ExCPT Pass Rate 2026: What the Numbers Tell You
If you are preparing for the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians), one of the first questions you probably have is: How hard is this exam, and what are my chances of passing?
The short answer: the ExCPT pass rate has hovered around 63-64% in recent years. That means roughly 1 in 3 candidates fails on their first attempt. While this is not the lowest pass rate among professional certification exams, it is low enough that you cannot afford to walk in underprepared.
This guide breaks down the latest pass rate data, explains why people fail, compares the ExCPT to the PTCE, and gives you a concrete plan to put yourself in the passing majority.
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Current ExCPT Pass Rate Data
According to NHA's published annual pass rate reports, here are the recent ExCPT pass rates:
| Year | ExCPT Pass Rate | Approximate Test Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ~64% | ~14,000 |
| 2023 | ~63% | ~13,500 |
| 2022 | ~64% | ~13,390 |
| 2021 | ~65% | ~12,800 |
| 2020 | ~66% | ~11,500 |
What the Trend Shows
The ExCPT pass rate has remained relatively stable in the low-to-mid 60s over the past several years. There has been a slight downward drift from the mid-60s to the low-60s, which likely reflects two factors:
- Broader candidate pool -- As more states accept NHA certification and more candidates take the exam through on-the-job training pathways (rather than formal programs), the average preparation level may be lower.
- Updated exam content -- NHA launched an updated ExCPT exam on July 9, 2025, with revised content domains that more closely mirror current pharmacy practice. The restructured exam separates "Roles & Responsibilities" from "Laws & Regulations" as distinct domains.
ExCPT Scoring Explained
The ExCPT uses scaled scoring on a range of 200 to 500. You need a 390 or higher to pass. The exam has 120 questions total, but only 100 are scored. The remaining 20 are unscored pretest questions used by NHA to develop future exam versions. You will not know which questions are pretest items.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 (100 scored, 20 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Passing Score | 390 / 500 (scaled) |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice |
| Testing Method | Computer-based at PSI testing centers |
ExCPT vs PTCE Pass Rate Comparison
How does the ExCPT stack up against its rival certification exam?
| Metric | ExCPT (NHA) | PTCE (PTCB) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | ~63-64% | ~69-70% |
| Formal Program Graduates | ~70-72% | ~75-78% |
| OJT/Work Experience Only | ~55-58% | ~62-65% |
| Retake Pass Rate | ~50-55% | ~55-60% |
Why Is the ExCPT Pass Rate Lower?
Several factors contribute to the ExCPT's lower pass rate compared to the PTCE:
- Higher OJT ratio -- The ExCPT requires 1,200 hours of work experience (vs 500 for PTCE), which attracts more candidates who learned on the job without structured academic preparation.
- Less standardized preparation -- PTCB has a larger ecosystem of recognized training programs and study resources, giving PTCE candidates more structured preparation options.
- Different content emphasis -- The ExCPT places heavier emphasis on practical pharmacy workflow and patient communication, which can be harder to study from textbooks alone.
- Exam length -- With 120 questions in 130 minutes, the ExCPT demands more sustained concentration than the PTCE's 90 questions in 110 minutes.
Why People Fail the ExCPT: Domain-by-Domain Analysis
Understanding where candidates struggle helps you allocate your study time wisely. Based on NHA's exam blueprint and candidate performance data, here are the most common failure points:
Domain 1: Medications (40%)
This is the largest and most challenging domain. Candidates fail here because they:
- Cannot match brand names to generic names for the Top 200 drugs
- Do not know drug classifications and therapeutic categories
- Miss questions on drug interactions and contraindications
- Confuse similar-sounding medications (look-alike/sound-alike drugs)
Fix it: Dedicate at least 40% of your study time to medications. Use flashcards daily. Focus on the Top 200 drugs -- brand/generic pairs, drug class, primary indication, and major side effects.
Domain 2: Federal Requirements & Patient Safety (25%)
Candidates struggle with:
- Controlled substance schedules (Schedule II vs III prescribing rules)
- HIPAA privacy regulations in pharmacy settings
- DEA number verification calculations
- Error prevention protocols and recall procedures
Fix it: Memorize the controlled substance schedules and their rules. Understand HIPAA's minimum necessary standard. Practice DEA number validation.
