CPhT - Certified Pharmacy Technician Practice Questions: Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding Domain

Published: June 12, 2025 | 5 min read

Test your CPhT - Certified Pharmacy Technician knowledge with 5 practice questions from the Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding domain. Includes detailed explanations and answers.

CPhT - Certified Pharmacy Technician Practice Questions

Master the Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding Domain

Test your knowledge in the Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding domain with these 5 practice questions. Each question is designed to help you prepare for the CPhT - Certified Pharmacy Technician certification exam with detailed explanations to reinforce your learning.

Question 1

A pharmacy technician is tasked with compounding a batch of capsules. Which equipment is essential for ensuring accurate capsule filling?

A) Mortar and pestle.

B) Capsule filling machine.

C) Spatula and slab.

D) Graduated cylinder.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: A capsule filling machine ensures accurate and efficient capsule filling. OPTION A: A mortar and pestle are used for grinding, not filling. OPTION B: This equipment is specifically designed for filling capsules. OPTION C: A spatula and slab are used for mixing, not filling. OPTION D: A graduated cylinder is for measuring liquids, not for capsules.

Question 2

USP <797> guidelines require hand washing for how long before sterile compounding?

A) 15 seconds

B) 30 seconds

C) 1 minute

D) 2 minutes

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: USP <797> guidelines recommend washing hands and forearms up to the elbows for at least 1 minute to ensure proper decontamination.

Question 3

A pharmacy technician is asked to prepare a sterile product using an ampule. What is the correct technique to ensure sterility?

A) Break the ampule away from the body.

B) Use a filter needle to withdraw the solution.

C) Snap the ampule with bare hands.

D) Tilt the ampule to pour the solution directly into the vial.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Using a filter needle is essential to remove glass particles and ensure sterility. OPTION A: Breaking the ampule away from the body is correct for safety, but not for ensuring sterility. OPTION B: A filter needle is used to prevent glass contamination, ensuring sterility. OPTION C: Snapping with bare hands is unsafe and can lead to contamination. OPTION D: Pouring directly can introduce contaminants.

Question 4

What does the 'beyond-use date' (BUD) indicate in compounding practices?

A) The date the medication loses its potency

B) The date after which the compounded preparation should not be used

C) The date of the last quality control check

D) The date the preparation must be dispensed

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The beyond-use date (BUD) indicates the date after which a compounded preparation should not be used to ensure safety and efficacy, taking into account the stability of the components.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT considered a critical area in aseptic processing?

A) Injection port of the IV bag

B) Inside of the syringe barrel

C) Exterior of the vial

D) Needle shaft

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The exterior of the vial is not considered a critical area because it is outside the sterile field and can be disinfected before use.

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About CPhT - Certified Pharmacy Technician Certification

The CPhT - Certified Pharmacy Technician certification validates your expertise in sterile and non-sterile compounding and other critical domains. Our comprehensive practice questions are carefully crafted to mirror the actual exam experience and help you identify knowledge gaps before test day.

Continue Your Preparation: Return to our main CPhT Study Guide for comprehensive exam preparation.