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100+ Free AMCA PCTC Practice Questions

Pass your AMCA Patient Care Technician Certification exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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A patient asks the PCT to share their lab results with their employer. The PCT should:

A
B
C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AMCA PCTC Exam

144

Exam Questions

AMCA

3 hrs

Time Limit

AMCA

70%

Passing Score

AMCA

$119

Exam Fee

AMCA 2026

2 years

Certification Valid

Recertification cycle

5

Blueprint Domains

AMCA PCTC blueprint

The AMCA PCTC exam contains 144 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours with a 70% passing score. Five blueprint domains span patient care fundamentals, vital signs, safety/infection control, phlebotomy, and EKG. Exam fee is $119; recertification is required every 2 years with 10 CEUs. Eligibility requires an approved PCT training program or equivalent clinical experience and a minimum age of 17.

Sample AMCA PCTC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AMCA PCTC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient has a radial pulse rate of 92 beats per minute with a regular rhythm. Which term best describes this finding?
A.Bradycardia
B.Normal sinus rhythm
C.Tachycardia
D.Arrhythmia
Explanation: A resting heart rate of 60–100 bpm with regular rhythm is considered normal sinus rhythm. Bradycardia is below 60 bpm; tachycardia is above 100 bpm. Report values outside the normal range to the nurse immediately.
2When measuring blood pressure, which Korotkoff sound indicates the systolic pressure?
A.The last audible sound before silence
B.The first clear tapping sound heard as the cuff deflates
C.The point where sounds become muffled
D.The point of complete silence
Explanation: The systolic blood pressure is recorded at the first clear tapping sound (Korotkoff phase I) heard as the cuff deflates. The last audible sound (phase V) marks diastolic pressure. Accurate placement of the stethoscope over the brachial artery is essential.
3A patient's oral temperature reads 101.8 °F. The PCT should:
A.Administer acetaminophen immediately
B.Document and report to the supervising nurse right away
C.Wait 30 minutes and recheck
D.Consider this a normal variation and continue with care
Explanation: An oral temperature of 101.8 °F (38.8 °C) is a fever and must be reported to the nurse promptly. PCTs do not administer medications independently. Normal oral temperature is approximately 97.6–99.6 °F.
4Which site is MOST appropriate for measuring temperature in a disoriented adult patient who cannot follow directions?
A.Oral
B.Axillary
C.Tympanic
D.Rectal
Explanation: Axillary temperature is the safest and least invasive option for confused patients who cannot hold a thermometer safely in their mouth. Tympanic measurement is also quick and non-invasive and may be used as well, but axillary avoids any risk of injury to the patient.
5While counting respirations, the PCT counts each rise AND fall of the chest as:
A.Two respirations
B.One respiration
C.Half a respiration
D.A pulse cycle
Explanation: One complete respiration consists of one inhalation (chest rise) and one exhalation (chest fall). Normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute. Count for a full minute when rhythm is irregular.
6A pulse oximetry reading of 91% SpO2 on room air is:
A.Normal; no action needed
B.Mildly low; report to the nurse immediately
C.Acceptable if the patient is sleeping
D.Within normal limits for elderly patients
Explanation: Normal SpO2 is ≥95%. A reading of 91% is below acceptable limits and indicates possible hypoxemia; the PCT must report to the nurse immediately. Low SpO2 can signal respiratory compromise, poor circulation, or anemia.
7When assisting a patient with a gait belt to ambulate, the PCT should grip the belt:
A.At the front of the belt with both hands
B.Underneath the belt at the patient's back or side
C.At the patient's forearms
D.From behind only
Explanation: The PCT grips the gait belt underneath at the patient's back or side with an overhand or underhand grasp, staying close to the patient. This position allows control during balance loss without pulling the patient backward. Never grasp the belt at the front because it limits the ability to catch a falling patient.
8Before transferring a patient from the bed to a wheelchair, the PCT should:
A.Lock the wheelchair wheels, elevate the footrests, and position the chair at a 45-degree angle to the bed
B.Leave the wheelchair in the hallway to keep space clear
C.Position the wheelchair parallel and adjacent to the bed
D.Ask the patient to stand up first, then retrieve the wheelchair
Explanation: Safety requires that the wheelchair be positioned at a 45-degree angle to the bed with wheels locked and footrests raised before the transfer begins. This prevents the chair from rolling and allows the patient to pivot safely. Rushing to retrieve the wheelchair after the patient is standing increases fall risk.
9When using a Hoyer (mechanical) lift to transfer a patient, how many staff members are generally required?
A.One PCT alone is sufficient
B.Two staff members
C.Three or more only for bariatric patients
D.Staff number is not specified in facility policy
Explanation: Standard safe patient handling guidelines require a minimum of two staff for Hoyer lift transfers to ensure the patient is properly positioned in the sling, the lift is operated safely, and the receiving surface is prepared. Policies may require more for bariatric patients.
10When lifting a heavy object, the PCT should:
A.Bend at the waist and keep legs straight to use back muscles
B.Keep the object far from the body for leverage
C.Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and hold the object close to the body
D.Twist the torso while lifting to avoid bending the knees
Explanation: Proper body mechanics require bending at the knees with the back straight and keeping the load close to the body's center of gravity. Bending at the waist or twisting while lifting places extreme stress on the lumbar spine and causes musculoskeletal injuries.

