Re: I'm sure this is one of the most popular questions posted...

[Guest guest]

I took my exams on the 18th of December and got my

card on the 31st even though results are only supposed

to be available on the 2nd of January. So it is

possible, you might just need to check your mail. You

can probably check your results on the website online

on the 2nd, as well.

I know you like feedback on the tests, Jeanette. I

was wondering what kind of information you would

like.

--- speer3 <speer3@...> wrote:

> Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

>

> I was wondering if exam results are ever posted

> before the date on the

> sheet? I know the number break down may take longer

> to process, but is

> pass or fail available sooner? I took it in the last

> testing window in

> December and am hoping to know before the end of

> Jan.

>

> Anyone have any experiences or insight into this?

>

> Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there!

Thank you for addressing this question as I have no experience with the

returns of tfhe newer electronic format test.

Yes the feedback:

1. City, State and date you took the exam.

2. The testing location, climate and environment.

3. The accomodation if yo stayed the night somewhere

4. Did you like the electronic format of the PTCB exam? Why or why not?

5. Long much time did they give you, how much time did you take? Enough or

needed more time?

6. About how much of math? Law? other type questions? percentage? (example:

such as 30% math 30% law 40 % other )

7. Difficulty? Easy? Middle of the road?

8. What do you wish you had studied more of? (topics not specific questions).

9. Did th estudy group help? If so in what way? if not why not?

10. What do you think the study group (I) should add or do more?

11. Did the books you used to study help? If so why? If not why not?

What/which books, videos, sites, CD-Roms did you use?

12. Any other comments?

Thanks for asking !

Also there are several surveys in the poll section you may wish to fill out.

Thanks you again! Look forward to your input

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

Founder/Owner

Liu <whysthis@...> wrote:

I took my exams on the 18th of December and got my

card on the 31st even though results are only supposed

to be available on the 2nd of January. So it is

possible, you might just need to check your mail. You

can probably check your results on the website online

on the 2nd, as well.

I know you like feedback on the tests, Jeanette. I

was wondering what kind of information you would

like.

--- speer3 <speer3@...> wrote:

> Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

>

> I was wondering if exam results are ever posted

> before the date on the

> sheet? I know the number break down may take longer

> to process, but is

> pass or fail available sooner? I took it in the last

> testing window in

> December and am hoping to know before the end of

> Jan.

>

> Anyone have any experiences or insight into this?

>

> Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

No problem, Jeanetta. The point of this group is to

share information, right?

1. Anaheim, California. December, 13, 2007.

2. Pearson Professional Centers had a very

professional environment. They required you to empty

your pockets and place them in a locker, which they

would provide for you. The proctor has a complete

view of you while taking your test. There is

literally someone sitting behind you watching you take

the test as well as a camera recording your actions.

All materials taken in with you, such as work paper,

pens, etc. are all provided by the testing center. If

at any time you need to leave the testing computer,

say to use the restroom, you will be escorted there

and back to your seat. The opportunities for cheating

seem to very slim to none.

3. None provided. I drove there directly.

4. I did like the electronic test. It is very easy to

take as well as review. Far quicker than a paper

exam.

5. I forgot the exact amount of time given since it is

such a non issue. It is either 2 hours or 200

minutes. I took under 40 minutes to take the exam as

well as review every question. The amount of time

given is far more than necessary.

6. The test seems to be roughly 25% math, 35% law, 15%

pharmacology, 15% drug names, 10% other.

7. The pharmacology and drug names were incredibly

difficult. The other 70% of the test was incredibly

easily.

8. I do not wish I had studied more. However, if I

had studied more, I would have reviewed drug names.

9. The study group did help me. I read the emails as

well as reviewed the practice exams available. I got

2 more answers correct due to the information I

learned in this group. I might have used the study

group more, but I found the site difficult to navigate

and the necessary information difficult to find.

10. I believe the study group would benefit more as a

conventional web page with the information far more

organized. However, I do realize you're maintaining

this study group with your free time, Jeanetta. I

don't expect you to have the time to implement any of

this, especially since you run this site for free!

11. I used two books to study. The Pharmacy

Technician from Perspective Press was a better book

than Pharmacy Practice for Technicians by Durgin and

Hanan. However, both books were not very good. I

only got 1 additional answer right due to the

information I learned from both books! However, I

only read the sections with pharmacy law and

pharmacology. I skipped or glanced through the

remainder of the books.

12. I have two observations to make. First, this test

is incredibly easy. I'm 100% positive I would have

passed without studying at all. However, I do have 2

years of uncertified tech work under by belt as well

as a bachelor's in biology. I'm still very confident,

that this test IS NOT as hard at all. Regardless of

background, anyone with a basic knowledge in math and

some spare time to go over the pharmacy laws can pass

this test without any problems. I am oversimplifying

the qualifications, but this test is VERY easy.

Secondly, the pharmacology and drug names were

incredibly difficult. Far more difficult than

practical. Out of the 30 or so questions, I could

only answer 10 of them with any amount of certainty.

