A competent resident says no to a morning tablet. What may the aide do?Answer: Document the refusal and report it. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
A resident asks what a new tablet is for and the aide does not know. What is best?Answer: Refer it to the supervisor, nurse or pharmacist. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section B
A resident is too drowsy to swallow safely at medication time. What does the aide do first?Answer: Seeks advice from the supervisor. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section B
A resident refuses and gives no reason. What strategy does the manual give?Answer: Wait a few minutes and offer it again. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout C-3
A resident takes a tablet, then spits it out later. What kind of refusal is that?Answer: Passive refusal. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout C-3
Show all 105 questions (100 more)
Role, limits and resident rights, continued
A resident's medication has run out. May the aide borrow a dose from another resident's supply?Answer: Only in an emergency, when directed to. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
The aide realizes a wrong dose was given. What comes first?Answer: Report it immediately to the supervisor. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
The aide steps away from the medication cart for a moment. What must happen?Answer: The cart is locked. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Sections B and H
An aide documents a dose as given when it was not. What is that an example of?Answer: Fraud. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
An aide fails to give medications that were ordered and transcribed onto the MAR. What does the manual call this?Answer: Negligence. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
An aide gives a resident's pain tablet to a co-worker with a sore shoulder. What is that?Answer: Diversion. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
How does the manual define a medication error?Answer: A medication given other than as prescribed. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
What does the manual call the medication aide in the chain of medication safety?Answer: The last checkpoint before the dose. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section B
What is a chemical restraint?Answer: A drug used for discipline or convenience. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
Where must an allegation that an aide diverted a resident's medication be reported?Answer: The N.C. Health Care Personnel Registry. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Medication Aide in Adult Care Homes
Who gives consent for medication for a resident who has been found incompetent?Answer: The legal guardian. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section C
With whom may an aide share a resident's protected health information?Answer: Team members who need it to give care. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section B
The six rights and medication orders 21
A medication is due at 8:00 a.m. on the MAR. What is the window for giving it?Answer: 7:00 to 9:00. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Right Time
A medication is ordered "ac". About when is it given?Answer: 30 minutes before the meal. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Right Time
A PRN order for a psychotropic medication must include which of these?Answer: The maximum dosage in a 24-hour period. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Medication Orders
A PRN pain medication is ordered every 4 hours. The last dose was 3 hours ago and the resident asks for more. What now?Answer: It cannot be given for another hour. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout D-1
An admission paper says only "continue previous medications". How does the manual treat that?Answer: It is not a complete order. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout D-1
An aide has given the same resident the same tablets for a year. May the aide work from memory?Answer: No. Always refer to the MAR. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Sections D and F
An order cannot be read clearly. What does the aide do?Answer: Contacts the prescriber and does not guess. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Medication Orders
An order for eye drops is marked "OU". Which eye or eyes?Answer: Both eyes. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout D-3
Digoxin 0.25 mg is ordered and the supply is 0.125 mg tablets. How many tablets make the dose?Answer: 2 tablets. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Right Dose
Does an over-the-counter medication need an order in an adult care home?Answer: Yes, an order is required. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Definitions
How many times is the medication label compared with the MAR while preparing a dose?Answer: Three times. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section F
The manual's six rights are resident, medication, dose, route, time and which other?Answer: Documentation. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout D-4
On a MAR, what does BID mean?Answer: Twice a day. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout D-3
What does a STAT order mean?Answer: Give it immediately. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handouts D-1 and D-3
What does NPO mean?Answer: Nothing by mouth. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Right Route
What does the manual say about mg and ml?Answer: 1 ml does not equal 1 mg. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Right Dose
What does the manual say about verbal and telephone orders?Answer: An aide may accept them; written is safest. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Types of Medication Orders
What must a PRN order state that a routine order need not?Answer: The reason for giving it. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Medication Orders
Which dose is written the safe way?Answer: 0.45 mg. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D and Handout D-5
Which is a poor way to identify a resident before giving medication?Answer: The room number. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Right Resident
Why does the manual say not to ask, "Are you James Jackson?"Answer: It is too easy to say yes. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Right Resident
The MAR and documentation 15
A resident asks for a PRN medication almost every day. What does the aide do?Answer: Reports it to the supervisor or the physician. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section F
A resident refuses a dose. How is that commonly shown on the MAR?Answer: Initials are placed and circled, with the reason. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section F
A routine medication with no stop date is to be stopped. What is needed?Answer: A discontinue order. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section E
