PEBC Pharmacy Technician MCQ Practice Test
Free · 140 Questions.

Question 1

Under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), which schedule contains high-potency substances subject to strict control, such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl?

• A. Schedule I drugs, which include high-potency opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
• B. Schedule II drugs, which include synthetic cannabinoid agonists and select sedatives.
• C. Schedule III drugs, which include barbiturates, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin.
• D. Schedule IV drugs, which include benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids, and targeted agents.

Explanation: Under the CDSA, Schedule I contains high-potency opioids (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl), cocaine, and methamphetamine, carrying the strictest federal penalties and distribution controls.

Question 2

Under the federal Controlled Substances Regulations (in force October 1, 2026), which statement about refills of a narcotic prescription is correct?

• A. A practitioner may authorize refills, and the pharmacist records the number of refills and any interval between them.
• B. Refills of narcotic prescriptions remain prohibited; only part-fills of the quantity written are permitted.
• C. Refills are allowed on verbal prescriptions only, never on written narcotic prescriptions.
• D. Only the pharmacist, and never the prescriber, may decide how many refills a narcotic prescription carries.

Explanation: The Controlled Substances Regulations replaced the Narcotic Control Regulations on October 1, 2026 and no longer prohibit refills. A pharmacist must record the number of refills the prescription authorizes and any interval between refills (s. 113(g); s. 117(f) for verbal prescriptions) and must record each refill (s. 118). Provincial rules and the prescriber's directions still apply.

Question 3

Under the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) drug schedules, what defines a Schedule II medication?

• A. A behind-the-counter drug requiring pharmacist intervention and assessment prior to sale.
• B. A prescription-only drug listed on the Prescription Drug List requiring a practitioner order.
• C. An over-the-counter medication freely accessible in the self-selection area of a pharmacy.
• D. An unscheduled product that can be sold in any commercial grocery market without controls.

Explanation: Schedule II drugs need no prescription but require professional intervention from the pharmacist at the point of sale. They are kept in an area of the pharmacy with no public access and no opportunity for self-selection, which is why they are described as behind the counter.

Question 4

Under NAPRA harmonized drug scheduling guidelines, what defines a Schedule III drug in Canadian pharmacy practice?

• A. A non-prescription drug sold from the pharmacy's self-selection area under the direct supervision of the pharmacist.
• B. A prescription-only drug requiring a valid written or verbal order from an authorized medical practitioner.
• C. A controlled substance requiring storage in a time-delay safe and perpetual record logbook maintenance.
• D. An unscheduled consumer product available in grocery supermarkets and retail commercial convenience stores.

Explanation: Schedule III drugs need no prescription but may present risks to certain populations in self-selection. They are sold from the self-selection area of the pharmacy, operated under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who is available to help the patient choose.

Question 5

What is the legal scope of practice of a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) regarding final technical verification in Canada?

• A. Independently performing the final check of product identity, correct dosage form, strength, and label.
• B. Conducting the clinical drug utilization review to evaluate drug interactions and therapy appropriateness.
• C. Prescribing minor ailment therapies and modifying antibiotic treatment regimens without prior approval.
• D. Providing clinical disease state counseling and adjusting prescription drug doses for chronic patients.

Explanation: RPhTs are legally authorized and responsible for technical verification (ensuring the right drug, dosage, strength, packaging, and label match the order), while clinical assessment remains with the pharmacist.