I know the top 100 drugs by heart due to rote

memorization from work, but most of the tested drugs

are NOT commonly seen drugs in a day to day situation

at a retail pharmacy. It seems like they decided to

test the most obscure drugs, which seems completely

inane.

I'm happy to provide feedback, Jeanetta. If you have

any other questions let me know!

--- Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote:

> Hi there!

>

> Thank you for addressing this question as I have

> no experience with the returns of tfhe newer

> electronic format test.

>

> Yes the feedback:

>

> 1. City, State and date you took the exam.

> 2. The testing location, climate and environment.

> 3. The accomodation if yo stayed the night

> somewhere

> 4. Did you like the electronic format of the PTCB

> exam? Why or why not?

> 5. Long much time did they give you, how much time

> did you take? Enough or needed more time?

> 6. About how much of math? Law? other type

> questions? percentage? (example: such as 30% math

> 30% law 40 % other )

> 7. Difficulty? Easy? Middle of the road?

> 8. What do you wish you had studied more of?

> (topics not specific questions).

> 9. Did th estudy group help? If so in what way? if

> not why not?

> 10. What do you think the study group (I) should

> add or do more?

> 11. Did the books you used to study help? If so

> why? If not why not? What/which books, videos,

> sites, CD-Roms did you use?

> 12. Any other comments?

>

> Thanks for asking !

>

> Also there are several surveys in the poll section

> you may wish to fill out.

>

> Thanks you again! Look forward to your input

>

> Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

> Founder/Owner

> Liu <whysthis@...> wrote:

> I took my exams on the 18th of December

> and got my

> card on the 31st even though results are only

> supposed

> to be available on the 2nd of January. So it is

> possible, you might just need to check your mail.

> You

> can probably check your results on the website

> online

> on the 2nd, as well.

>

> I know you like feedback on the tests, Jeanette. I

> was wondering what kind of information you would

> like.

>

> --- speer3 <speer3@...> wrote:

>

> > Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

> >

> > I was wondering if exam results are ever posted

> > before the date on the

> > sheet? I know the number break down may take

> longer

> > to process, but is

> > pass or fail available sooner? I took it in the

> last

> > testing window in

> > December and am hoping to know before the end of

> > Jan.

> >

> > Anyone have any experiences or insight into this?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

To answer the original question, I also took the exam on Dec 18th. I

got my online pass/fail on the 27th. I have yet to receive my actual

score or certificate by mail yet.

I just got around to writing my feedback from my test.

1. City, State and date you took the exam.

I took my exam in Boston, Ma on 12/18/07.

2. The testing location, climate and environment.

I took it at the downtown location. The people were very nice,

center was clean and as comfortable as could be expected. They

provided a locker for your coat and all other personal belongings.

They also provided me with a calculator and a wipe off sheet (dry

erase) to use as scrap paper for the calculations.

4. Did you like the electronic format of the PTCB exam? Why or why not?

I liked the test format. I really liked that you could go back and

review your answers or skip ones you weren't sure of right away.

5. Long much time did they give you, how much time did you take?

Enough or needed more time?

Is it sad that I can't remember the exact time? I think it was around

two hours. I thought it was plenty of time. I finished with time

left so I had plenty of time to go over my answers and spend more

time on questions I wasn't sure of the first time around.

6. About how much of math? Law? other type questions? percentage?

(example: such as 30% math 30% law 40 % other )

I'd say around 50-65% of my exam was math. The rest was divided

between law (a lot of questions about dispensing of controls), special

handling and misc. other topics.

7. Difficulty? Easy? Middle of the road?

I thought the questions, especially the law ones, were worded such

that it would be very easy to pick the wrong answer. I would

definitely not call it easy. It was probably just slightly harder

than I expected it to be. Not so much the actual material, but the

wording of the questions.

8. What do you wish you had studied more of? (topics not specific

questions).

Definitely special handling. It is so hard to find a good source of

information to study all of that at once. I don't know how to explain

better without giving questions away, but it seems you were expected

to know a lot about what handling was required of what drugs, all the

way down the line from filling rules to packaging, storage, etc.

9. Did the study group help? If so in what way? if not why not?

I do think the group helped me. It gave me direction on what to do

study so that I was not out there on my own. It was also nice to know

that I could ask questions, look at the files, and interact with the

other members.

10. What do you think the study group (I) should add or do more?

I will have to think about that one. Since the only thing that stood

out in my mind that I didn't know enough about on the test was special

handling, I guess I would say that?

11. Did the books you used to study help? If so why? If not why not?

What/which books, videos, sites, CD-Roms did you use?

As my text book, I used The Pharmacy Technician by Perspective Press.

This was provided to me by work. I liked it, it was pretty

informative without being super long. It definitely could have used

more in the law section, specifically federal laws about dispensing

controls. But overall I think it was a pretty good text book.

For math I used APhA's Complete Math Review for the Pharmacy

Technician by A. Hopkins. Again, this was given to me by

work. I really really liked this book, love the author's writing

style. I thought it was very easy to understand and really helped me

learn the math. I would highly recommend this book to anyone like me

who is not the best at math!

