If you are preparing for the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), one of your first questions is likely about the passing score. Here is what you need to know to succeed on this important certification exam.
The ExCPT Passing Score
The ExCPT uses a scaled scoring system with scores ranging from 200 to 500. The passing score is 390 on this scale. This does not translate directly to a percentage of questions answered correctly, as the scaling process accounts for varying difficulty levels across different exam versions.
Exam Format at a Glance
The ExCPT contains 120 multiple-choice questions – 100 scored and 20 unscored pretest items. You have 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete the exam, which covers regulations, pharmacy duties, drugs and drug products, dispensing processes, and medication safety.
Key Facts About Scoring
- Only 100 questions count toward your final score
- You will not know which questions are scored vs. pretest items
- No penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question
- You will receive unofficial results immediately after the exam
- Official results typically arrive within 1-2 business days
Strategies for Meeting the Passing Threshold
Most successful candidates:
- Study according to the official content outline
- Take multiple practice tests until consistently scoring above 390
- Develop effective time management for the 120-question test
- Focus on weaker knowledge areas identified through practice exams
Preparing With National Science College
National Science College offers a fully-online ExCPT preparation course specifically designed to help students pass the ExCPT exam. Their program focuses on the exam’s core content areas and provides targeted practice that mirrors the actual test format.
The course’s flexible online format allows you to prepare at your own pace while receiving guidance on the most heavily weighted exam topics. With proper preparation through structured resources like National Science College’s program, you can confidently work toward joining the ranks of certified pharmacy technicians.