About the AMCA PCTC Exam

The AMCA Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) validates entry-level competency for patient care technicians and assistants working in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and home health settings. The 144-question, 3-hour computer-based exam covers five domains: Patient Care Fundamentals (30%), Vital Signs & Measurements (20%), Safety & Infection Control (20%), Phlebotomy & Specimen Collection (15%), and EKG/ECG Procedures (15%). Passing score is 70% or higher.

Questions

144 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70% (approximately 101/144 correct)

Exam Fee

$119 (American Medical Certification Association (AMCA))

AMCA PCTC Exam Content Outline

30%

Patient Care Fundamentals

ADLs/IADLs, patient positioning, bed baths, oral care, perineal hygiene, feeding assistance, restorative care, end-of-life care, documentation and observation

20%

Vital Signs & Measurements

Temperature (oral, axillary, tympanic), pulse rate and rhythm, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, height/weight, intake and output, pain assessment

20%

Safety & Infection Control

Hand hygiene, PPE donning/doffing, standard/contact/droplet/airborne precautions, HIPAA, fall prevention, patient rights, restraint alternatives, fire safety (RACE)

15%

Phlebotomy & Specimen Collection

Venipuncture technique, vacutainer tube order of draw, specimen labeling, hematoma/complications management, urine specimen collection, fasting requirements

15%

EKG/ECG Procedures

12-lead electrode placement, limb and chest lead identification, normal sinus rhythm criteria, common artifact causes and corrections, cardiac monitoring basics

How to Pass the AMCA PCTC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (approximately 101/144 correct)
  • Exam length: 144 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $119

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AMCA PCTC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the NPIAP pressure injury stages (1–4, Unstageable, Deep Tissue) and their distinguishing features
2Know the CDC PPE donning and doffing sequences for each transmission-based precaution type
3Practice the CLSI tube order of draw: blood cultures → citrate → SST → heparin → EDTA → other
4Study 12-lead EKG chest lead placement (V1–V6 positions) and the limb lead electrode assignments
5Review normal vital sign ranges for adults and when each value requires immediate reporting
6Understand the difference between standard, contact, droplet, and airborne precautions — which PPE each requires
7Know gait belt technique, Hoyer lift safe use, and body mechanics principles for safe patient handling
8Study HIPAA: what constitutes PHI, the minimum necessary standard, and proper disclosure practices
9Learn fall risk factors and least-restrictive alternatives to physical restraints
10Practice interpreting intake and output data and identifying when urine output is dangerously low

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMCA PCTC exam?

The AMCA Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) is a national credential offered by the American Medical Certification Association. It validates entry-level knowledge and skills for patient care technicians working in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health environments. The exam is 144 multiple-choice questions taken over 3 hours.

What are the AMCA PCTC eligibility requirements?

To sit for the AMCA PCTC, candidates must be at least 17 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED (or be working toward one), and have completed an approved PCT training program within the past year or possess qualifying clinical work experience.

How many questions are on the AMCA PCTC exam and what is the time limit?

The AMCA PCTC exam contains 144 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. Results are typically provided immediately upon completion.

What is the passing score for the AMCA PCTC exam?

The passing score for the AMCA PCTC is 70% or higher, which equates to answering approximately 101 or more questions correctly out of 144.

How much does the AMCA PCTC exam cost?

The AMCA PCTC exam fee is $119. Recertification is required every 2 years and involves 10 continuing education credits and a renewal fee.

What topics does the AMCA PCTC exam cover?

The AMCA PCTC covers five domains: Patient Care Fundamentals (30%), Vital Signs & Measurements (20%), Safety & Infection Control (20%), Phlebotomy & Specimen Collection (15%), and EKG/ECG Procedures (15%). Content includes ADLs, transfers, pressure injury prevention, infection control precautions, venipuncture, and 12-lead EKG technique.

How long is the AMCA PCTC certification valid?

The AMCA PCTC is valid for 2 years. Recertification requires completing 10 continuing education credits and paying the renewal fee before the credential expires.