For general review I used Joe Medina's review book. It was very

helpful, a great book. It crunched all the info down and presented it

in an easily understandable way. I love how Joe has the top 200 drugs

set up in his book- it was the only table I could study from. I would

recommend this book as well.

I hope this helps someone else! Jeanetta, if you are looking for any

other feedback, please let me know.

-Kerri

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Thank you for your candid response.

I have always categorized the exam as about 35% math 35% law and about 30%

other.

I do not think we are far off.

When you say the drug quesrtions do you mean those that have to do with:

basic trade/generic/classification only or do you mean those they asked

questions regarding mechanism of action, site of action, drug interactions

with drugs, herbs, foods, warnings/auxiliary labels, and storage etc which is

pharmacology ?

Did you think the drug questions were mainly on hospital or IV drugs?

Feedback to some of your feedback:

I think with your level of education and attainment of already have worked in

a pharmacy that you would find the study and the test easy. However I have to

say that MOST people taking the exam across the nation and most who use this

site do not have higher than high school education and havenot experienced the

time and amount of study it takes for a college level science class and

therefore usually find the test medium to difficult. havign said that those that

mention difficulty usually mention a particualar type of math (IV) or

pharmacology. So of those who have taken college biology or college chem or

physics....your input matches fairly well. Of those without such back ground

your experience is a bit different.

I am glad the site helped you with one more test question, and the books

helped you with two. But I want to point out to the readers this is because you

have so much experience already. To those of you who do not have any

experience, or training or education books adn the site usually help a lot more

as the books and site usually are introducing the student or member for the

first time to the topics. So it is a good thing that the books and the site

could not help you much more, tha tmeans you have much experience and are most

likely doing well as a tech. At least I interpret it that way!

On theother hand I hope viewers do not abandon the site or book study based

upon your study experience, since most of you reading this have no pharmacy

teching experience.

YES I agree the site would be best if I could have it on a web page with a

menu that is friendlier and in a subject order. If you or anyone else has any

suggestions how I could sub categorize the folders or??? let me know.

Thanks so much for all of your valuable input and the time it took/takes to

answer my questions. I am sure others will value it as well.

I do have another question: suppose you answered a question that you were not

too sure about, then you came upon another question that jogged your memory and

you realized that you should change your answer to the previous question. Are

you able to go backwards and do so? Also how many questions are on the screen

at one time?

Thanks again so very much.

I think your input is pretty much the same for most who have your or a similar

background.

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Founder/Owner

PS Are you willing to share your score?

Founder/Owner

Liu <whysthis@...> wrote:

No problem, Jeanetta. The point of this group is to

share information, right?

1. Anaheim, California. December, 13, 2007.

2. Pearson Professional Centers had a very

professional environment. They required you to empty

your pockets and place them in a locker, which they

would provide for you. The proctor has a complete

view of you while taking your test. There is

literally someone sitting behind you watching you take

the test as well as a camera recording your actions.

All materials taken in with you, such as work paper,

pens, etc. are all provided by the testing center. If

at any time you need to leave the testing computer,

say to use the restroom, you will be escorted there

and back to your seat. The opportunities for cheating

seem to very slim to none.

3. None provided. I drove there directly.

4. I did like the electronic test. It is very easy to

take as well as review. Far quicker than a paper

exam.

5. I forgot the exact amount of time given since it is

such a non issue. It is either 2 hours or 200

minutes. I took under 40 minutes to take the exam as

well as review every question. The amount of time

given is far more than necessary.

6. The test seems to be roughly 25% math, 35% law, 15%

pharmacology, 15% drug names, 10% other.

7. The pharmacology and drug names were incredibly

difficult. The other 70% of the test was incredibly

easily.

8. I do not wish I had studied more. However, if I

had studied more, I would have reviewed drug names.

9. The study group did help me. I read the emails as

well as reviewed the practice exams available. I got

2 more answers correct due to the information I

learned in this group. I might have used the study

group more, but I found the site difficult to navigate

and the necessary information difficult to find.

10. I believe the study group would benefit more as a

conventional web page with the information far more

organized. However, I do realize you're maintaining

this study group with your free time, Jeanetta. I

don't expect you to have the time to implement any of

this, especially since you run this site for free!

11. I used two books to study. The Pharmacy

Technician from Perspective Press was a better book

than Pharmacy Practice for Technicians by Durgin and

Hanan. However, both books were not very good. I

only got 1 additional answer right due to the

information I learned from both books! However, I

only read the sections with pharmacy law and

pharmacology. I skipped or glanced through the

remainder of the books.

12. I have two observations to make. First, this test

is incredibly easy. I'm 100% positive I would have

passed without studying at all. However, I do have 2

years of uncertified tech work under by belt as well

as a bachelor's in biology. I'm still very confident,

that this test IS NOT as hard at all. Regardless of

background, anyone with a basic knowledge in math and

some spare time to go over the pharmacy laws can pass

this test without any problems. I am oversimplifying

the qualifications, but this test is VERY easy.

