g. DEA, NPI, UPIN). Chs. 2, 7, 8, 14

7. Properly package prescription medications in child-resistant containers or other approved containers as required. Chs. 2, 7, 14

8. Comply with professional, state, and federal laws and regulations. Chs. 1, 2, 4, 7–15

9. Use information found on medication stock bottles, such as drug name and strength, expiration date, and lot number. Chs. 2, 4, 7, 9, 10–14

10. Inform patients of the different types of information they can find on an OTC package label. Chs. 2, 4, 9

7. Follow proper procedures to avoid medication errors. Chs. 7, 8, 10, 11, 12–14

8. Take proper corrective action after detecting potential medication errors. Chs. 7, 13–15

9. Prevent mix-ups between look-alike, sound-alike products. Chs. 7, 9, 11, 14

10. Follow proper procedures to ensure delivery of the correct prescriptions to patients. Chs. 7–11, 13, 14

11. Properly use automated dispensing devices or other devices used in the dispensing process. Chs. 7, 11

12. Maintain, calibrate, and stock automated dispensing systems. Chs. 7, 11

13. Accurately enter prescription information into the computer. Chs. 7, 14

14. Properly and accurately prepare prescription labels. Chs. 7, 10, 14

15. Prepare printed patient information leaflets. Chs. 7, 10, 13, 14

16. Use the proper DAW code when entering prescription data into the computer. Chs. 2, 7, 14

17. Take proper action when receiving computerized messages, such as compliance alerts or interaction alerts, while entering data for a prescription.

Chs. 7, 8, 14

18. Use auxiliary labels properly. Chs. 4, 14

19. Properly label drug products packaged in approved containers or, when appropriate, in original packages. Chs. 4, 7,10, 11, 13, 14

20. Properly enter, update, and maintain electronic patient profiles. Chs. 7, 14

21. Properly package and ship medications. Ch. 9

22. Answer patients' questions about their third-party prescription coverage. Ch. 8

23. Interpret third-party payer identifier numbers (e.g., BIN, PCN). Ch. 8

24. Complete claims properly. Ch. 8

25. Properly process third-party prescriptions. Ch. 8

26. Contact third-party payers and/or prescribers with regard to rejected claims. Ch. 8

C. Calculations

1. Convert within and between each of the systems of measurement. Ch. 6

2. Calculate quantities of prescription medications to be dispensed. Chs. 6, 13

3. Correctly calculate the days supply for prescriptions. Chs. 8, 13

4. Properly calculate individual and daily dosages. Chs. 6, 13

5. Correctly perform compounding calculations (e.g., ratio strength, w/w%, w/v%, w/v%, v/v%). Chs. 6, 10, 13

6. Perform basic pharmacy business calculations (e.g., pricing and inventory control). Ch. 9


1. Follow proper compounding procedures for nonsterile products. Ch. 10

2. Properly label and dispense medications when using multidose vials, punch cards, or unit-dose packaging. Chs. 11, 13

3. Properly repackage and label unit-of-use products. Ch. 11

4. Properly calculate expiration dates for repackaged products. Chs. 10, 11

5. Help patients interpret available manufacturer information regarding the use of various compliance aids and devices. Ch. 9

6. Differentiate among the various routes of administration for parenteral products. Ch. 13

7. Differentiate among the various types of sterile products. Chs. 12, 13

8. Follow correct procedures for maintaining the environment for the sterile product compounding area. Chs. 12, 13

9. Compound and label sterile products accurately. Chs. 12, 13

Pharmacy Labs for Technicians, Third EditionPharmacy Labs for Technicians, Third Edition, along with its Course Navigator student resources and NRx pharmacy-simulation software, provides the needed hands-on skills practice for the appropriate standards.


A. Overview of Technician Duties and General Overview

1. Ensure all work performed by the technician is checked by the pharmacist. Labs 4–7

2. Identify medication prescribing and/or use patterns requiring pharmacist intervention. Labs 5–11

3. Differentiate between tasks that may be performed by a pharmacy technician and those that must be performed by a pharmacist. Lab 11

4. Comply with rules and regulations when filling prescriptions. Labs 3–12

5. Follow policies and procedures with regard to pharmacy workflow. All labs

6. Maintain a clean work environment in the pharmacy and patient areas. Labs 23–35

7. Maintain pharmacy security by following proper procedures (e.g., alarms, personnel admitted, restricted areas). Lab 2

8. Remove recalled, discontinued, and overstocked products from inventory. Lab 4

9. Assist the pharmacist in managing inventory by placing, receiving, verifying, and stocking orders. Lab 4


Labs 2, 15

11. Maintain proper supplies of prescription vials, caps, bottles, and other supplies. Lab 4

12. Identify expired products in a pharmacy's inventory. Lab 4

13. Dispose of drugs using proper procedures. Lab 15


1. Properly file all classes of prescriptions. Labs 3, 6, 7, 9–11

2. Differentiate among the controlled substance schedules and the products within them. Labs 7–11

3. Comply with rules and regulations when refilling prescriptions. Labs 7–11

4. Follow the proper rules and regulations regarding the transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies. Labs 7–11

5. Follow the proper rules and regulations for noncontrolled substances when handling refills and/or partial filling of prescriptions.

