Updating the pharmacy technician certification examination: a practice analysis study.

OBJECTIVE To update the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination based on analysis of pharmacy practice elements (functions, responsibilities, and knowledge). DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING United States in spring 2005. INTERVENTIONS Web-based survey. PARTICIPANTS Random sample of 4,000 Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Respondents' ratings of each of the practice analysis elements, the time spent performing each function, and the frequency of performance of each responsibility and use of each knowledge base. RESULTS The survey return rate was 26%, and while the number of CPhTs practicing in community pharmacies was increased substantially over the 1999 practice analysis survey, non-respondent analysis suggested under-representation of this group. The distribution of primary responsibilities of CPhTs (63%, assisting the pharmacist in serving patients; 23%, maintaining medication and inventory control systems; 14%, participating in pharmacy management and administration) was almost identical to the 1999 survey. In community, hospitals/health systems, and other pharmacy practice settings, pharmacy technicians were more typically involved in compounding medications and coordinating communications throughout the practice setting than in previous practice analyses. In community settings, pharmacy technicians were more frequently contacting prescribers for clarification of prescriptions and participating in quality assurance activities. CONCLUSION Using results of this practice analysis, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board revised the content outline for its Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, and the new test specifications are being used for all tests administered during 2006.