Secondly, the pharmacology and drug names were

incredibly difficult. Far more difficult than

practical. Out of the 30 or so questions, I could

only answer 10 of them with any amount of certainty.

I know the top 100 drugs by heart due to rote

memorization from work, but most of the tested drugs

are NOT commonly seen drugs in a day to day situation

at a retail pharmacy. It seems like they decided to

test the most obscure drugs, which seems completely

inane.

I'm happy to provide feedback, Jeanetta. If you have

any other questions let me know!

--- Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote:

> Hi there!

>

> Thank you for addressing this question as I have

> no experience with the returns of tfhe newer

> electronic format test.

>

> Yes the feedback:

>

> 1. City, State and date you took the exam.

> 2. The testing location, climate and environment.

> 3. The accomodation if yo stayed the night

> somewhere

> 4. Did you like the electronic format of the PTCB

> exam? Why or why not?

> 5. Long much time did they give you, how much time

> did you take? Enough or needed more time?

> 6. About how much of math? Law? other type

> questions? percentage? (example: such as 30% math

> 30% law 40 % other )

> 7. Difficulty? Easy? Middle of the road?

> 8. What do you wish you had studied more of?

> (topics not specific questions).

> 9. Did th estudy group help? If so in what way? if

> not why not?

> 10. What do you think the study group (I) should

> add or do more?

> 11. Did the books you used to study help? If so

> why? If not why not? What/which books, videos,

> sites, CD-Roms did you use?

> 12. Any other comments?

>

> Thanks for asking !

>

> Also there are several surveys in the poll section

> you may wish to fill out.

>

> Thanks you again! Look forward to your input

>

> Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

> Founder/Owner

> Liu <whysthis@...> wrote:

> I took my exams on the 18th of December

> and got my

> card on the 31st even though results are only

> supposed

> to be available on the 2nd of January. So it is

> possible, you might just need to check your mail.

> You

> can probably check your results on the website

> online

> on the 2nd, as well.

>

> I know you like feedback on the tests, Jeanette. I

> was wondering what kind of information you would

> like.

>

> --- speer3 <speer3@...> wrote:

>

> > Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

> >

> > I was wondering if exam results are ever posted

> > before the date on the

> > sheet? I know the number break down may take

> longer

> > to process, but is

> > pass or fail available sooner? I took it in the

> last

> > testing window in

> > December and am hoping to know before the end of

> > Jan.

> >

> > Anyone have any experiences or insight into this?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Kerri CPhT,

Please let me know about the way that I have regorganized the site

and let me know if it is better and what else I can do if possible to

make it easier to navigate the site.

Thanks so much

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Pharm Tech Educator

Founder/Owner of this site

>

> To answer the original question, I also took the exam on Dec 18th.

I

> got my online pass/fail on the 27th. I have yet to receive my

actual

> score or certificate by mail yet.

>

> I just got around to writing my feedback from my test.

>

> 1. City, State and date you took the exam.

> I took my exam in Boston, Ma on 12/18/07.

> 2. The testing location, climate and environment.

> I took it at the downtown location. The people were very nice,

> center was clean and as comfortable as could be expected. They

> provided a locker for your coat and all other personal belongings.

> They also provided me with a calculator and a wipe off sheet (dry

> erase) to use as scrap paper for the calculations.

> 4. Did you like the electronic format of the PTCB exam? Why or why

not?

> I liked the test format. I really liked that you could go back and

> review your answers or skip ones you weren't sure of right away.

> 5. Long much time did they give you, how much time did you take?

> Enough or needed more time?

> Is it sad that I can't remember the exact time? I think it was

around

> two hours. I thought it was plenty of time. I finished with time

> left so I had plenty of time to go over my answers and spend more

> time on questions I wasn't sure of the first time around.

> 6. About how much of math? Law? other type questions? percentage?

> (example: such as 30% math 30% law 40 % other )

> I'd say around 50-65% of my exam was math. The rest was divided

> between law (a lot of questions about dispensing of controls),

special

> handling and misc. other topics.

> 7. Difficulty? Easy? Middle of the road?

> I thought the questions, especially the law ones, were worded such

> that it would be very easy to pick the wrong answer. I would

> definitely not call it easy. It was probably just slightly harder

> than I expected it to be. Not so much the actual material, but the

> wording of the questions.

> 8. What do you wish you had studied more of? (topics not specific

> questions).

> Definitely special handling. It is so hard to find a good source of

> information to study all of that at once. I don't know how to

explain

> better without giving questions away, but it seems you were expected

> to know a lot about what handling was required of what drugs, all

the

> way down the line from filling rules to packaging, storage, etc.

> 9. Did the study group help? If so in what way? if not why not?

> I do think the group helped me. It gave me direction on what to do

> study so that I was not out there on my own. It was also nice to

know

> that I could ask questions, look at the files, and interact with the

> other members.

> 10. What do you think the study group (I) should add or do more?

> I will have to think about that one. Since the only thing that

stood

> out in my mind that I didn't know enough about on the test was

special

> handling, I guess I would say that?

> 11. Did the books you used to study help? If so why? If not why not?

> What/which books, videos, sites, CD-Roms did you use?

