Pharmacy Tech PTCE Exam FAQs
PTCB stands for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is taken by pharmacy technicians to certify them for pharmacy tech work.
Currently, 18 states require certification as a part of the state licensing requirements. PTCB Certification is recognized in every state in the United States. A PTCB Certification assures the general public, employers, and state licensing authorities that the individual has demonstrated competency as a pharmacy technician.
The PTCE is recognized in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) work across the US in a wide range of pharmacy practice settings. Regulations and requirements for certification, licensure, registration and re-licensure vary by state and may change. Some states have no requirement for technicians to register with the State Board of Pharmacy, while other states do. You should contact the State Board of Pharmacy in the jurisdiction where you will be seeking employment to learn about your state's complete and current pharmacy regulations.
The PTCE consists of 90 multiple choice questions, 10 of those questions do not affect your score. The PTCE exam is 2 hours long: a 5-minute tutorial, 1 hour and 50-minute exam, and 5-minute post-exam survey).
The PTCE consists of 90 multiple choice questions, 10 of those questions do not affect your score.
The PTCE exam is 2 hours long: a 5-minute tutorial, a one hour and 50-minute exam, and a 5-minute post-exam survey.
PTCE candidates schedule their PTCE test after receiving authorization at one of about many US testing centers run by Pearson VUE which has a myriad of network of testing centers located in most urban areas.
PTCE scores range from 1000 to 1600, but only scores of 1400 and above are considered passing.
The PTCE covers the following domains:
- Medications
- Federal Regulations
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
- Order Entry and Processing
Q. How many refills are allowed on CIII drugs?
a. 5
b. 3
c. 1
d. 0
Correct Answer: A. CIII drugs can have up to 5 refills and are refillable up to 6 months. Some examples of CIII drugs include Vicodin and Xanax.
The PTCE was developed and maintained by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The exam measures a candidate's competency to become an entry-level pharmacy tech.
PTCE candidates have 60 days to schedule their PTCE after receiving authorization at one of many US testing centers run by Pearson VUE which has a myriad of network of testing centers located in most urban areas.
Currently, 18 states require certification as a part of the state licensing requirements. PTCB Certification is recognized in every state in the United States. A PTCB Certification assures the general public, employers, and state licensing authorities that the individual has demonstrated competency as a pharmacy technician
In order to take the PTCE, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Reside in the United States of America or its territories (US)
- Have completed a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or equivalent work experience
To register for the PTCE:
- Create a PTCB Account.
- Apply for certification by logging into your PTCB Account.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with your authorization to schedule your exam.
If you did not pass the PTCB, there is no retake wait period for the second and third exam attempts, but you must wait six months to attempt the fourth exam. There is no limit of exam attempts, but after four attempts, candidates must provide evidence of preparation activities to the PTCB before they will approve the fourth attempt.
Your unofficial exam result will be shown on the screen immediately following the post-exam survey. You may also receive a printed copy of the unofficial exam result at the test site. Official exam results will be posted to your PTCB Account within two to three weeks.
Yes, you are required to renew your certification every 2 years usually through the completion of continuing education (CE).
Each state has unique licensing and continuing education requirements for pharmacy techs. See your state and local jurisdiction board website for more information on license and continuing education requirements.
Study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards, videos and practice tests with answers that are fully explained. More importantly, peer reviewed practice tests with instant scoring and review written by certified experts are key in preparing for the PTCE.
Tests.com has worked with instructors in pharmacy technology to create a PTCE practice test to help you prepare for the PTCE. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual PTCE by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your PTCE on your way to a successful career as a pharmacy tech.