Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a pharmacy technician?

1. Compounding medications

2. Providing drug information to patients

3. Processing prescriptions

4. Maintenance of prescription records

The correct answer is: Providing drug information to patients

The responsibility of providing drug information to patients typically falls primarily on licensed pharmacists, as they possess the required education and legal authority to counsel patients about medications, including potential side effects, interactions, and appropriate use. While pharmacy technicians may assist in gathering information and may sometimes relay basic information under the supervision of a pharmacist, they are not typically responsible for providing in-depth drug counseling or medical advice. In contrast, compounding medications, processing prescriptions, and maintaining prescription records are common tasks assigned to pharmacy technicians. These tasks involve hands-on activities that pharmacy technicians are trained to perform and support the operational functions of the pharmacy. Thus, the distinction lies in the level of responsibility and the nature of the role, which emphasizes the technician's supportive function rather than patient counseling.