> As my text book, I used The Pharmacy Technician by Perspective

Press.

> This was provided to me by work. I liked it, it was pretty

> informative without being super long. It definitely could have used

> more in the law section, specifically federal laws about dispensing

> controls. But overall I think it was a pretty good text book.

> For math I used APhA's Complete Math Review for the Pharmacy

> Technician by A. Hopkins. Again, this was given to me by

> work. I really really liked this book, love the author's writing

> style. I thought it was very easy to understand and really helped

me

> learn the math. I would highly recommend this book to anyone like

me

> who is not the best at math!

> For general review I used Joe Medina's review book. It was very

> helpful, a great book. It crunched all the info down and presented

it

> in an easily understandable way. I love how Joe has the top 200

drugs

> set up in his book- it was the only table I could study from. I

would

> recommend this book as well.

>

> I hope this helps someone else! Jeanetta, if you are looking for

any

> other feedback, please let me know.

> -Kerri

>

[Guest guest]

No problem Jeanetta. I'm happy to share whatever I can that might help

other group members.

In response to your feedback, I am sure that there is some difference

in perception as to the answer about percentages of math/law etc. I

am sure you know more about this than I ever could, but I have heard

that the exam is pretty random and that everyone's exam is slightly

different. I know on another site I have seen other reviews with

people giving a general breakdown of the exam and they do really seem

to have had a different test than I or anyone else might have had.

For example, I don't recall having too much pharmacology. A few

questions, yes, but nothing I found to be too much or too difficult

like did. I believe we must have had different exams, at least

slightly so. I actually felt pretty good about the math on the

exam, since I knew it was not my strongest point I spent a lot of time

studying it. The math questions were some of the easiest for me to

answer.

As far as background...

- yes, I have been a tech since May 07'.

- only on the job training

- no college experience

- when I began studying I found the math to be hard, but as I studied

more I think I got a good grasp on it. Actually most of the examples

I worked with in the Math Review book I mentioned were harder than

those on the exam.

I wish there was a way for and I to compare our exams without

divulging questions to see if your theory about the exams being the

same is correct. I personally doubt it, I don't see why they would

give the exact same exam on the same day if they had the ability to

randomize it. Of course they do not have an endless supply of

questions, so you might be right. But I do believe from reading other

tester's feedbacks that the exam does vary from person to person.

To elaborate on the testing software, yes, you can go back and review

or change any answer. They have an excellent feature that allows you

to select a question " for review " so that you know to go back to it

again when you are finished. I did this with all the questions I was

not sure about the first time around. I was able to recheck almost

all of the math and I actually caught one mistake. On the Pearson Vue

site they have a preview of the testing software so you can see how it

works. http://www.pearsonvue.com/sponsors/tutorial/

The test does prompt you first thing after you finish to look at any

questions you left incomplete. At the end of the exam you had the

option first the review incompletes, then the ones you marked for

review, or all of the questions. You could also select any individual

question again, even those you had not marked for review. I believe

before submitting the exam, it prompted you again to make sure you had

answered every question.

I haven't received my score by mail yet, all I got so far was that I

passed via the online site. I will let you know when I do receive it.

I have a few things to do around the house this morning, but I will

check out your reorganization later and let you know what I think.

Thanks again, please let me know if you had any other questions.

-Kerri

Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote:

>

> Thank you Keri CPhT for your candid review of the exam.

>

> There appears to be a big difference in the quantity of math that

you and recall.

> Allow me to say this: We here at this site have seen this when one

person is very strong in math (such as ) and one claims to be not

so strong (you/Keri). We believe it is a perspective on background and

not the actual amount of test questions on the exam. Why is that?

Because we know from history that the SAME exact exam was given to ALL

of the applicants on the same day and they all had different reports.

But when you break it down by background and hardest subject before

taking the exam the feed back appear to correspond to back ground.

Notice the difference in your background to what he found

difficult and easy vs what you found difficult and easy.

>

> So allow me to ask you to post yoru background (again) so that we

can better analyze the responses:

> 1. worked as a tech before?

> 2. schooling or training as a tech before?

> 3. no experience or schooling/training before the exam?

> 4. college science or math courses before

> 5. find math easy, middle or the road, or difficult before

studying for this exam or taking it?

>

> Thanks again for your valuable feedback. I am sure that others who

have similar background as yours will also value your input.

>

> Please KNOW that response to the exam is as varied as the test

takers are themselves. Most likely the SAME exam is given either

during the same open window or on the same test day through out the

country. Since it went electronic we have no way of knowing for sure.

PTCB is not mentioning this on their site as they once did when it was

on paper. On paper it was the SAME exact test for the same test day

across the USA (that is what they once reported).

>

> Okay, hope to hear from you again. I see that you were able to

post before I read it the answer to my question to : that you can

go back and check your questions. Nice to know you can skip adn go

back. I am assuming you meant you can go back and change an answer

too. Also if you miss answering one/skipped it, but you think you are

done, does the test tell you that you did not answer a question and

which one or ones so that you can try before you do a final submt?