6. Follow the correct procedures for handling requests for pseudoephedrine. Labs 7–11

7. Comply with laws that pertain to handling sales of Schedule V and regulated nonprescription products. Labs 4, 9–11

8. Follow laws and regulations of the Controlled Substances Act with regard to ordering, storage, inventory, and dispensing. Lab 31

9. Differentiate between legitimate versus illegitimate DEA numbers. Labs 7, 14


1. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with patients. Labs 2, 5, 22



1. Differentiate among different therapeutic classes of drugs.


Labs 23–28

3. Match commonly used OTC products with their most common indications.

4. Interpret what is represented by each of the three components of the NDC number. Labs 3, 7, 11, 14


1. Interpret basic medical terminology commonly used in the pharmacy in order to effectively assist the pharmacist. Appendix B

2. Match brand and generic names of commonly used prescription drugs.

3. Contrast generic and brand-name medications with regard to cost and effectiveness.

4. Match commonly used prescription drugs with their most common indications.

5. Recognize common and serious adverse drug reactions, contraindications, and drug interactions.

6. Recognize physical interactions and incompatibilities in the preparation of compounded parenteral medications.



1. Analyze a prescription form for completeness and gather any information that is missing. Labs 6–11

2. Properly process telephone, facsimile, and electronic prescription orders. Labs 6–11

3. Obtain prescription refill authorization requests from prescribers. Lab 11


Lab 5

5. Correctly translate a prescriber's directions for use into accurate and complete directions for the patient. Lab 6

6. Interpret abbreviations used on prescriptions. Appendix B

7. Avoid common misinterpretations of prescription abbreviations. Labs 6, 7, Appendix B


1. Maintain and calibrate sterile compounding equipment. Lab 31

2. Identify drugs that require special handling procedures. Lab 32

3. Communicate appropriately and professionally with patients. Lab 2

4. Communicate appropriately and professionally with healthcare professionals. Lab 2

5. Follow proper record-keeping procedures pertaining to the pharmacy. All labs

6. Follow the pharmacy's quality assurance policies and procedures. All labs

2. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with healthcare professionals. Labs 2, 5, 22

3. Comply with HIPAA requirements regarding collection, storage, and disclosure of patient information. Labs 2, 5, 22

4. Comply with laws and regulations regarding generic substitution. Lab 1

5. Identify the practitioners who are authorized to prescribe specific medications. Labs 6–7

6. Interpret prescriber identifier numbers (e. g. DEA, NPI, UPIN). Labs 3, 6–7, 9

7. Properly package prescription medications in child-resistant containers or other approved containers as required. Lab 9–11

8. Comply with professional, state, and federal laws and regulations. Labs 9, 10

9. Use information found on medication stock bottles, such as drug name and strength, expiration date, and lot number. Labs 4, 5–11, 16–18, 20–21

