ICPT creates on-demand testing, the preferred method for certification exams
09-Sep-2008Alexandria, Va. - The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) has declared that on-demand testing should be the universal method of testing for pharmacy technician certification. ICPT began offering pharmacy technician certification exams in October, 2005 and has been using an on-demand format since its inception.
The Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) is a national certification exam designed to test entry-level competencies for pharmacy technicians across all practice settings. On-demand testing allows the technician to take the credentialed exam at any time, compared to other technician certification programs that only offer the exam at certain times of the year. The 110-question 2-hour exam is administered at hundreds of proctored test facilities throughout the country. Upon completion of the exam, technicians are provided immediate feedback on their performance.
“Given the technology we have today and the number of vendors in the market, there is no reason that on-demand testing shouldn’t be available for all testing administrations,” said Ken Schafermeyer, RPh, PhD, ICPT’s Director of Education.
Rebecca Rabbitt, PharmD, ICPT’s CEO added, “This is yet another example of how ICPT continues to lead the market with a product that meets the needs of the market.”
On-demand testing is preferred by both the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association.
In a joint statement, NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE and Bruce T, Roberts, PD, NCPA Executive Vice President & CEO said, “We are pleased that the ExCPT exam now offers both the assurance of national accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the convenience of on-demand testing. As the reliance on pharmacy technicians in the dispensing process grows, we believe that convenient, on-demand, certification testing will be useful to meet the needs of the marketplace.”
The ExCPT is being offered in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and is available to pharmacy technicians from all practice settings. Candidates may register by calling LaserGrade at 1-800-211-2754. Exams can be taken within one or two days of registration and results are available immediately upon completion of the exam. The Exam fee is $95. Details about the ExCPT may be found at www.nationaltechexam.org.
The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians recognizes pharmacy technicians who are proficient in the knowledge and skills needed to assist pharmacists to safely, accurately and efficiently prepare and dispense prescriptions and to promote high standards of practice for pharmacy technicians.
###
The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) was established in 2005 to provide training for pharmacy technicians and recognize those who have attained the knowledge and skills to safely assist pharmacists through a national certification program, ExCPT. ICPT’s certification program, ExCPT, is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. Its approximately 200 chain member companies include regional chains with a minimum of four stores to national companies. NACDS members also include approximately 1,000 suppliers of pharmacy and front-end products, and approximately 100 international members representing more than 30 countries. Chains operate more than 39,000 pharmacies, and employ a total of more than 2.7 million employees, including 118,000 pharmacists. They fill nearly 2.5 billion prescriptions yearly, and have annual sales of over $750 billion. For more information about NACDS, visit www.NACDS.org.
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) represents America's community pharmacists, including the owners of more than 23,000 community pharmacies, pharmacy franchises, and chains. Together they represent an $84 billion health-care marketplace, employ over 300,000 full-time employees, and dispense nearly half of the nation's retail prescription medicines.
Comment