>

> Thanks again for your input,

>

> Respectfully,

>

> Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

> Founder/Owner

>

> PS willing to post your score?

[Guest guest]

jason, are these " obscure " drugs, commonly used in a

hospital? PRIVATELY look up any of the drugs that you

remember the name of, but thought was obscure and see

what their use is. My GUESS is that they are hospital

used drugs!

--- Liu <whysthis@...> wrote:

No problem, Jeanetta. The point of this group is to

share information, right?

1. Anaheim, California. December, 13, 2007.

2. Pearson Professional Centers had a very

professional environment. They required you to empty

your pockets and place them in a locker, which they

would provide for you. The proctor has a complete

view of you while taking your test. There is

literally someone sitting behind you watching you take

the test as well as a camera recording your actions.

All materials taken in with you, such as work paper,

pens, etc. are all provided by the testing center.

> If

> at any time you need to leave the testing computer,

> say to use the restroom, you will be escorted there

> and back to your seat. The opportunities for

> cheating

> seem to very slim to none.

> 3. None provided. I drove there directly.

> 4. I did like the electronic test. It is very easy

> to

> take as well as review. Far quicker than a paper

> exam.

> 5. I forgot the exact amount of time given since it

> is

> such a non issue. It is either 2 hours or 200

> minutes. I took under 40 minutes to take the exam

> as

> well as review every question. The amount of time

> given is far more than necessary.

> 6. The test seems to be roughly 25% math, 35% law,

> 15%

> pharmacology, 15% drug names, 10% other.

> 7. The pharmacology and drug names were incredibly

> difficult. The other 70% of the test was incredibly

> easily.

> 8. I do not wish I had studied more. However, if I

> had studied more, I would have reviewed drug names.

> 9. The study group did help me. I read the emails

> as

> well as reviewed the practice exams available. I

> got

> 2 more answers correct due to the information I

> learned in this group. I might have used the study

> group more, but I found the site difficult to

> navigate

> and the necessary information difficult to find.

> 10. I believe the study group would benefit more as

> a

> conventional web page with the information far more

> organized. However, I do realize you're maintaining

> this study group with your free time, Jeanetta. I

> don't expect you to have the time to implement any

> of

> this, especially since you run this site for free!

> 11. I used two books to study. The Pharmacy

> Technician from Perspective Press was a better book

> than Pharmacy Practice for Technicians by Durgin and

> Hanan. However, both books were not very good. I

> only got 1 additional answer right due to the

> information I learned from both books! However, I

> only read the sections with pharmacy law and

> pharmacology. I skipped or glanced through the

> remainder of the books.

> 12. I have two observations to make. First, this

> test

> is incredibly easy. I'm 100% positive I would have

> passed without studying at all. However, I do have

> 2

> years of uncertified tech work under by belt as well

> as a bachelor's in biology. I'm still very

> confident,

> that this test IS NOT as hard at all. Regardless of

> background, anyone with a basic knowledge in math

> and

> some spare time to go over the pharmacy laws can

> pass

> this test without any problems. I am

> oversimplifying

> the qualifications, but this test is VERY easy.

> Secondly, the pharmacology and drug names were

> incredibly difficult. Far more difficult than

> practical. Out of the 30 or so questions, I could

> only answer 10 of them with any amount of certainty.

>

> I know the top 100 drugs by heart due to rote

> memorization from work, but most of the tested drugs

> are NOT commonly seen drugs in a day to day

> situation

> at a retail pharmacy. It seems like they decided to

> test the most obscure drugs, which seems completely

> inane.

>

> I'm happy to provide feedback, Jeanetta. If you

> have

> any other questions let me know!

>

> --- Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi there!

> >

> > Thank you for addressing this question as I have

> > no experience with the returns of tfhe newer

> > electronic format test.

> >

> > Yes the feedback:

> >

> > 1. City, State and date you took the exam.

> > 2. The testing location, climate and

> environment.

> > 3. The accomodation if yo stayed the night

> > somewhere

> > 4. Did you like the electronic format of the

> PTCB

> > exam? Why or why not?

> > 5. Long much time did they give you, how much

> time

> > did you take? Enough or needed more time?

> > 6. About how much of math? Law? other type

> > questions? percentage? (example: such as 30% math

> > 30% law 40 % other )

> > 7. Difficulty? Easy? Middle of the road?

> > 8. What do you wish you had studied more of?

> > (topics not specific questions).

> > 9. Did th estudy group help? If so in what way?

> if

> > not why not?

> > 10. What do you think the study group (I) should

> > add or do more?

> > 11. Did the books you used to study help? If so

> > why? If not why not? What/which books, videos,

> > sites, CD-Roms did you use?

> > 12. Any other comments?

> >

> > Thanks for asking !

> >

> > Also there are several surveys in the poll

> section

> > you may wish to fill out.

> >

> > Thanks you again! Look forward to your input

> >

> > Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

> > Founder/Owner

> > Liu <whysthis@...> wrote:

> > I took my exams on the 18th of December

> > and got my

> > card on the 31st even though results are only

> > supposed

> > to be available on the 2nd of January. So it is

> > possible, you might just need to check your mail.