10. Inform patients of the different types of information they can find on an OTC package label. Chs. 2, 4, 9

7. Follow proper procedures to avoid medication errors. All labs

8. Take proper corrective action after detecting potential medication errors.

9. Prevent mix-ups between look-alike, sound-alike products.

10. Follow proper procedures to ensure delivery of the correct prescriptions to patients.

11. Properly use automated dispensing devices or other devices used in the dispensing process.

12. Maintain, calibrate, and stock automated dispensing systems. Lab 21

13. Accurately enter prescription information into the computer. Labs 8–14

14. Properly and accurately prepare prescription labels. Labs 8–11

15. Prepare printed patient information leaflets.

16. Use the proper DAW code when entering prescription data into the computer. Labs 8–11


Labs 8–11

18. Use auxiliary labels properly.

19. Properly label drug products packaged in approved containers or, when appropriate, in original packages.

20. Properly enter, update, and maintain electronic patient profiles. Lab 8

21. Properly package and ship medications.

22. Answer patients' questions about their third-party prescription coverage. Lab 12

23. Interpret third-party payer identifier numbers (e.g., BIN, PCN). Lab 12

24. Complete claims properly. Lab 12

25. Properly process third-party prescriptions. Lab 12

26. Contact third-party payers and/or prescribers with regard to rejected claims. Lab 12

C. Calculations

1. Convert within and between each of the systems of measurement. Labs 23–28

2. Calculate quantities of prescription medications to be dispensed. Labs 23–28

3. Correctly calculate the days supply for prescriptions. Lab 9

4. Properly calculate individual and daily dosages. Lab 9

5. Correctly perform compounding calculations (e.g., ratio strength, w/w%, w/v%, w/v%, v/v%).

6. Perform basic pharmacy business calculations (e.g., pricing and inventory control).


1. Follow proper compounding procedures for nonsterile products. Labs 23–28

2. Properly label and dispense medications when using multidose vials, punch cards, or unit-dose packaging. Labs 16, 35

3. Properly repackage and label unit-of-use products.

4. Properly calculate expiration dates for repackaged products.

5. Help patients interpret available manufacturer information regarding the use of various compliance aids and devices.

6. Differentiate among the various routes of administration for parenteral products. Labs 23–28

7. Differentiate among the various types of sterile products. Labs 32–35

8. Follow correct procedures for maintaining the environment for the sterile product compounding area. Labs 29–35

9. Compound and label sterile products accurately. Labs 29–35

Pharmacology for Technicians, Sixth Edition

Pharmacology for Technicians, Sixth Edition, and its student resources on the Course Navigator, aligns with the ExCPT standards addressing medication knowledge and safety, as well as professionalism and interpersonal skills.



1. Ensure all work performed by the technician is checked by the pharmacist. Ch. 3

2. Identify medication prescribing and/or use patterns requiring pharmacist intervention. Ch. 3

3. Differentiate between tasks that may be performed by a pharmacy technician and those that must be performed by a pharmacist. Ch. 3

4. Comply with rules and regulations when filling prescriptions. Ch. 3

5. Follow policies and procedures with regard to pharmacy workflow. Ch. 3

6. Maintain a clean work environment in the pharmacy and patient areas. Ch. 3

7. Maintain pharmacy security by following proper procedures (e.g., alarms, personnel admitted, restricted areas). Ch. 3

8. Remove recalled, discontinued, and overstocked products from inventory. Ch. 3

9. Assist the pharmacist in managing inventory by placing, receiving, verifying, and stocking orders. Ch. 3


Ch. 3


12. Identify expired products in a pharmacy's inventory. Ch. 3



1. Properly file all classes of prescriptions. Ch. 3

2. Differentiate among the controlled substance schedules and the products within them. Ch. 3

3. Comply with rules and regulations when refilling prescriptions. Ch. 3


5. Follow the proper rules and regulations for noncontrolled substances when handling refills and/or partial filling of prescriptions. Ch. 3

6. Follow the correct procedures for handling requests for pseudoephedrine. Ch. 3

7. Comply with laws that pertain to handling sales of Schedule V and regulated nonprescription products. Ch. 3

8. Follow laws and regulations of the Controlled Substances Act with regard to ordering, storage, inventory, and dispensing. Ch. 3

9. Differentiate between legitimate versus illegitimate DEA numbers. Ch. 3


1. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with patients. Ch. 3



1. Differentiate among different therapeutic classes of drugs. Chs. 4–16


Ch. 2

3. Match commonly used OTC products with their most common indications. Chs. 4–16

4. Interpret what is represented by each of the three components of the NDC number. Ch. 3


1. Interpret basic medical terminology commonly used in the pharmacy in order to effectively assist the pharmacist. Chs. 1, 4–17

2. Match brand and generic names of commonly used prescription drugs. Chs. 4–16

3. Contrast generic and brand-name medications with regard to cost and effectiveness. Ch. 3

4. Match commonly used prescription drugs with their most common indications. Chs. 4–16

5. Recognize common and serious adverse drug reactions, contraindications, and drug interactions. Chs. 2, 4–17

6. Recognize physical interactions and incompatibilities in the preparation of compounded parenteral medications. Chs. 2, 4–17



1. Analyze a prescription form for completeness and gather any information that is missing. Ch. 3

2. Properly process telephone, facsimile, and electronic prescription orders. Ch. 3



Ch. 3

5. Correctly translate a prescriber's directions for use into accurate and complete directions for the patient. Appendix B

6. Interpret abbreviations used on prescriptions. Appendix B

7. Avoid common misinterpretations of prescription abbreviations. Appendix B


1. Maintain and calibrate sterile compounding equipment. Chs. 4–17

2. Identify drugs that require special handling procedures. Ch. 3

3. Communicate appropriately and professionally with patients. Ch. 3

4. Communicate appropriately and professionally with healthcare professionals. Ch. 3

5. Follow proper record-keeping procedures pertaining to the pharmacy. Ch. 3

6. Follow the pharmacy's quality assurance policies and procedures. Ch. 3

2. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with healthcare professionals. Ch. 3

3. Comply with HIPAA requirements regarding collection, storage, and disclosure of patient information. Ch. 3

4. Comply with laws and regulations regarding generic substitution. Ch. 3

5. Identify the practitioners who are authorized to prescribe specific medications. Ch. 3

6. Interpret prescriber identifier numbers (e. g. DEA, NPI, UPIN). Ch. 3

7. Properly package prescription medications in child-resistant containers or other approved containers as required. Ch. 3

