ExCPT Practice Test and Free ExCPT Practice Exam 2025

Free ExCpt practice test to prepare for your Excpt Practice exam or Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. Includes hundreds of online practice questions.

Excpt Exam Practice Test

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Question 1

Which of the following federal laws regulates the manufacturing and dispensing of controlled substances in the United States?

A
Pure Food and Drug Act
B
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
C
Controlled Substances Act
D
Poison Prevention Packaging Act
Question 1 Explanation: 
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) governs the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances in the U.S. It classifies drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulates safety and labeling, while the Pure Food and Drug Act is an earlier regulation focused on product purity. The Poison Prevention Packaging Act deals with child-resistant packaging.
Question 2
What is the correct interpretation of the pharmacy abbreviation "qd"?
A
Once a day
B
As needed
C
Four times a day
D
Every other day
Question 2 Explanation: 
The abbreviation "qd" stands for "quaque die," a Latin term meaning "once a day." It instructs patients to take the medication once daily. It is important to use this abbreviation carefully to avoid confusion, and many healthcare organizations recommend spelling out "once daily" to prevent errors.
Question 3
A prescription reads: Amoxicillin 500 mg, take 1 capsule every 8 hours for 10 days. How many capsules should the pharmacy dispense?
A
20 capsules
B
30 capsules
C
40 capsules
D
50 capsules
Question 3 Explanation: 
The patient takes 1 capsule every 8 hours, which totals 3 doses per day (24 ÷ 8 = 3). Over 10 days, the total is 3 × 10 = 30 capsules.
Question 4
Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a pharmacy technician during the dispensing process?
A
Diagnosing patient illnesses
B
Verifying a physician’s medical decision
C
Prescribing medications
D
Counting and labeling medications
Question 4 Explanation: 
Pharmacy technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications by accurately counting, labeling, and packaging them under a pharmacist’s supervision. Diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications are responsibilities of licensed healthcare providers.
Question 5

Which schedule of controlled substances includes drugs with the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S.?

A
Schedule II
B
Schedule III
C
Schedule I
D
Schedule IV
Question 5 Explanation: 
Schedule I controlled substances have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S., such as heroin and LSD. Schedule II drugs (e.g., morphine, oxycodone) have accepted medical use but high abuse potential, while Schedule III and IV drugs have lower abuse potential.
Question 6
What is the appropriate action if a pharmacy technician notices a potentially dangerous drug interaction while processing a prescription?
A
Ignore the interaction, since it is not their responsibility
B
Contact the patient directly to explain the risk
C
Notify the supervising pharmacist immediately
D
Dispense the medication as prescribed without action
Question 6 Explanation: 
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for reporting potential errors or dangerous interactions to the supervising pharmacist, who is ultimately responsible for verifying prescriptions and ensuring patient safety.
Question 7

What is the correct metric conversion for 1 gram (g) in milligrams (mg)?

Question 7 Explanation: 
The correct metric conversion is 1 gram = 1000 milligrams. This is based on the metric system, where each unit is a multiple of 10.
Question 8
What is the correct metric conversion for 1 gram (g) in milligrams (mg)?
A
10,000 mg
B
1000 mg
C
100 mg
D
10 mg
Question 8 Explanation: 
The correct metric conversion is 1 gram = 1000 milligrams. This is based on the metric system, where each unit is a multiple of 10.
Question 9
Which of the following is an example of a sterile compounded preparation?
A
A topical cream
B
A reconstituted oral suspension
C
An intravenous solution
D
A unit-dose tablet
Question 9 Explanation: 
Sterile compounded preparations must be made in aseptic conditions to prevent contamination and include intravenous (IV) solutions, eye drops, and injectable medications. Non-sterile preparations, such as creams or oral suspensions, do not require sterile technique.
Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of a pharmacy technician in medication safety?

A
Checking for proper labeling and expiration dates
B
Independently recommending drug therapy changes
C
Educating patients about drug interactions
D
Approving the final prescription for dispensing
Question 10 Explanation: 
Pharmacy technicians play a key role in ensuring medication safety by verifying proper labeling, checking expiration dates, and maintaining accurate records. Final approval and patient education are the pharmacist’s responsibilities.
Question 11
A prescription reads: "Take 5 mL BID for 7 days." How many milliliters will be dispensed in total?
A
35 mL
B
70 mL
C
50 mL
D
140 mL
Question 11 Explanation: 
BID means twice a day. So, 5 mL × 2 = 10 mL per day. Over 7 days, 10 mL × 7 = 70 mL total to dispense.
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Exam Overview

  • Total questions: 120
  • Scored items: 100 • Pretest (unscored): 20
  • Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes tutorial & survey)
  • Format: Computer-based multiple-choice
  • Scoring: Scaled 200–500 — passing: 390

Note: personal calculators are not allowed; an approved calculator will be provided if needed.

Syllabus Breakdown

Role, Responsibilities & General Duties

15
questions

Medication reconciliation, assisting medication therapy management, communication & workflow duties.

Laws

15
questions

Covers federal/state laws, pharmacy regulation basics, and controlled substances handling.

  • Laws & Regulations — 9
  • Controlled Substances — 6

Drugs & Drug Therapy

13
questions

Drug classification, indications, and frequently prescribed medications.

  • Drug Classification — 8
  • Frequently Prescribed Medications — 5

Dispensing Process

43
questions

Prescription intake/entry, preparation, dispensing, compounding, and dose repackaging.

  • Prescription & Order Intake/Entry — 13
  • Preparing & Dispensing — 13
  • Calculations — 7
  • Sterile/non-sterile, compounding, unit dose, repackaging — 10

Medication & Patient Safety / Quality Assurance

14
questions

Safety, error prevention, labeling, storage, disposal, and quality assurance workflows.

Study tip: prioritize the Dispensing Process domain — it carries the largest share of the exam.

Exam Fees

Registration Fee
$125
Retake Fee
$125
Certification Renewal
$55 (every 2 years)
Study materials (optional)
Bundles start at ≈ $83

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the ExCPT exam?

A minimum scaled score of 390 is required to pass.

How is the ExCPT exam scored?

Raw scores are converted into a scaled score between 200–500.

How long is the exam?

2 hours and 10 minutes, including tutorial and post-exam survey.

What are pretest questions?

Unscored items included to evaluate future exam content; they do not affect your score.

Can I use a calculator during the exam?

Personal calculators are not permitted; an approved calculator is provided if needed.

Preparation Resources

  • Official NHA study materials
  • Timed practice tests
  • Study guides & flashcards
  • Third-party providers (e.g., Achievable, AscendBase)

Ready to prepare?

Print this page or save as PDF to keep an offline study reference. Verify official details on the NHA site.

Information provided for study and reference. Not an official NHA publication.