CPHT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPHT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of conducting a pharmacy's biennial inventory of controlled substances? → Comply with DEA requirements to account for all controlled substances on hand
2. Which of the following is TRUE about a pharmacy's perpetual inventory system for controlled substances? → It tracks every addition and subtraction to provide a running balance
3. How often must a CPhT renew their PTCB certification? → Every two years
4. When a patient requests that their medication be dispensed in a non-child-resistant container, which of the following is required? → A signed patient request or waiver documented by the pharmacy
5. What is the fire triangle? → Heat, fuel, and oxygen — the three elements needed for fire
6. Which of the following is an example of a TALL MAN lettering pair used to prevent medication errors? → metformin / methotrexate
7. A pharmacy technician working in a nuclear pharmacy primarily handles which type of medications? → Radioactive isotopes used for imaging and therapy
8. What is a unit dose dispensing system? → Packaging each individual dose separately for single administration
9. An NDC number has three segments. What does the second segment represent? → Product (drug, strength, dosage form)
10. What does 'PRN' mean on a prescription? → As needed
11. What is typically required to be eligible for the PTCB certification exam? → A high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a pharmacy technician program.
12. What does a mail-order pharmacy typically offer compared to retail pharmacy? → 90-day supplies at reduced cost for maintenance medications
13. Insulin glargine is classified as which type of insulin based on its duration of action? → Long-acting
14. What is the purpose of an emergency action plan? → To establish procedures for responding to various emergencies
15. ExCPT certification is awarded by which organization? → NHA
16. A patient is prescribed metformin 1 g twice daily. The tablets available are 500 mg each. How many tablets per day? → 4 tablets
17. Which FDA program allows patients and healthcare providers to voluntarily report adverse drug events? → MedWatch
18. What is a primary benefit of working as a pharmacy technician in a hospital setting? → Exposure to a wider range of medications and patient care scenarios
19. What does 'QID' mean in prescription abbreviations? → Four times a day
20. An IV bag contains 1 g of drug in 100 mL. The order is to give 250 mg. How many mL should be administered? → 25 mL
21. What is the significance of the PTCB CPhT recertification requirement every two years? → It ensures technicians maintain competency through continuing education
22. Which drug class does azithromycin belong to? → Macrolides
23. What does 'QID' mean on a prescription? → Four times daily
24. Which drug class does clopidogrel (Plavix) belong to? → Antiplatelet agents
25. Which ISO classification is required for the direct compounding area (DCA) when preparing sterile CSPs under a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW)? → ISO Class 5
26. What PPE is required for sterile compounding? → Gown, gloves, hair cover, face mask, and shoe covers
27. What is an important safety-related responsibility of a pharmacy technician? → Checking for expired medications in the inventory.
28. Tramadol (Ultram) is classified as which DEA schedule? → Schedule IV
29. Why is ethical behavior critical for a pharmacy technician? → It ensures compliance with legal and safety standards.
30. What is the typical window of time allowed to complete the PTCE after a candidate's application is approved? → 6 months