8. Comply with professional, state, and federal laws and regulations. Ch. 3

9. Use information found on medication stock bottles, such as drug name and strength, expiration date, and lot number. Ch. 3

10. Inform patients of the different types of information they can find on an OTC package label. Ch. 3

7. Follow proper procedures to avoid medication errors. Ch. 3

8. Take proper corrective action after detecting potential medication errors. Appendix A

9. Prevent mix-ups between look-alike, sound-alike products. Ch. 3

10. Follow proper procedures to ensure delivery of the correct prescriptions to patients. Ch. 3


12. Maintain, calibrate, and stock automated dispensing systems. Ch. 3

13. Accurately enter prescription information into the computer. Ch. 3

14. Properly and accurately prepare prescription labels. Ch. 3

15. Prepare printed patient information leaflets. Ch. 14

16. Use the proper DAW code when entering prescription data into the computer. Ch. 3


Chs. 4–16

18. Use auxiliary labels properly. Chs. 4–17

19. Properly label drug products packaged in approved containers or, when appropriate, in original packages. Ch. 3

20. Properly enter, update, and maintain electronic patient profiles.


22. Answer patients' questions about their third-party prescription coverage.

23. Interpret third-party payer identifier numbers (e.g., BIN, PCN).

24. Complete claims properly.

25. Properly process third-party prescriptions.

26. Contact third-party payers and/or prescribers with regard to rejected claims.

C. Calculations

1. Convert within and between each of the systems of measurement.

2. Calculate quantities of prescription medications to be dispensed.

3. Correctly calculate the days supply for prescriptions.

4. Properly calculate individual and daily dosages.

5. Correctly perform compounding calculations (e.g., ratio strength, w/w%, w/v%, w/v%, v/v%).



1. Follow proper compounding procedures for nonsterile products.

2. Properly label and dispense medications when using multidose vials, punch cards, or unit-dose packaging.



5. Help patients interpret available manufacturer information regarding the use of various compliance aids and devices. Chs. 4–17

6. Differentiate among the various routes of administration for parenteral products. Ch. 10, 17

7. Differentiate among the various types of sterile products. Ch. 16

8. Follow correct procedures for maintaining the environment for the sterile product compounding area. Ch. 16

9. Compound and label sterile products accurately.

Pharmacy Calculations for Technicians, Sixth Edition

This edition and its resources on the Course Navigator provide students with the math skills necessary to complete calculations in the pharmacy. Concepts are explained using real-world pharmacy scenarios and step-by-step examples that walk students through each problem. They are prepared for the calculations problems they will encounter in a certification exam.



1. Ensure all work performed by the technician is checked by the pharmacist.

2. Identify medication prescribing and/or use patterns requiring pharmacist intervention.

3. Differentiate between tasks that may be performed by a pharmacy technician and those that must be performed by a pharmacist.

4. Comply with rules and regulations when filling prescriptions.

5. Follow policies and procedures with regard to pharmacy workflow.

6. Maintain a clean work environment in the pharmacy and patient areas.

7. Maintain pharmacy security by following proper procedures (e.g., alarms, personnel admitted, restricted areas).

8. Remove recalled, discontinued, and overstocked products from inventory.

9. Assist the pharmacist in managing inventory by placing, receiving, verifying, and stocking orders.


11. Maintain proper supplies of prescription vials, caps, bottles, and other supplies.

12. Identify expired products in a pharmacy's inventory.

13. Dispose of drugs using proper procedures.


1. Properly file all classes of prescriptions.

2. Differentiate among the controlled substance schedules and the products within them.

3. Comply with rules and regulations when refilling prescriptions.

4. Follow the proper rules and regulations regarding the transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies.


6. Follow the correct procedures for handling requests for pseudoephedrine.

7. Comply with laws that pertain to handling sales of Schedule V and regulated nonprescription products.

8. Follow laws and regulations of the Controlled Substances Act with regard to ordering, storage, inventory, and dispensing.

9. Differentiate between legitimate versus illegitimate DEA numbers.


1. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with patients.






4. Interpret what is represented by each of the three components of the NDC number.


1. Interpret basic medical terminology commonly used in the pharmacy in order to effectively assist the pharmacist.

2. Match brand and generic names of commonly used prescription drugs.

3. Contrast generic and brand-name medications with regard to cost and effectiveness. Ch. 3



6. Recognize physical interactions and incompatibilities in the preparation of compounded parenteral medications.




2. Properly process telephone, facsimile, and electronic prescription orders.

3. Obtain prescription refill authorization requests from prescribers.


5. Correctly translate a prescriber's directions for use into accurate and complete directions for the patient. Ch. 3

6. Interpret abbreviations used on prescriptions. Ch. 3

7. Avoid common misinterpretations of prescription abbreviations.


1. Maintain and calibrate sterile compounding equipment.

2. Identify drugs that require special handling procedures.

3. Communicate appropriately and professionally with patients.

4. Communicate appropriately and professionally with healthcare professionals.

5. Follow proper record-keeping procedures pertaining to the pharmacy.

6. Follow the pharmacy's quality assurance policies and procedures.

2. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with healthcare professionals.