After a PRN medication is given, what is documented later, once it can be judged?Answer: How well it worked. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Sections D and F
The aide initials the wrong box on the MAR. What is the rule?Answer: Do not erase or cover it. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section F
An antibiotic is ordered for a set period. How is its stop date worked out?Answer: By counting the number of doses. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section E
The FL-2 has not been signed within 24 hours of admission. What is done?Answer: The orders are verified by fax or telephone. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section E
How are PRN orders written on the MAR?Answer: Without set administration times. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section E
In medication administration, what does transcribe mean?Answer: To copy orders onto the MAR. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section E
The medication pass is finished. What is the last check?Answer: Recheck the MAR. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section F
What is pre-charting, and is it allowed?Answer: Signing before the dose is taken; not permitted. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section F
What is the medication administration record (MAR)?Answer: A legal record of medications given. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Definitions
When does the aide initial the MAR for a dose?Answer: Right after watching the resident take it. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section F
When is a new order copied onto the MAR?Answer: When the order is received. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section D, Types of Medication Orders
Which form does the manual say is required for new admissions to adult care homes?Answer: The FL-2. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section E
Infection control 11
A lancing device is used for a fingerstick blood sugar. What is the rule on sharing?Answer: They are for one resident and never shared. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section A
An alcohol-based hand rub is rubbed over the hands until dry, for at least how long?Answer: 15 seconds. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section J, Skill 2
How many times is a pair of gloves worn?Answer: Once, then thrown away. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section G
How should tablets get from the container to the resident?Answer: Poured into a clean medication cup. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section G
In the handwashing skill, for how long are hands and wrists rubbed with soap?Answer: At least 20 seconds. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section J, Skill 1
May one syringe be used for two residents if the needle is changed?Answer: No, never. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section G
What does the manual say about insulin pens?Answer: A pen is never shared. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section J, Skill 14
What is done to the top of a medication vial before a needle goes in?Answer: It is cleansed with 70% alcohol. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section G
What is the rule on used needles?Answer: Never recap, bend or break them. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section G
What kind of container takes used syringes and needles?Answer: A puncture-resistant sharps container. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section G
When must hands be washed with soap and water, not an alcohol rub?Answer: When they are visibly soiled. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section G
Giving medications by route 20
A cream is applied from a jar. What keeps the jar from being contaminated?Answer: A new applicator each time. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Topical Medications
A crushed tablet is mixed with applesauce. How much applesauce?Answer: As little as possible. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Crushing Medications
A liquid medication is 20 mg in 5 ml. How much medication is in 15 ml?Answer: 60 mg. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout I-3
A resident takes two puffs from one metered dose inhaler. How long between the puffs?Answer: At least 1 minute. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Oral Inhalers
A sublingual tablet has just been placed under the tongue. What does the resident avoid?Answer: Chewing or swallowing it. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Sublingual Medications
A tablet breaks unevenly in the pill cutter. What is done?Answer: It is thrown away and a new tablet is cut. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Cutting Medications
An oral syringe is used for liquid amounts under how much?Answer: 5 ml. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I and Handout I-1
How is a liquid dose read in a medicine cup?Answer: On a flat, level surface at eye level. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Liquid Medications
How is the ear held to straighten the ear canal for ear drops?Answer: Gently pulled up and back. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section J, Skill 9
How many milliliters are in one teaspoon?Answer: 5 ml. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Handout I-3
May a kitchen teaspoon measure a liquid dose?Answer: No, never. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I and Handout I-2
Too much liquid medication was poured. What happens to the excess?Answer: It is never poured back. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Liquid Medications
Two different eye drops are due at the same time. How long between them?Answer: 3 to 5 minutes. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Eye Drops and Ointments
What can happen if a time-released tablet is crushed?Answer: An overdose. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Crushing Medications
What does the manual give as the normal range for an adult's pulse?Answer: 60 to 100 beats a minute. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section A
What is the rule for where transdermal patches go?Answer: Sites are rotated and documented. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Transdermal Products
Where are eye drops placed?Answer: In the pocket made by gently pulling the lower lid down. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section J, Skill 8
Which liquid must be shaken before it is measured?Answer: A suspension. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Types of Liquid Medications
Which tablet must never be crushed?Answer: An enteric-coated tablet. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Crushing Medications
Who decides whether a tablet is crushed?Answer: The MAR states it, not the aide. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section I, Crushing Medications
