Information on new PTCB Exam Format

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Hi Everyone,

For those who are unfamiliar with the new PTCB Exam format you will

find some useful information below.

As an update, the exam is 100 questions of which 10 of the questions

which are randomly placed throughout the exam are simply pre-test

questions and do not count towards your final score. Candidates will

have 2 hours to complete the exam tutorial, The exam itself and an

exit survey.

First exam window will be February 5th to March 9th, 2007.

Application deadline for this window is January 12, 2007.

Candidates can schedule exams online:

http://www.pearsonvue.com/ptcb/

or by calling 866-902-0593 after initial application is completed with

PTCB at http://www.ptcb.org

Joe Medina, CPhT

http://www.techlectures.com

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Why is the PTCB changing from pencil-and-paper exams to computer-based

testing (CBT)?

The implementation of CBT strengthens PTCB's commitment to serving the

pharmacy technician profession through a valid and reliable

computer-based examination process. CBT provides numerous benefits to

candidates, educators, and other PTCB stakeholders including:

preliminary exam results provided immediately upon completion of exam;

increased flexibility, i.e. more choices of when and where to take the

exam; scheduling flexibility allowing candidates to reschedule up to

48 hours prior to the exam; and professional, state-of-the-art,

distraction-free testing centers.

When will the change take place? Will the transition affect candidates

before then?

The PTCB will begin administering computer-based exams in February

2007. The transition will not affect 2006 PTCE candidates.

Will the PTCB exam change?

The content on the CBT exam will cover the same subject matter as the

paper-and-pencil exam. The subject matter is based on the results of

the 2005 Practice Analysis Study.

Will the passing standard change for the PTCB exam with CBT?

No. The passing standard will remain 650, the standard determined by

PTCB's Certification Council. Will all candidates take the same

examination or will each candidate take a different exam? Each

candidate will be presented with a unique set of test items, but all

candidates will be tested

on the same subject matter based on PTCB test specifications.

Will the exam be easier?

No. The difficulty level of the exam will not change. The exam will

continue to be an accurate evaluation of each individual candidate's

competency and understanding of the skills necessary to be a CPhT.

Does it take more time to complete the computerized exam compared to

the paper-and-pencil version?

No. PTCB's exam in CBT format will take less time to complete than the

paperand-pencil version. There is no test booklet or answer sheet to

manage, and no " bubbles " to fill in with a pencil.

When are the computerized exam results available?

Preliminary scores will be available to the candidate immediately

following the exam. Official exam results will be mailed to the

candidate shortly following the exam.

What is the PTCB's policy for retaking the exam after an unsuccessful

attempt?

Candidates who do not pass the exam will be able to retest more

quickly than with the paper-and-pencil examination. The PTCB is still

finalizing its retake policy and will report on that policy in the

near future.

Do I have to be an experienced computer user and be able to type to

take the computer-based examination?

No. The computerized testing system has been designed so that those

with minimal computer experience and typing skills can use it. A

tutorial will be available to each candidate at the testing center

prior to taking the examination.

When will exams be administered?

The examination will be offered during four testing periods throughout

the year giving candidates a choice of times and locations. Each

testing period is 5 weeks long, with the first testing period

beginning on February 5, 2007.

Where will the computerized exams be administered?

PTCB will offer the exam through Pearson VUE's extensive network of

over 200 test center locations in all 50 of the states.

Can exams be scheduled online?

Yes. Candidates can schedule exams online or by calling 866-902-0593.

What is the cost to take the computer-based PTCB exam?

Exam Fees, effective February 5th, 2007 for the PTCE exam will be

$129.00.

Once an exam appointment is scheduled, can it be changed or even canceled?

Yes. Candidates can cancel or reschedule their exam appointment up to

48 hours

prior to their scheduled appointment at no charge.

Source:

https://www.ptcb.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PTCB_Exam_CBT_Faqs & Template=/CM/HTM\

LDisplay.cfm & ContentID=2239