3. Comply with HIPAA requirements regarding collection, storage, and disclosure of patient information.

4. Comply with laws and regulations regarding generic substitution.

5. Identify the practitioners who are authorized to prescribe specific medications.

6. Interpret prescriber identifier numbers (e. g. DEA, NPI, UPIN).

7. Properly package prescription medications in child-resistant containers or other approved containers as required.

8. Comply with professional, state, and federal laws and regulations.

9. Use information found on medication stock bottles, such as drug name and strength, expiration date, and lot number.10. Inform patients of the different types of information they can find on an OTC package label.

7. Follow proper procedures to avoid medication errors.

8. Take proper corrective action after detecting potential medication errors.

9. Prevent mix-ups between look-alike, sound-alike products.



12. Maintain, calibrate, and stock automated dispensing systems.

13. Accurately enter prescription information into the computer. Ch. 3

14. Properly and accurately prepare prescription labels. Ch. 3


16. Use the proper DAW code when entering prescription data into the computer.


18. Use auxiliary labels properly.

19. Properly label drug products packaged in approved containers or, when appropriate, in original packages.








C. Calculations

1. Convert within and between each of the systems of measurement. Chs. 2, 4, 5, Appendix C

2. Calculate quantities of prescription medications to be dispensed. Chs. 4–7

3. Correctly calculate the days supply for prescriptions. Ch. 9

4. Properly calculate individual and daily dosages. Chs. 4–7

5. Correctly perform compounding calculations (e.g., ratio strength, w/w%, w/v%, w/v%, v/v%). Chs. 4, 6–8








6. Differentiate among the various routes of administration for parenteral products.

7. Differentiate among the various types of sterile products.

8. Follow correct procedures for maintaining the environment for the sterile product compounding area.

9. Compound and label sterile products accurately.

Certification Exam Review for Pharmacy Technicians, Fourth Edition

This edition reviews the content encompassed in the ExCPT test standards and those of the PTCE. This courseware is available in two versions to suit different programs and students: self-study courseware and new instructor-guided courseware! The courseware includes the same print textbook for both versions but has separate eBooks. The instructor-guided courseware includes the Course Navigator and instructor assessments. Both versions offer an exam generator for student practice.



1. Ensure all work performed by the technician is checked by the pharmacist. Chs. 3–10

2. Identify medication prescribing and/or use patterns requiring pharmacist intervention. Chs. 1, 4

3. Differentiate between tasks that may be performed by a pharmacy technician and those that must be performed by a pharmacist. Chs. 3–10

4. Comply with rules and regulations when filling prescriptions. Chs. 3–10 (specifically 3), Appendix B, supplement

5. Follow policies and procedures with regard to pharmacy workflow. Chs. 3–10, HIPAA supplement

6. Maintain a clean work environment in the pharmacy and patient areas. supplement

7. Maintain pharmacy security by following proper procedures (e.g., alarms, personnel admitted, restricted areas). supplement

8. Remove recalled, discontinued, and overstocked products from inventory. Ch. 9

9. Assist the pharmacist in managing inventory by placing, receiving, verifying, and stocking orders. Chs. 8, 9


Ch. 9, supplement


12. Identify expired products in a pharmacy's inventory. Ch. 9



1. Properly file all classes of prescriptions. Ch. 3

2. Differentiate among the controlled substance schedules and the products within them. Chs. 3, 4, 9, Appendix B, flash cards

3. Comply with rules and regulations when refilling prescriptions. Chs. 3, 6, supplement


5. Follow the proper rules and regulations for noncontrolled substances when handling refills and/or partial filling of prescriptions. Ch. 4

6. Follow the correct procedures for handling requests for pseudoephedrine. Ch. 3, Appendix B

7. Comply with laws that pertain to handling sales of Schedule V and regulated nonprescription products. Ch. 3

8. Follow laws and regulations of the Controlled Substances Act with regard to ordering, storage, inventory, and dispensing. Chs. 3, 8, 9

9. Differentiate between legitimate versus illegitimate DEA numbers. Chs. 3, 4, 7, 9


1. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with patients. Chs. 3, 4, supplement



1. Differentiate among different therapeutic classes of drugs. Ch. 1, Appendix B, supplements


Ch. 4

3. Match commonly used OTC products with their most common indications. Ch. 1

4. Interpret what is represented by each of the three components of the NDC number. Chs. 3, 4, 7


1. Interpret basic medical terminology commonly used in the pharmacy in order to effectively assist the pharmacist. Chs. 1, 3, 4, Appendix A, supplement

