About the PTCE
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 test centers (no online option for the PTCE) |
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 call for national certification
Note: BLS notes that some states and employers require pharmacy technicians to be certified, and PTCB says regulators and employers in all 50 states, DC, Guam and Puerto Rico accept PTCB Certification. State rules vary, so check your state board of pharmacy.
Eligibility Requirements
To take the PTCE, you must meet ONE of these pathways:
| Pathway | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pathway 1 | Complete a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program (or within 60 days of applying; a pharmacy degree also counts) |
| Pathway 2 | Have 500+ hours of work experience as a pharmacy technician, complete when you apply |
Additional Requirements
- 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 medications, nonsterile compounding, and alligations
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?
80 questions, all scored
90 questions, 80 scored and 10 unscored
100 questions, 90 scored and 10 unscored
120 questions, 100 scored and 20 unscored
What is the passing scaled score for the PTCE?
1,200 on a scale of 1,000 to 1,600
1,400 on a scale of 1,000 to 1,600
70% correct
80% correct
Which knowledge domain has the LARGEST weight on the 2026 PTCE exam?
Federal Requirements (18.75%)
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (23.75%)
Medications (35%)
Order Entry and Processing (22.5%)
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.