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What you need to know about the PTCB Exam
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board uses this test, which is actually called the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), as one of the four requirements for certification as a pharmacy technician. The test was designed as a result of a job analysis study conducted by the PTCB that determined the knowledge and skills needed to work as a pharmacy technician.
Important Exam Note:
A new edition of the PTCB exam was released in January 2026. If you are only familiar with the previous test version, you will not see much difference as the changes are only minor tweaks. A few pieces of content have been removed, such as non-sterile compounding and the narrow therapeutic index. At the same time, content on the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) has been added. The percentage of coverage among sections has also been adjusted a tiny bit.
The most current edition of the PTCB exam poses 90 questions about four knowledge domains in the area of pharmacy. Below is a list of these domains and the approximate percentage of questions on the actual test that deal with each. You will notice that we have a corresponding section of PTCB practice questions and flashcards, as well as a study guide on each of these sections to help you prepare.
- Medications—35% (decreased)
- Federal Requirements—18.75% (increased)
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance—23.75% (slightly decreased)
- Order Entry and Processing—22.5% (slightly increased)
Of the 90 questions, only 80 are scored. You will not know which of the questions are the additional unscored 10 questions.
Exam facts
Answers to all your questions about the PTCB Exam
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What are the costs?
The basic fee for the PTCB application and initial certification test is $129.00. There are also fees for recertification, reinstatement, and various reprocessing and late application submission situations.
What should I bring?
On the day of the exam, you will be required to present proof of identity. Your name must exactly match the name on your application form. If you don’t have an acceptable form of identification, you will not be allowed to take the exam, so make sure you are familiar with the credentialing guidelines and requirements before your test day.
How is it scored?
The score you receive on the PTCB exam will range from 1000 to 1600. An unofficial version of this score will be available to you immediately upon test completion. Your official score report will be available in your PTCB account within three weeks after testing.
You must score 1400 or more to pass this test. The score is a scaled score, meaning that each item has been reviewed by experts, and based on the percentage of qualified pharmacy technicians who would be able to answer it correctly, an average was obtained of all items. Using that review, a passing score was established.
What kind of job can I get?
Becoming certified as a pharmacy technician can launch a solid career path that is predicted to experience growth in the next 10 years, according to U.S. News & World Report. The publication lists pharmacy technician as a job that provides above-average upward mobility, including foundational learning for continuing your education to become a licensed pharmacist. Flexibility in schedule is another positive aspect of this job. There are also many different work settings, including larger stores, smaller pharmacies, and hospitals.
Am I eligible?
Consult the PTCB website for information about eligibility and details about various pathways to earning your certification.
Why does it matter?
To become a pharmacy technician, you must be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Becoming certified as a pharmacy technician requires you to obtain a passing score on the PTCB exam, which is one of the keys to your future as a certified pharmacy technician.
What salary can I expect?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a pharmacy technician is over $43,000. Salary depends greatly on the pharmacy location. Higher salaries tend to be found at pharmacies located in general hospitals. The highest-paying pharmacy technician jobs are usually at outpatient care centers and in federal government positions. Pharmacies located in grocery stores tend to offer the lowest pay rates.
When is it available?
The PTCB exam is administered at Pearson Vue test centers across the United States. To apply to take the exam, create a PTCB account on the official website. There you will find all the resources needed to schedule your exam.
How much time is allowed?
The testing time is about two hours, of which 10 minutes is devoted to a pre-exam tutorial and a post-exam survey.
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