2. Match brand and generic names of commonly used prescription drugs. Chs. 1, 4, supplements

3. Contrast generic and brand-name medications with regard to cost and effectiveness. Chs. 1, 3, 4

4. Match commonly used prescription drugs with their most common indications. Ch. 4, supplement

5. Recognize common and serious adverse drug reactions, contraindications, and drug interactions. Ch. 1

6. Recognize physical interactions and incompatibilities in the preparation of compounded parenteral medications. Ch. 6




2. Properly process telephone, facsimile, and electronic prescription orders. Ch. 4



Ch. 4

5. Correctly translate a prescriber's directions for use into accurate and complete directions for the patient. Ch. 4

6. Interpret abbreviations used on prescriptions. Chs. 4, 6, 7, Appendix A

7. Avoid common misinterpretations of prescription abbreviations. Ch. 7


1. Maintain and calibrate sterile compounding equipment. Ch. 6

2. Identify drugs that require special handling procedures. Chs. 1, 6, 9

3. Communicate appropriately and professionally with patients. Chs. 4, 5, 7, 10

4. Communicate appropriately and professionally with healthcare professionals. Chs. 4, 6

5. Follow proper record-keeping procedures pertaining to the pharmacy. Chs. 3–10

6. Follow the pharmacy's quality assurance policies and procedures. Ch. 7

2. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with healthcare professionals. Chs. 3, 4, supplement

3. Comply with HIPAA requirements regarding collection, storage, and disclosure of patient information. Chs. 3, 4, supplement

4. Comply with laws and regulations regarding generic substitution. Ch. 4

5. Identify the practitioners who are authorized to prescribe specific medications. Ch. 4

6. Interpret prescriber identifier numbers (e. g. DEA, NPI, UPIN). Ch. 4

7. Properly package prescription medications in child-resistant containers or other approved containers as required. Chs. 3, 7

8. Comply with professional, state, and federal laws and regulations. Ch. 3

9. Use information found on medication stock bottles, such as drug name and strength, expiration date, and lot number. Chs. 4, 7–9

10. Inform patients of the different types of information they can find on an OTC package label. Ch. 1

7. Follow proper procedures to avoid medication errors. Chs. 4–7

8. Take proper corrective action after detecting potential medication errors. Ch. 7

9. Prevent mix-ups between look-alike, sound-alike products. Ch. 7

10. Follow proper procedures to ensure delivery of the correct prescriptions to patients. Chs. 4, 7

11. Properly use automated dispensing devices or other devices used in the dispensing process. Ch. 8

12. Maintain, calibrate, and stock automated dispensing systems. Ch. 8

13. Accurately enter prescription information into the computer. Chs. 4, 8

14. Properly and accurately prepare prescription labels. Chs. 4, 5, 7

15. Prepare printed patient information leaflets. Chs. 4, 7

16. Use the proper DAW code when entering prescription data into the computer. Ch. 4


Chs. 4, 7, 10

18. Use auxiliary labels properly. Ch. 1

19. Properly label drug products packaged in approved containers or, when appropriate, in original packages. Chs. 1, 4, 5, 9

20. Properly enter, update, and maintain electronic patient profiles. Chs. 4, 8

21. Properly package and ship medications. Chs. 6, 9

22. Answer patients' questions about their third-party prescription coverage. Ch. 10

23. Interpret third-party payer identifier numbers (e.g., BIN, PCN). Ch. 10

24. Complete claims properly. Ch. 10

25. Properly process third-party prescriptions. Ch. 10

26. Contact third-party payers and/or prescribers with regard to rejected claims. Ch. 10

C. Calculations

1. Convert within and between each of the systems of measurement. Ch. 2

2. Calculate quantities of prescription medications to be dispensed. Chs. 2, 6

3. Correctly calculate the days supply for prescriptions. Ch. 10

4. Properly calculate individual and daily dosages. Chs. 2, 6

5. Correctly perform compounding calculations (e.g., ratio strength, w/w%, w/v%, w/v%, v/v%). Chs. 2, 6



1. Follow proper compounding procedures for nonsterile products. Ch. 5

2. Properly label and dispense medications when using multidose vials, punch cards, or unit-dose packaging. Chs. 4, 6

3. Properly repackage and label unit-of-use products. Ch. 4

4. Properly calculate expiration dates for repackaged products. Chs. 4–6

5. Help patients interpret available manufacturer information regarding the use of various compliance aids and devices. Chs. 1, 7

6. Differentiate among the various routes of administration for parenteral products. Ch. 6

7. Differentiate among the various types of sterile products. Ch. 6

8. Follow correct procedures for maintaining the environment for the sterile product compounding area. Ch. 6

9. Compound and label sterile products accurately. Ch. 6

Sterile Compounding and Aseptic Technique, Second Edition

This edition and its student resources, available in 2018, will address the following ExCPT test standards specific to sterile and hazardous compounding and the regulations outlined in USP Chapter <797> (rev. 2017) and the new USP Chapter <800>. Chapter mapping will be available with the new edition.



