Key Takeaways
- The PTCE is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam administered by PTCB.
- Exam format: 90 questions (80 scored + 10 unscored) in 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Passing scaled score is 1,400 on a scale of 1,000 to 1,600.
- Exam fee is \$129 with results available within 3 weeks.
- 2026 updates include DSCSA content and rebalanced domain weights.
About the PTCE Exam
Quick Answer: The PTCE is a 90-question, 110-minute computer-based exam with a passing score of 1,400 (on a 1,000-1,600 scale) and a $129 fee. It qualifies you as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). You must complete a PTCB-recognized program or have 500 hours of work experience.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and is one of the most widely recognized credentials for pharmacy technicians in the United States.
Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam |
| Administered By | PTCB (via Pearson VUE) |
| Questions | 90 multiple-choice (80 scored + 10 unscored) |
| Time Limit | 1 hour 50 minutes (plus tutorial and survey) |
| Passing Score | 1,400 scaled score (range: 1,000-1,600) |
| Cost | $129 |
| Testing Options | In-person at Pearson VUE centers or online proctoring |
What Does the CPhT Credential Allow?
Passing the PTCE and earning CPhT certification qualifies you to:
- Work as a certified pharmacy technician in retail, hospital, and specialty pharmacies
- Assist pharmacists with medication dispensing and preparation
- Handle controlled substances under pharmacist supervision
- Process prescriptions and manage medication orders
- Meet employer requirements that increasingly require national certification
Note: Many states require or prefer PTCB certification for pharmacy technician positions. Some states have their own additional requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To take the PTCE, you must meet ONE of these pathways:
| Pathway | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pathway 1 | Complete a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program |
| Pathway 2 | Have 500+ hours of work experience as a pharmacy technician |
Additional Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must reside in the United States or its territories
- Must disclose any criminal history or pharmacy board actions
- Must comply with all PTCB policies
Exam Structure by Knowledge Domain (2026)
The PTCE covers four major knowledge domains:
| Domain | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Medications | Drug names, classifications, indications, side effects | 35% |
| Federal Requirements | Laws, regulations, DEA, DSCSA compliance | 18.75% |
| Patient Safety & Quality Assurance | Safety protocols, error prevention, quality measures | 23.75% |
| Order Entry & Processing | Prescription processing, calculations, inventory | 22.5% |
2026 Exam Changes
Starting January 2026, the PTCE includes several updates:
- DSCSA Content Added: New questions on Drug Supply Chain Security Act compliance
- Rebalanced Weights: Federal Requirements increased from 12.5% to 18.75%
- Medications Reduced: From 40% to 35% of exam
- Some Topics Removed: Narrow therapeutic index drugs and non-sterile compounding details
Retake Policy
| Attempt | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| 1st attempt | N/A |
| 2nd attempt | No waiting period |
| 3rd attempt | No waiting period |
| 4th attempt | 6-month waiting period |
| After 4 attempts | Must provide evidence of additional preparation |
How many questions are on the PTCE exam, and how many are scored?
What is the passing scaled score for the PTCE?
Which knowledge domain has the LARGEST weight on the 2026 PTCE exam?