> > You

> > can probably check your results on the website

> > online

> > on the 2nd, as well.

> >

> > I know you like feedback on the tests, Jeanette. I

> > was wondering what kind of information you would

> > like.

> >

> > --- speer3 <speer3@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

> > >

> > > I was wondering if exam results are ever posted

> > > before the date on the

> > > sheet? I know the number break down may take

> > longer

> > > to process, but is

> > > pass or fail available sooner? I took it in the

> > last

> > > testing window in

> > > December and am hoping to know before the end of

> > > Jan.

> > >

> > > Anyone have any experiences or insight into

> this?

> > >

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

i took mine on the 8th and got my result on the 14th and certificate on

the 16th(dec) good luck.

>

> Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

>

> I was wondering if exam results are ever posted before the date on the

> sheet? I know the number break down may take longer to process, but is

> pass or fail available sooner? I took it in the last testing window in

> December and am hoping to know before the end of Jan.

>

> Anyone have any experiences or insight into this?

>

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

YEP! That was my guess too!

Jeanetta

karin h <hockeykatbird_27@...> wrote: jason,

are these " obscure " drugs, commonly used in a

hospital? PRIVATELY look up any of the drugs that you

remember the name of, but thought was obscure and see

what their use is. My GUESS is that they are hospital

used drugs!

-

[Guest guest]

Hey Jeanetta,

You are right. My approximation of the exam

categories is very similar to yours.

When I was referring to the drug questions, I was

talking about both trade/brand names and

classifications and specifically drug-drug

interactions. I had no problems with the other

pharmacology questions, which were few and far in

between. I did not know at least 60% of the drugs at

appeared on the test despite knowing the top 100

drugs, as I've said before. Half of the drug-drug

interactions referred to drugs I was unfamiliar with.

The other half were simple questions, such as the

popular Warfarin/Aspirin drug interaction. With the

exception of Evista/Raloxifene, I knew none of the

other trade/generic names.

I'm sorry Jeanetta, but I do not recall any of the

names of the drugs I did not know on the test. It is

highly possible that they are hospital drugs since I

am completely unfamiliar with those at all, as my

experience is only in retail pharmacy.

I understand why you would have said my experience and

education could have allowed me to easily pass.

However, I have trained several other techs over the

years. The only one who actually took the exam passed

with only 6 months of part time work and had just

graduated from high school the same year. While I

know she picked up more quickly than most other techs

that I've trained, I do not believe that she studied

from any sort of books at all. English was also her

second language, as she had only moved to America 4

years ago. This is obviously anecdotal evidence, but

the only experiences I have to go on are hers and my

own.

Kerri has already answered the questions regarding

being able to return to old questions. The testing

options are as flexible and convenient as she stated.

You are free to go back and forwards through any of

the test questions as you please. You can also mark

questions that you are unsure about. At the end of

the test, there will be a review screen that displays

all of the test question numbers and highlights the

ones you indicated uncertainty. You are free to

return to any question as you please. There is only

one question on the screen at any given time.

My scores were not good by this group's standards. As

I recall, 800+ is a good score. Which goes to show

all the experience and education does not really

account for much if you don't study.

Total: 717

Assist Pharmacist in Serving Patients: 735

Maintain Med. Inventory Control Systems: 687

Admin. Mgmt. of Pharmacy Practice: 678

I took a look at the group files again. They are very

excellently organized. Had the site originally been

like that, I probably would not have even boughten

books. Great job, Jeanette. You really did go beyond

my expectations. I thought you needed a complete

website to organize the files, but I guess it just

required some insight. Please continue to keep up the

great work that you are doing, Jeanetta. There are

very few people who would be committed to maintaining

a project like this out of personal interest.

Again, if you have any additional questions, I will

try to answer them as I can.

--- Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote:

> Dear ,

>

> Thank you for your candid response.

> I have always categorized the exam as about 35%

> math 35% law and about 30% other.

> I do not think we are far off.

>

> When you say the drug quesrtions do you mean those

> that have to do with:

> basic trade/generic/classification only or do you

> mean those they asked

> questions regarding mechanism of action, site of

> action, drug interactions with drugs, herbs, foods,

> warnings/auxiliary labels, and storage etc which is

> pharmacology ?

>

> Did you think the drug questions were mainly on

> hospital or IV drugs?

>

> Feedback to some of your feedback:

> I think with your level of education and

> attainment of already have worked in a pharmacy that

> you would find the study and the test easy. However

> I have to say that MOST people taking the exam

> across the nation and most who use this site do not

> have higher than high school education and havenot

> experienced the time and amount of study it takes

> for a college level science class and therefore

> usually find the test medium to difficult. havign

> said that those that mention difficulty usually

> mention a particualar type of math (IV) or

> pharmacology. So of those who have taken college

> biology or college chem or physics....your input

> matches fairly well. Of those without such back

> ground your experience is a bit different.