1. Ensure all work performed by the technician is checked by the pharmacist. P

2. Identify medication prescribing and/or use patterns requiring pharmacist intervention.

3. Differentiate between tasks that may be performed by a pharmacy technician and those that must be performed by a pharmacist. P

4. Comply with rules and regulations when filling prescriptions. P

5. Follow policies and procedures with regard to pharmacy workflow. P

6. Maintain a clean work environment in the pharmacy and patient areas. P

7. Maintain pharmacy security by following proper procedures (e.g., alarms, personnel admitted, restricted areas).

8. Remove recalled, discontinued, and overstocked products from inventory.

9. Assist the pharmacist in managing inventory by placing, receiving, verifying, and stocking orders.

10. Communicate to staff, healthcare professionals, and patients any changes in product availability (e. g., new, discontinued, back-ordered, and recalled products). P

11. Maintain proper supplies of prescription vials, caps, bottles, and other supplies.

12. Identify expired products in a pharmacy's inventory.

13. Dispose of drugs using proper procedures. P


1. Properly file all classes of prescriptions.

2. Differentiate among the controlled substance schedules and the products within them. P

3. Comply with rules and regulations when refilling prescriptions.

4. Follow the proper rules and regulations regarding the transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies.


6. Follow the correct procedures for handling requests for pseudoephedrine.

7. Comply with laws that pertain to handling sales of Schedule V and regulated nonprescription products.

8. Follow laws and regulations of the Controlled Substances Act with regard to ordering, storage, inventory, and dispensing. P

9. Differentiate between legitimate versus illegitimate DEA numbers.


1. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with patients.






4. Interpret what is represented by each of the three components of the NDC number. P


1. Interpret basic medical terminology commonly used in the pharmacy in order to effectively assist the pharmacist. P

2. Match brand and generic names of commonly used prescription drugs. P

3. Contrast generic and brand-name medications with regard to cost and effectiveness.



6. Recognize physical interactions and incompatibilities in the preparation of compounded parenteral medications. P



1. Analyze a prescription form for completeness and gather any information that is missing. P

2. Properly process telephone, facsimile, and electronic prescription orders.

3. Obtain prescription refill authorization requests from prescribers.


5. Correctly translate a prescriber's directions for use into accurate and complete directions for the patient.

6. Interpret abbreviations used on prescriptions. P

7. Avoid common misinterpretations of prescription abbreviations. P


1. Maintain and calibrate sterile compounding equipment. P

2. Identify drugs that require special handling procedures. P

3. Communicate appropriately and professionally with patients.

4. Communicate appropriately and professionally with healthcare professionals. P

5. Follow proper record-keeping procedures pertaining to the pharmacy. P

6. Follow the pharmacy's quality assurance policies and procedures. P

2. Maintain HIPAA compliance while communicating with healthcare professionals. P

3. Comply with HIPAA requirements regarding collection, storage, and disclosure of patient information. P

4. Comply with laws and regulations regarding generic substitution.

5. Identify the practitioners who are authorized to prescribe specific medications.

6. Interpret prescriber identifier numbers (e. g. DEA, NPI, UPIN).

7. Properly package prescription medications in child-resistant containers or other approved containers as required.

8. Comply with professional, state, and federal laws and regulations. P

9. Use information found on medication stock bottles, such as drug name and strength, expiration date, and lot number. P

10. Inform patients of the different types of information they can find on an OTC package label.

7. Follow proper procedures to avoid medication errors. P

8. Take proper corrective action after detecting potential medication errors. P

9. Prevent mix-ups between look-alike, sound-alike products. P



12. Maintain, calibrate, and stock automated dispensing systems.

13. Accurately enter prescription information into the computer.

14. Properly and accurately prepare prescription labels.


16. Use the proper DAW code when entering prescription data into the computer.


18. Use auxiliary labels properly. P

19. Properly label drug products packaged in approved containers or, when appropriate, in original packages. P








C. Calculations

1. Convert within and between each of the systems of measurement. P

2. Calculate quantities of prescription medications to be dispensed. P

3. Correctly calculate the days supply for prescriptions. P

4. Properly calculate individual and daily dosages. P

5. Correctly perform compounding calculations (e.g., ratio strength, w/w%, w/v%, w/v%, v/v%). P








6. Differentiate among the various routes of administration for parenteral products. P

7. Differentiate among the various types of sterile products. P

8. Follow correct procedures for maintaining the environment for the sterile product compounding area. P

9. Compound and label sterile products accurately. P

2. In print! © 2017 | 100 pages

Paradigm’s Pocket Drug Guide is now available in 3 formats including an app!

