Point-of-Care Testing

PTCB / Credentials / Certificate / Point-of-Care Testing

Showcase your advanced knowledge in the safe and accurate use, collection, and reporting of various point-of-care tests performed in the pharmacy.

INTRO

Technicians who earn the Point-of-Care Testing Certificate demonstrate their ability to take on point-of-care testing responsibilities in the pharmacy. With nearly all of the US population living within 5 miles of a pharmacy, conducting point-of-care testing at these locations is an essential component of public health and community safety—and one in which pharmacy technicians in many states play a vital role.

Earn the Point-of-Care Testing Certificate to demonstrate your competency in:

  • Conducting point-of-care tests, including carefully screening patients, administering tests, collecting specimens, and reading and recording test results
  • Knowledge of CLIA-waived point-of-care tests
  • Understanding of the safe and accurate processes involved with point-of-care testing
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PREPARE & APPLY

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A Step Toward Your Advanced CPhT (CPhT-Adv)

Earning this certificate takes you one step closer to becoming a PTCB Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician™ (CPhT-Adv™). Active PTCB CPhTs who have completed at least four of the certificate programs, or three certificate programs and the Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician® (CSPT®) Certification, and 3 years of work experience will be eligible to earn a CPhT-Adv credential.

Eligibility Requirements

A candidate must hold an active PTCB CPhT Certification and complete a PTCB-Recognized Point-of-Care Testing Education/Training Program.

View a list of PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Programs for the Point-of-Care Testing Certificate.

PTCB-Recognized Programs have been reviewed and found to provide learners with foundational knowledge that will help them be successful on PTCB exams. Please note that PTCB-Recognized Programs may not cover all information that appears on your exam. It is important that you review the exam content outline as part of your preparation and seek supplemental resources as needed

Exam Fee

The fee to apply for this certificate exam is $89.

How to Apply and Schedule

  1. Apply by logging into your PTCB Account.
  2. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with your authorization to schedule your exam.

The Point-of-Care Testing Certificate Exam is administered through online proctored testing and in-person at more than 1,400 Pearson Professional Centers nationwide, including more than 100 military on-base sites.

Prepare for Your Exam

Online Testing Requirements Overview
This quick video explains the requirements and policies for online proctored testing.

Exam Content Outline
The Point-of-Care Testing Exam covers several knowledge areas organized into four domains. Be sure to review the content outline as part of your exam preparation.

Safety and Precautions (16%)
Roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in POC testing
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and related safety considerations
Biohazard waste handling and disposal
Personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to protect patients and those administering tests
Need for and methods to confirm patient identity
Diseases and Specimens (34%)
Basic anatomical and physiological terms related to tests
Common specimen types (e.g., whole blood, saliva) and their location on/in the body
Signs, symptoms, and characteristics of common chronic disease states (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia) where POCT may be relevant
Signs, symptoms, and characteristics of common acute infections where POCT may be relevant
Collecting a focused health history (e.g., acute symptoms [e.g., CENTOR score], medication allergies, signs of disease [e.g., swelling, bruising])
CLIA-waived Tests (30%)
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988 as it pertains to POC tests
CLIA waiver process, CLIA Certificate of Compliance, and CLIA Certificate of Accreditation
Devices and technology used in common POC tests
Conditions and uses for common tests (e.g., Prothrombin time [PT], Influenza, Streptococcus, A1C, HIV, Hepatitis C, COVID-19, glucose, cholesterol)
Understanding and following manufacturer instructions for tests
Test Results, QC, and Recording (20%)
Qualitative and quantitative test results and their characteristics and related concepts (e.g., time since exposure, terms “false positive” and “false negative”)
Requirements and best practices in recording results
Identifying invalid or anomalous results
Labeling and documentation requirements for patient samples
QC testing methods (i.e., external, internal) and when they should be used

EARN YOUR CERTIFICATE

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About the Exam

The Point-of-Care Testing Certificate Exam is a computer-based exam with 60 multiple-choice questions. Be prepared to commit 1 hour and 30 minutes for the exam (5-minute tutorial, 1 hour and 20-minute exam, and 5-minute post-exam survey).

Exam Day Requirements

When you schedule your exam, you may choose to take your PTCB exam at a Pearson VUE test center or online from your own computer under the virtual supervision of a live proctor.

  • Arrive at the designated Pearson VUE test center 30 minutes prior to your appointment. If you are testing online, check-in 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • Bring an approved form of identification that matches your name as it appears on your PTCB Account. You will not be allowed to take the exam without proper identification.
  • Prior to your exam day, be sure to review more details about what to expect and important information about online testing requirements in our Help Center.

Testing Accommodations

Candidates who require testing accommodations must request these accommodations during the application process. Accommodations that are reasonable and consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided by PTCB at no additional cost to candidates. Learn more.

NEXT STEPS

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Scoring

The passing scaled score is 300. The range of possible scores based on the exam content outline is 0 to 400. Your official score report will be presented on screen following your exam. If you pass the exam, your credential status can be verified through PTCB Certification Verification.

Certificates

Once your official score is available, you can download your certificate through the Credly Platform. Learn more.

Digital Badges

Upon earning your credential, you will receive an email invitation from the Credly Platform via badge@ptcb.org with instructions for claiming your badge and setting up your account.

This digital badge will contain information describing your credential, including how you earned it. You can display the badge in your email signature, electronic files of a resume, and on social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Renew

This certificate program does not require renewal.

DOCUMENTS

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Quick access to additional documents you may need during this process. Download the necessary documents and submit the completed forms as required.

  1. Testing Accommodations Form