Federal Requirements

18.75% of the PTCE — and the domain where the rules are exact, which makes it the most winnable marks on the exam. The whole domain is here, free.

How to read and verify a DEA number

The DEA number format, what each prefix letter means, and the check-digit arithmetic worked step by step — plus how a DEA number differs from an NPI.

Ordering, receiving, storing and destroying controlled substances

What happens to a controlled substance from order to destruction: which DEA form does which job, receiving and storage rules, PDMPs, take-back and loss reporting.

Hazardous drugs and USP <800>

USP <800> and the NIOSH hazardous-drug definition, the three HD types, routes of exposure, safety data sheets and what a technician is actually required to do.

REMS, iPLEDGE and restricted drug programs

What a REMS is and what it requires of the pharmacy, the iPLEDGE isotretinoin program, medication guides, and the federal pseudoephedrine purchase limits.

Drug recalls — Class I, II and III

The three FDA recall classes with the distinction the exam tests, who initiates a recall, and the steps a pharmacy technician actually performs when one lands.

DSCSA, 503A vs 503B and the drug supply chain

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act in the form the exam asks about: trading partners, transaction statements, 2D barcodes, and 503A versus 503B compounding.

DEA schedules, refills and transfers

The five schedules and the rules that go with them.

Free Top 200 drugs sheet. Brand, generic, class, all the controlled-substance schedules on one page, and the look-alike pairs — built by a pharmacist who precepts technicians. No signup gate on the content itself. Get the free sheet.