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ExCPT's StandardsRegulations and Pharmacy Duties


1 Ensure all work... l l l l l

2 Identify medication prescribing... l l l l

3 Differentiate between tasks... l l l l l

4 Comply with rules and... l l l l l

5 Follow policies and... l l l l l

6 Maintain a clean...environment... l l l l l

7 Maintain pharmacy security... l l l l

8 Remove recalled... l l l l

9 Assist the pharmacist... l l l l

10 Communicate to staff... l l l l l

11 Maintain proper supplies... l l l l

12 Identify expired products... l l l l

13 Dispose of drugs ... l l l l


1 Properly file...prescriptions. l l l

2 Differentiate among the... l l l l

3 Comply with rules... l l l l

4 Follow the proper rules [transfers]... l l l l

5 Follow the proper rules [refills]... l l l l

6 Follow the correct procedures... l l l

7 Comply with laws that pertain... l l l l

8 Follow laws and regulations... l l l l l

9 Differentiate between legitimate... l l l l


1 Maintain HIPAA [with patients]... l l l l

2 Maintain HIPAA [with personnel]... l l l l l

3 Comply with HIPAA requirements... l l l l l

4 Comply with laws... l l l l

5 Identify the practitioners... l l l l

6 Interpret prescriber identifier... l l l l

7 Properly package prescription... l l l l

8 Comply with professional... l l l l l

9 Use information found... l l l l l

10 Inform patients of... l l l

Drugs and Drug Therapy


1 Differentiate among...therapeutic... l l l

2 Differentiate among...dosage... l l l l

3 Match commonly used OTC... l l l

4 Interpret what is represented... l l l l


1 Interpret basic medical... l l l l l

2 Match brand and generic names... l l l l

3 Contrast generic and brand... l l l l

4 Match commonly used... l l l

5 Recognize common and serious... l l l

6 Recognize physical interactions... l l l l

Pharmacy Practic

e

Pharmacy Labs

Pharmacology

Pharmacy Calcu

lations

Sterile Compounding

Certificatio

n Exam Review

Dispensing Processes


1 Analyze a prescription form... l l l l l l

2 Properly process telephone... l l l l

3 Obtain prescription refill... l l l l

4 Obtain information from patients... l l l l

5 Correctly translate a prescriber's... l l l l l

6 Interpret abbreviations... l l l l l l

7 Avoid common... l l l l l


1 Maintain and calibrate... l l l l

2 Identify drugs that require... l l l l l

3 Communicate [with patients]... l l l l

4 Communicate [professionals]... l l l l l

5 Follow proper record-keeping... l l l l l

6 Follow the pharmacy's quality ... l l l l l

7 Follow proper procedures... l l l l l

8 Take proper corrective action... l l l l

9 Prevent mix-ups between... l l l l

10 Follow proper procedures... l l l

11 Properly use automated... l l l

12 Maintain, calibrate, and stock... l l l

13 Accurately enter prescription... l l l l l

14 Properly and accurately prepare... l l l l l

15 Prepare printed patient... l l l

16 Use the proper DAW code... l l l l

17 Take proper action when... l l l l

18 Use auxiliary labels... l l l l

19 Properly label drug products... l l l l

20 Properly enter, update, and... l l l l

21 Properly package and ship... l l

22 Answer patients' questions... l l l

23 Interpret third-party payer... l l l

24 Complete claims properly. l l l

25 Properly process third-party... l l l

26. Contact third-party l l

C. Calculations

1 Convert...systems of measurement. l l l l l

2 Calculate quantities...medications... l l l l l

3 Correctly calculate...day's supply... l l l l l

4 Properly calculate...dosages. l l l l l

5 Correctly perform compounding... l l l l

6 Perform...business calculations... l l l

D. Sterile Products, Unit Dose and Repackaging

1 Follow proper compounding... l l l

2 Properly label and dispense... l l l

3 Properly repackage... l l

4 Properly calculate expiration... l l

5 Help patients interpret... l l l

6 Differentiate [admin routes]... l l l l l

7 Differentiate among [products]... l l l l l

8 Follow correct procedures... l l l l l

9 Compound and label sterile... l l l l

ParadigmEducation.com800-535-6865

At-a-Glance ExCPT Alignment Guide

To access a crosswalk of ASHP goals with Paradigm’s Pharmacy Technician Series, visit PharmTech.paradigmeducation.com/ASHPmap

ParadigmEducation.com | 800-535-6865

Timely, accurate, and comprehensive courseware is essential for student, instructor, and program success. Paradigm’s Pharmacy Technician Series courseware:l Prepares students to pass the ExCPT or the PTCE and achieve certification.l Aligns with the fourth edition of ASHP’s Model Curriculum.l Provides the most accurate, up-to-date information available.l Enhances student learning with bonus resources at no additional cost to students.l Teaches students the importance of professionalism in the pharmacy practice setting.l Features the expertise of authors and instructors who are actively engaged in the pharmacy technician field.l Helps programs fulfill accreditation requirements.

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