PTCB Practice Exam

💊 PTCB Practice Exam Overview

The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) Exam is a nationally recognized certification exam for aspiring pharmacy technicians in the United States. It assesses your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re prepared to support licensed pharmacists in various healthcare settings.

Passing the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) is a key requirement to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)—a valuable credential that can boost your career, increase job opportunities, and lead to higher pay.

Using realistic PTCB practice exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare and pass on your first try.

📘 What Does the PTCB Test Cover?

The PTCB Exam (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, or PTCE) evaluates your knowledge and skills to work safely and effectively as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The exam is based on four key knowledge domains defined by the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board).

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the PTCB test covers:

🧪 1. Medications – 40% of the Exam

This section tests your understanding of drug names, classifications, uses, side effects, interactions, and dosage forms.

Topics include:

  • Brand vs. generic names

  • Therapeutic equivalence

  • Common indications and side effects

  • Drug interactions and contraindications

  • Dosage calculations and administration routes

  • Storage and handling of medications

⚖️ 2. Federal Requirements – 12.5% of the Exam

Covers federal laws and regulations related to pharmacy practice and controlled substances.

Topics include:

  • DEA schedules and drug classifications

  • FDA recall classes

  • HIPAA and patient privacy

  • Controlled substance rules and documentation

  • Prescription requirements and labeling standards

  • Legal requirements for over-the-counter (OTC) medications

🛡️ 3. Patient Safety and Quality Assurance – 26.25% of the Exam

Focuses on minimizing medication errors and improving pharmacy safety.

Topics include:

  • Error prevention strategies

  • High-alert and look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) medications

  • Drug utilization reviews (DUR)

  • Safety data sheets (SDS)

  • Reporting adverse drug events

  • Handling hazardous medications

📋 4. Order Entry and Processing – 21.25% of the Exam

Tests your ability to read, process, and manage prescriptions accurately.

Topics include:

  • Prescription and medication order interpretation

  • Drug preparation and dispensing

  • Labeling requirements

  • Data entry, insurance claims, and billing

  • Inventory management and returns

  • Use of technology in pharmacy operations

📝 Test Format Summary

Domain % of Exam Estimated No. of Questions
Medications 40% ~36
Federal Requirements 12.5% ~11
Patient Safety & QA 26.25% ~24
Order Entry & Processing 21.25% ~19
Total Questions (Scored) 80

🧪 Key Features of Our PTCB Practice Exams

✅ Up-to-Date Question Bank

  • 1000+ PTCB-style multiple-choice questions

  • Covers all four official domains:

    1. Medications

    2. Federal Requirements

    3. Patient Safety & Quality Assurance

    4. Order Entry & Processing

📱 Mobile-Friendly Interface

  • Practice anytime, anywhere on desktop, tablet, or mobile

🔁 Unlimited Practice Attempts

  • Retake quizzes as often as needed to build confidence

📘 Detailed Answer Explanations

  • Learn from every answer, whether right or wrong

🧪 Exam Simulation Mode

  • Mimics the official 2-hour, 90-question test experience

📊 Score Tracking & Progress Reports

  • Monitor your improvement over time

💯 100% Free Access

  • No sign-up required, no hidden fees

❓ PTCB Practice Test FAQs

1. What is the PTCB exam?

The PTCB exam (also called the PTCE) is the official certification test required to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in the U.S. It is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

2. How many questions are on the PTCB exam?

The exam contains 90 multiple-choice questions, of which 80 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest questions.

3. How long is the PTCB exam?

You’ll have 2 hours to complete the exam, including a short tutorial and post-exam survey.

4. What score do I need to pass?

You must score at least 1,400 out of 1,600. The scoring is scaled, so your raw number of correct answers is converted to a standardized score.

5. What topics are covered on the test?

The PTCB test is divided into four domains:

  • Medications – 40%

  • Federal Requirements – 12.5%

  • Patient Safety and Quality Assurance – 26.25%

  • Order Entry and Processing – 21.25%

6. How can I best prepare for the PTCB exam?

  • Take practice exams to get familiar with the format

  • Study key drug classifications and federal laws

  • Use flashcards for quick recall

  • Practice time management under exam conditions

7. Can I retake the PTCB if I fail?

Yes. You may retake the exam up to four times, with a 60-day waiting period between attempts. You must apply and pay the exam fee each time.

8. How much does it cost to take the PTCB exam?

The PTCB charges a $129 non-refundable fee per attempt.