Storage, controlled substances and disposal 11
A prepared tablet falls on the floor. What happens to it?Answer: It is disposed of promptly. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
A resident's medication is not available at the home. What does the manual require?Answer: An effort to obtain it is made and documented. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
At what temperature are refrigerated medications stored?Answer: 36°F to 46°F. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
Controlled substances are stored with each resident's other medications. What lock is required?Answer: A single lock. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
How are controlled substances usually counted at shift change?Answer: By two people. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
How are external and internal medications stored?Answer: In separate designated areas. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
Schedule II medications are kept together in one location in the cart. What lock is required?Answer: A double lock. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
What is "the count"?Answer: Checking the controlled substance log before removing a dose. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
What record must a facility keep for controlled substances?Answer: A readily retrievable record. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
When may a medication cart be left unlocked?Answer: Only under direct supervision by staff. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section K
Who may hold the medication keys during a shift?Answer: The aide, on his or her person. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Section H
The state exam and requirements 10
After passing, about how long until a name appears on the adult care medication aide registry?Answer: 2 to 5 business days. Source: Candidate handbook, The Registry
Besides the course and the written exam, what must be done at the employing facility?Answer: Competency validation of skills. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Medication Aide in Adult Care Homes
Does passing the adult care medication aide exam qualify a person to pass medications in a nursing home?Answer: No. Source: Candidate handbook, Introduction
How is the examination supervised, according to the handbook?Answer: By a live online proctor. Source: Candidate handbook, Examination Overview
How many questions does the candidate handbook give for the Adult Care Medication Aide Examination?Answer: 60. Source: Candidate handbook, Examination Overview
How many times may a candidate take the examination?Answer: There is no limit. Source: Candidate handbook, Examination Overview
How much continuing education must an adult care medication aide keep up each year?Answer: 6 hours. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Medication Aide in Adult Care Homes
Which route is in the course only if the aide will perform it?Answer: Subcutaneous injection. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Medication Aide in Adult Care Homes
Which training prepares a person for the state written medication exam?Answer: The 5-hour plus 10-hour courses, or the 15-hour course. Source: NCDHHS Student Manual, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Introduction
Who sets the passing score of the adult care medication aide examination?Answer: The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Source: Candidate handbook, Examination Overview
How this list was compiled: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, Medication Administration 10/15-Hour Training Course for Adult Care Homes, Student Manual (September 2013, revised March 2021), which the Adult Care Licensure Section posts as the study guide for the state medication exam for adult care homes (https://info.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/acls/training/student/studentmanual.pdf); the Section's Medication Testing Information page (https://info.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/acls/medtech.html); and the candidate handbook for the Adult Care Medication Aide Examination on the test vendor's site (https://kb-ncmacare.credentia.com/en/article/examination-overview). All read on October 12, 2026. Each question names the section of the manual it was written from. Licence: Own work. Every question, every wrong choice and every explanation was written for this site from the section it cites. Short phrases are quoted from the state's manual. Nothing is taken or reworded from the examination or from the handbook's sample questions, which were not read.
How it works
This unofficial med tech practice test for NC is free and asks 105 questions for the North Carolina adult care medication aide exam. Not affiliated with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services or Credentia.
Read the full guide
What the NC med tech exam is
The state written medication exam is for unlicensed staff who give medications in adult care homes, the people the handbook calls med techs. The Department of Health and Human Services writes its content, and Credentia registers candidates and gives it online.
Where the questions come from
The Adult Care Licensure Section posts a student manual as the study guide for the exam. Every question in this NC adult care medication aide practice test cites its section: the aide's role and limits, the six rights, orders and the MAR, infection control, routes, storage and controlled substances.
The window for a scheduled dose runs from one hour before to one hour after the time on the MAR (Section D).
Initial the MAR right after watching the resident take the dose; pre-charting is not permitted (Section F).
Schedule II drugs kept together need a double lock; kept with the resident's other medications, a single lock (Section K).
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the NC med tech test?
Sixty multiple-choice questions, in English, by the candidate handbook for the Adult Care Medication Aide Examination. It is given with live online proctoring, and the handbook sets no limit on retakes.
Is this NC med tech practice test the real exam?
No. The exam is closed. This NC med aide practice test asks our own questions from the state's student manual; none is taken or reworded from the exam or from the handbook's sample questions.
What score do you need to pass the NC medication aide exam?
The Department of Health and Human Services determines the passing score, and the handbook pages read for this page do not print it. A practice exam here gives your number right and no verdict.
What training comes before the NC med tech exam?
The state's 5-hour plus 10-hour courses, or its 15-hour course, then the written exam and a skills validation at the employing facility. Aides keep up six hours of continuing education a year, by the student manual.