300+ Free PTCE Practice Questions
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If a pharmacy discovers a significant theft or loss of controlled substances, it must be reported to the DEA using:
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Key Facts: PTCE Exam
~70%
First-Time Pass Rate
PTCB
1,400
Passing Score
Scaled, out of 1,600
80-100 hrs
Study Time
Recommended
35%
Medications Weight
Largest domain
$129
Exam Fee
PTCB
1h 50m
Time Limit
PTCB
The PTCE has 90 total questions (80 scored + 10 pretest) with a 1 hour 50 minute time limit. A scaled score of 1,400 (out of 1,600) is required to pass. The exam costs $129 and is administered at Pearson VUE centers. The Medications domain (35%) is the largest section. PTCB certification is accepted in all 50 states and recognized by major pharmacy chains.
Sample PTCE Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your PTCE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the generic name for the brand drug Lipitor?
2Which brand name corresponds to the generic drug escitalopram?
3The generic name for Synthroid is:
4Which of the following is the brand name for duloxetine?
5What is the generic name for Eliquis?
6Jardiance is the brand name for which generic medication?
7Which generic drug corresponds to the brand name Ozempic?
8The brand name Entresto contains which combination of generic drugs?
9What is the brand name for the combination drug sumatriptan/naproxen sodium?
10Which of the following is the correct generic name for the brand drug Brilinta?
About the PTCE Exam
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is administered by the PTCB and qualifies pharmacy technicians to work in retail, hospital, and specialty pharmacy settings. It covers medications, federal requirements, patient safety, and order processing.
Questions
80 scored questions
Time Limit
1 hour 50 minutes
Passing Score
1,400/1,600 scaled
Exam Fee
$129 (PTCB (Pearson VUE))
PTCE Exam Content Outline
Medications
Generic/brand names, drug classes, mechanisms, side effects, interactions
Federal Requirements
DEA regulations, controlled substances, FDA recalls, HIPAA
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Error prevention, high-alert meds, look-alike/sound-alike drugs
Order Entry & Processing
Prescription intake, calculations, filling, compounding, billing
How to Pass the PTCE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 1,400/1,600 scaled
- Exam length: 80 questions
- Time limit: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Exam fee: $129
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
PTCE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PTCE pass rate?
The PTCE has an approximate 70% first-time pass rate. The exam has 90 total questions (80 scored, 10 pretest) and requires a scaled score of 1,400 out of 1,600. The Medications domain at 35% is the largest section and often the most challenging.
How many questions are on the PTCE?
The PTCE has 90 total questions: 80 scored and 10 unscored pretest questions. You have 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete the exam. Questions are multiple-choice covering medications, federal requirements, patient safety, and order processing.
How hard is the PTCE?
The PTCE is moderately challenging. The Medications domain (35%) requires memorizing hundreds of generic/brand name pairs, drug classes, and interactions. Most candidates study 80-100 hours over 4-8 weeks. Focus on the top 200 drugs and controlled substance schedules.
What is the difference between PTCE and ExCPT?
Both certify pharmacy technicians, but they are administered by different organizations. PTCE is from PTCB (Pearson VUE) while ExCPT is from NHA (PSI). PTCE is more widely recognized and accepted in all 50 states. PTCE has 90 questions; ExCPT has 120 questions.
How long should I study for the PTCE?
Plan for 80-100 hours of study over 4-8 weeks. Prioritize the Medications domain (35% of exam) — learn the top 200 drugs by generic/brand name. Then master pharmacy calculations (dosing, concentrations, day supply) and controlled substance schedules (I-V).