The PTCB exam, officially the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), earns you the CPhT credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Many states and employers require or prefer it.
Here’s the format, what’s tested and how to pass. Then drill with the free PTCB practice test: top drugs, federal law, safety and pharmacy math.
Key takeaways
- 90 questions (80 scored) in 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Passing score: 1,400 on a 1,000–1,600 scale.
- The fee is $129.
- Medications is the largest domain (about 40%).
USA PTCB Exam: Quick Facts
- Credential
- CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician)
- Questions
- 90 (80 scored)
- Time
- 1 hour 50 minutes
- Passing score
- 1,400 (scale 1,000–1,600)
- Fee
- $129
- Delivery
- Pearson VUE test centers or online proctoring
PTCB Exam Domains
| Domain | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Medications (brand/generic names, classes, interactions, storage) | 40% |
| Patient Safety and Quality Assurance | 26.25% |
| Order Entry and Processing (sigs, calculations, compounding) | 21.25% |
| Federal Requirements (DEA schedules, forms, REMS) | 12.5% |
PTCB Eligibility
Candidates typically qualify by completing a PTCB-recognized education/training program or through equivalent work experience, and they must meet PTCB’s conduct requirements. Check PTCB for the current pathways.
More on PTCB Eligibility →How to Pass the PTCB Exam
- Learn the top 200 drugs: brand and generic names, classes and key warnings.
- Memorize drug stems (-olol, -pril, -sartan, -statin, -prazole).
- Know DEA schedules, refill rules and forms (222, 106, 41).
- Practice pharmacy math daily: conversions, day supply, dilutions.
- Take practice tests. Ours covers all four domains: PTCB practice test.
Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA PTCB Exam practice test →USA PTCB Exam FAQs
How many questions are on the PTCB exam?
90 multiple-choice questions, 80 scored and 10 unscored, in 1 hour 50 minutes.
Full answer →What does PTCB stand for?
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Its exam is the PTCE, and passing earns the CPhT credential.
Full answer →Is the PTCB exam hard?
It’s very passable with preparation. Focus on top drugs, pharmacy law and math, which make up most of the exam.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Rules, fees and procedures can change. Confirm the current requirements with the official agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.