Domain 3: Order Entry & Processing (20%)
The most calculation-heavy domain. Common failure points:
- Days supply calculations (especially for creams, inhalers, insulin)
- Dosage conversions between metric and household units
- Sig code interpretation errors
- Insurance billing and rejection troubleshooting
Fix it: Practice calculations every single day. Master the essential formulas: days supply, quantity to dispense, concentration/dilution. Know your sig codes cold.
Domain 4: Patient Care & Communication (15%)
Though the smallest domain, it catches candidates off guard because:
- Questions test judgment rather than memorization
- Cultural competency and health literacy concepts are unfamiliar to some
- Counseling referral scenarios require understanding pharmacist vs technician scope
Fix it: Review patient interaction scenarios. Understand when to refer patients to the pharmacist. Know OTC medication counseling boundaries.
Beat the Odds: Proven Strategies to Pass
Here is what separates the 64% who pass from the 36% who do not:
1. Complete a Formal Training Program
Candidates who complete accredited pharmacy technician programs pass at rates of 70-72% -- significantly higher than the overall average. If possible, enroll in an NHA-approved or ASHP-accredited program before taking the exam.
2. Study for at Least 80-120 Hours
The most common mistake is underestimating the study time required. Plan for 6-8 weeks of dedicated preparation, studying 2-3 hours per day.
3. Weight Your Study Time by Domain
Allocate your study hours proportionally to each domain's exam weight:
| Domain | Exam Weight | Recommended Study Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Medications | 40% | 40-48 hours |
| Federal Requirements & Patient Safety | 25% | 25-30 hours |
| Order Entry & Processing | 20% | 20-24 hours |
| Patient Care & Communication | 15% | 15-18 hours |
4. Take Full-Length Practice Exams
Simulate real exam conditions: 120 questions, 130 minutes, no breaks, no notes. Take at least 3-5 full practice exams before your test date. Aim to score consistently above 80% on practice tests before scheduling your exam.
5. Master the Top 200 Drugs
This single topic accounts for the majority of the Medications domain. Use flashcards, drug quizzes, and spaced repetition to memorize brand/generic pairs, drug classes, and primary indications.
6. Practice Pharmacy Calculations Daily
Calculations appear across multiple domains. Practice days supply, dosage conversions, concentration problems, and metric-to-household conversions until they become automatic.
7. Use AI-Powered Study Tools
When you get a question wrong, do not just read the answer -- understand why. AI study assistants can break down complex concepts, explain drug mechanisms, and generate unlimited practice questions tailored to your weak areas.
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What to Do If You Fail
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you are not alone -- 36% of candidates are in the same position. Here is your recovery plan:
Immediate Steps
- Review your score report -- NHA provides a domain-level breakdown showing where you scored lowest.
- Wait the required period -- NHA requires a waiting period before retaking the exam. Use this time wisely.
- Identify your 2 weakest domains -- Focus 70% of your restudy time on these areas.
Retake Strategy
- Do not just retake the same approach. If you studied primarily from textbooks the first time, add practice tests and flashcards.
- Consider a study group or tutor for your weakest domain.
- Set a specific score goal for practice exams -- aim for 85%+ before rescheduling.
- Simulate exam conditions more rigorously in your practice sessions.
Retake Fees and Logistics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Retake Fee | $117-$125 (full exam fee) |
| Waiting Period | Typically 30 days |
| Maximum Attempts | No lifetime limit, but consecutive failures suggest a different study approach is needed |
Pass Rate by Preparation Method
Your preparation method is the single biggest predictor of whether you will pass:
| Preparation Method | Estimated Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Accredited training program + practice exams | 75-80% |
| Formal training program (no practice exams) | 68-72% |
| Self-study with comprehensive materials | 60-65% |
| On-the-job training only | 50-58% |
| Minimal preparation | Below 45% |
The takeaway is clear: structured preparation dramatically improves your odds. Even if you qualify through work experience alone, investing in a study guide, practice exams, and flashcards can move your pass probability from coin-flip territory into the 70%+ range.
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