>

> I am glad the site helped you with one more test

> question, and the books helped you with two. But I

> want to point out to the readers this is because you

> have so much experience already. To those of you

> who do not have any experience, or training or

> education books adn the site usually help a lot more

> as the books and site usually are introducing the

> student or member for the first time to the topics.

> So it is a good thing that the books and the site

> could not help you much more, tha tmeans you have

> much experience and are most likely doing well as a

> tech. At least I interpret it that way!

>

> On theother hand I hope viewers do not abandon the

> site or book study based upon your study experience,

> since most of you reading this have no pharmacy

> teching experience.

>

> YES I agree the site would be best if I could have

> it on a web page with a menu that is friendlier and

> in a subject order. If you or anyone else has any

> suggestions how I could sub categorize the folders

> or??? let me know.

>

> Thanks so much for all of your valuable input and

> the time it took/takes to answer my questions. I am

> sure others will value it as well.

>

> I do have another question: suppose you answered a

> question that you were not too sure about, then you

> came upon another question that jogged your memory

> and you realized that you should change your answer

> to the previous question. Are you able to go

> backwards and do so? Also how many questions are on

> the screen at one time?

>

> Thanks again so very much.

> I think your input is pretty much the same for

> most who have your or a similar background.

>

>

> Respectfully,

>

> Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

> Founder/Owner

>

> PS Are you willing to share your score?

>

> Founder/Owner

>

>

>

>

> Liu <whysthis@...> wrote:

> No problem, Jeanetta. The point of this

> group is to

> share information, right?

>

> 1. Anaheim, California. December, 13, 2007.

> 2. Pearson Professional Centers had a very

> professional environment. They required you to empty

> your pockets and place them in a locker, which they

> would provide for you. The proctor has a complete

> view of you while taking your test. There is

> literally someone sitting behind you watching you

> take

> the test as well as a camera recording your actions.

>

> All materials taken in with you, such as work paper,

> pens, etc. are all provided by the testing center.

> If

> at any time you need to leave the testing computer,

> say to use the restroom, you will be escorted there

> and back to your seat. The opportunities for

> cheating

> seem to very slim to none.

> 3. None provided. I drove there directly.

> 4. I did like the electronic test. It is very easy

> to

> take as well as review. Far quicker than a paper

> exam.

> 5. I forgot the exact amount of time given since it

> is

> such a non issue. It is either 2 hours or 200

> minutes. I took under 40 minutes to take the exam as

> well as review every question. The amount of time

> given is far more than necessary.

> 6. The test seems to be roughly 25% math, 35% law,

> 15%

> pharmacology, 15% drug names, 10% other.

> 7. The pharmacology and drug names were incredibly

> difficult. The other 70% of the test was incredibly

> easily.

> 8. I do not wish I had studied more. However, if I

> had studied more, I would have reviewed drug names.

> 9. The study group did help me. I read the emails as

> well as reviewed the practice exams available. I got

> 2 more answers correct due to the information I

> learned in this group. I might have used the study

> group more, but I found the site difficult to

> navigate

> and the necessary information difficult to find.

> 10. I believe the study group would benefit more as

> a

> conventional web page with the information far more

> organized. However, I do realize you're maintaining

> this study group with your free time, Jeanetta. I

> don't expect you to have the time to implement any

> of

> this, especially since you run this site for free!

> 11. I used two books to study. The Pharmacy

> Technician from Perspective Press was a better book

> than Pharmacy Practice for Technicians by Durgin and

> Hanan. However, both books were not very good. I

> only got 1 additional answer right due to the

> information I learned from both books! However, I

> only read the sections with pharmacy law and

> pharmacology. I skipped or glanced through the

> remainder of the books.

> 12. I have two observations to make. First, this

> test

> is incredibly easy. I'm 100% positive I would have

> passed without studying at all. However, I do have 2

> years of uncertified tech work under by belt as well

> as a bachelor's in biology. I'm still very

> confident,

> that this test IS NOT as hard at all. Regardless of

> background, anyone with a basic knowledge in math

> and

> some spare time to go over the pharmacy laws can

> pass

> this test without any problems. I am oversimplifying

> the qualifications, but this test is VERY easy.

> Secondly, the pharmacology and drug names were

> incredibly difficult. Far more difficult than

> practical. Out of the 30 or so questions, I could

> only answer 10 of them with any amount of certainty.

>

> I know the top 100 drugs by heart due to rote

> memorization from work, but most of the tested drugs

> are NOT commonly seen drugs in a day to day

> situation

> at a retail pharmacy. It seems like they decided to

> test the most obscure drugs, which seems completely

> inane.

>

> I'm happy to provide feedback, Jeanetta. If you have

> any other questions let me know!

>

> --- Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi there!

> >

> > Thank you for addressing this question as I have

> > no experience with the returns of tfhe newer

> > electronic format test.

> >

> > Yes the feedback:

> >

> > 1. City, State and date you took the exam.

> > 2. The testing location, climate and environment.

> > 3. The accomodation if yo stayed the night

> > somewhere

> > 4. Did you like the electronic format of the PTCB

> > exam? Why or why not?

>

=== message truncated ===

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