Free PTCB Practice Test
Answer pharmacy technician exam questions written to PTCB’s 2026 content outline, read a worked explanation for each one, then sit a timed 90-question practice exam scored by domain.
90 questions in 1 hour 50 minutes, weighted to the four PTCE domains, with a score report by domain and a worked explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free topic drill- 310 original questions with worked answers
- 6 free drills, including pharmacy math
- 2026 PTCE content outline
A patient picking up hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg asks to buy Tylenol Extra Strength for breakthrough pain. Why should the pharmacist be involved?
Watch worked examples, step by step
The PTCE format and 2026 content outline, then 20 questions with days supply, dilution, alligation and drip-rate math worked step by step.
How the PTCB exam works
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is the exam for PTCB’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. You take it at a Pearson VUE test center after PTCB approves your application.
- Questions
- 90 multiple choice: 80 scored and 10 unscored, mixed in and not marked
- Time
- 1 hour 50 minutes for the exam, plus a 5-minute tutorial and a 5-minute survey
- Passing score
- Scaled score of 1,400 on a 1,000–1,600 scale
- Fee
- $129 to apply and take the exam
- Where
- Pearson VUE test centers, with a live proctor
- Results
- Unofficial pass or fail on screen; official score report within three weeks
- Retakes
- No wait for the second and third attempts; 6 months before the fourth
Practice under the real time limit
90 questions in 1 hour 50 minutes, weighted to the four PTCE domains, with a score report by domain and a worked explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free topic drillThe four PTCE knowledge domains
PTCB’s content outline, effective January 6, 2026, splits the exam into four domains. Our 90-question practice exam uses the same weights.
| Domain | What it covers | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Medications | Brand and generic names, drug classes, indications, interactions, side effects, dosage forms, stability and storage. | 35% |
| 2. Federal Requirements | DEA schedules and controlled substance rules, hazardous waste, pseudoephedrine and REMS, FDA recalls and DSCSA. | 18.75% |
| 3. Patient Safety and Quality Assurance | High-alert and look-alike/sound-alike drugs, error prevention, pharmacist intervention, event reporting, infection control. | 23.75% |
| 4. Order Entry and Processing | Pharmacy calculations, sig codes and abbreviations, supplies, NDC numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates and returns. | 22.5% |
Free topic drills
Ten questions on one domain or skill, with the worked explanation after each answer. Create a free account to save your results; each drill’s first attempt is free.
Then put it together in a full exam
90 questions in 1 hour 50 minutes, weighted to the four PTCE domains, with a score report by domain and a worked explanation for every answer.
Practice by topic
- PTCB Math Practice TestDays supply and quantity · Doses and weight-based dosing · Concentrations and dilutions
- PTCB Law Practice TestDEA schedules and prescriptions · Controlled substance records · Restricted drug programs
- PTCB Top 200 Drugs QuizBrand to generic and back · Drug classes and stems · Indications
- ExCPT Practice TestRole, responsibilities and general duties · Laws · Drugs and drug therapy
Common questions
How many questions are on the PTCB exam?
The PTCE has 90 multiple-choice questions: 80 scored and 10 unscored. The unscored questions are mixed in and not marked, so answer every question as if it counts. You have 1 hour 50 minutes.
What score do I need to pass the PTCE?
A scaled score of 1,400. Scores range from 1,000 to 1,600. PTCB scales scores so that every exam form has the same passing standard, so there is no fixed number of questions you must get right.
What is on the PTCB exam in 2026?
Four knowledge domains: Medications (35%), Federal Requirements (18.75%), Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (23.75%) and Order Entry and Processing (22.5%). PTCB’s current content outline took effect January 6, 2026.
How much math is on the PTCB exam?
Calculations show up in several outline areas: doses and days supply, concentrations and dilutions, drug stability and dosage forms, controlled substance rules and NDC numbers. Expect conversions, ratio and proportion, percent strength, alligation and IV flow rates. You get an on-screen calculator.
How much does the PTCB exam cost?
The application and exam fee is $129, charged for every attempt.
How many times can I take the PTCE?
There is no limit. After a failed attempt, wait for your official score report, then reapply. There is no waiting period before the second and third attempts; the fourth requires a six-month wait. After four attempts, PTCB must approve evidence of additional preparation before you apply again.
Who can take the PTCE?
You must live in the U.S. or its territories and either complete a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program (or be within 60 days of finishing one) or have at least 500 hours of pharmacy technician work experience. You must also disclose any criminal or State Board of Pharmacy actions.
Are these real PTCB exam questions?
No. Every question is original, written to PTCB’s content outline from FDA labels, federal regulations, DEA and FDA guidance and ISMP safety lists, and each explanation names its source.
Ready for the real thing?
90 questions in 1 hour 50 minutes, weighted to the four PTCE domains, with a score report by domain and a worked explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free topic drillSources
- PTCB: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam and eligibility
- PTCB: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026)
- PTCB Help Center: Retake Policy
- PTCB Help Center: Certification and Certificate Program Fees
- DEA Diversion Control: Pharmacist’s Manual
- ISMP: List of Error-Prone Abbreviations
Checked October 31, 2026.
Original independent practice. Every question is written to PTCB’s content outline from FDA labels, federal regulations and ISMP guidance, and each explanation names its source. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). PTCB, PTCE and CPhT are trademarks of their owner.