Quick Answer
The 2026 PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) CPhT exam has 90 multiple-choice questions, 1 hour and 50 minutes allowed, and a scaled score where you need at least 1400 out of 1600 to pass (about 80%) (PTCB, 2025). The four content domains are Medications (40%), Federal Requirements (12%), Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (26%), and Order Entry and Processing (22%). This free PTCB practice test covers 20 sample questions, the 2026 application fees, and NHA- and PTCB-aligned explanations.
Data last verified September 2026 from undefined.
What is the PTCB CPhT exam in 2026?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) CPhT exam is the most widely recognised pharmacy technician certification in the United States (PTCB, 2025). It is required for pharmacy technicians in many states (and is preferred by major employers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart). The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE at computer-based test centres nationwide.
| Criterion | 2026 detail |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 90 (80 scored + 10 unscored pretest) |
| Time allowed | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Scaled score | 1000–1600; pass mark 1400 (~80%) |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple-choice; Pearson VUE test centres |
| Application fee | $129 (PTCB, 2026) |
| Retake wait | 60 days between attempts; 3 attempts allowed in 12 months |
| Recertification cycle | 2 years; 20 hours of CE (including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety) |
The exam was updated in 2020 and again in 2025 to reflect the evolving pharmacy technician role; 10 unscored pretest questions are mixed into the live exam and not identified to the candidate (PTCB, 2025).
PTCB exam content domains (2026)
| Domain | Weight | Example topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 — Medications | 40% | Generic/brand names, therapeutic equivalence, contraindications, drug interactions, stability, storage |
| 2 — Federal Requirements | 12% | DEA schedules, HIPAA, OSHA, EPA, FDA handling of hazardous drugs |
| 3 — Patient Safety & Quality Assurance | 26% | Medication errors, error-prevention strategies, USP <797> sterile compounding, USP <800> hazardous drugs |
| 4 — Order Entry & Processing | 22% | Calculation (ratios, proportions, IV drip rates, dilutions), prescription requirements, billing/insurance |
The exam emphasises calculations and patient-safety content; candidates often report ~10–15 calculations per exam (PTCB, 2025).
PTCB practice test: 20 sample questions
These 20 free questions match the PTCB CPhT exam style and difficulty (PTCB, 2025). They cover all four content domains with emphasis on calculations. Score 16/20 or higher before booking.
Q1. (Domain 1) A patient is allergic to penicillin. Which antibiotic class should be avoided?
Answer: Beta-lactam antibiotics (cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams). Rationale: Cross-reactivity between penicillin and other beta-lactams is 1–10% (PTCB, 2025).
Q2. (Domain 4) A prescription reads "Amoxicillin 250 mg PO TID × 7 days." How many capsules will the patient need if dispensed as 250 mg capsules?
Answer: 21 capsules. Rationale: TID = 3 times/day × 7 days = 21 doses; each capsule is 250 mg, no splitting needed (PTCB, 2025).
Q3. (Domain 2) Which DEA schedule is for drugs with accepted medical use and low-to-moderate physical dependence?
Answer: Schedule III. Rationale: DEA Schedules II–V: II = high potential for abuse (oxycodone), III = moderate (codeine/APAP), IV = low (benzodiazepines), V = lowest (cough syrups with codeine) (DEA, 2025).
Q4. (Domain 3) The "five rights" of medication administration are:
Answer: Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time. Rationale: Five-rights framework (PTCB, 2025).
Q5. (Domain 4) A patient is to receive 1 L of IV fluid over 8 hours. The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. What is the drip rate in gtt/min?
Answer: 31 gtt/min (rounded from 31.25). Rationale: 1000 mL ÷ 480 min = 2.083 mL/min × 15 gtt/mL = 31.25 gtt/min (PTCB, 2025).
Q6. (Domain 1) Which drug class lowers cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase?
Answer: Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin). Rationale: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors = statins (PTCB, 2025).
Q7. (Domain 2) HIPAA protects patient health information in which form?
Answer: All forms — paper, electronic, and oral communication. Rationale: HIPAA Privacy Rule (HHS, 2025).
Q8. (Domain 3) The USP <797> standard governs:
Answer: Compounding of sterile preparations. Rationale: USP <797> = sterile compounding; USP <800> = hazardous-drug handling (PTCB, 2025).
Q9. (Domain 4) Convert 0.5 mg to mcg.
Answer: 500 mcg. Rationale: 1 mg = 1000 mcg; 0.5 mg × 1000 = 500 mcg (PTCB, 2025).
Q10. (Domain 1) The brand name for levothyroxine is:
Answer: Synthroid. Rationale: Generic–brand pairing (PTCB, 2025).
Q11. (Domain 2) A Schedule II controlled substance prescription must be:
Answer: Written or electronic (no refills allowed; no phone or fax except in limited DEA-approved cases). Rationale: DEA Schedule II rules (DEA, 2025).
Q12. (Domain 3) The "Tall Man Lettering" technique is used to:
Answer: Reduce look-alike/sound-alike medication errors. Rationale: ISMP-recommended error-prevention (PTCB, 2025).
Q13. (Domain 4) A patient weighs 154 lb. What is their weight in kg?
Answer: 70 kg. Rationale: 154 ÷ 2.2 = 70 kg (PTCB, 2025).
Q14. (Domain 1) Which NSAID has the lowest cardiovascular risk?
Answer: Naproxen (compared to diclofenac, ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors, naproxen has the lowest CV risk per AHA guidance). Rationale: Pharmacology (PTCB, 2025).
Q15. (Domain 4) A prescription reads "Cephalexin 500 mg PO BID × 10 days." How many 500-mg capsules are needed?
Answer: 20 capsules. Rationale: BID = 2 × 10 = 20 (PTCB, 2025).
Q16. (Domain 3) A "near miss" in pharmacy should be:
Answer: Documented in the pharmacy's error-tracking system and analysed to prevent future errors. Rationale: Patient-safety best practice (PTCB, 2025).
Q17. (Domain 2) An OSHA Hazard Communication Standard label requires:
Answer: Product identifier, signal word, hazard statement, pictogram, precautionary statement, and supplier information. Rationale: GHS-aligned OSHA label (OSHA, 2025).
Q18. (Domain 4) You receive a prescription for "acetaminophen 325 mg, 1–2 tabs PO Q4–6h PRN pain, max 4 g/day." The patient takes 2 tabs every 4 hours while awake. How many tabs do they need for 3 days?
Answer: 36 tabs. Rationale: 2 tabs × 6 doses/day = 12 tabs/day × 3 days = 36 tabs (PTCB, 2025).
Q19. (Domain 1) The therapeutic class of warfarin is:
Answer: Anticoagulant (vitamin K antagonist). Rationale: Pharmacology (PTCB, 2025).
Q20. (Domain 4) The "beyond-use date" for a non-sterile compound is typically:
Answer: No later than the expiration date of any API or 6 months, whichever is earlier (USP <795>). Rationale: USP compounding rules (PTCB, 2025).
Eligibility, fees, and 2026 booking
- Eligibility. You must have a high-school diploma or equivalent and have completed a PTCB-recognised education/training programme OR have equivalent work experience (500 hours of pharmacy technician work) (PTCB, 2025).
- Apply at ptcb.org. The PTCB portal processes applications; the 2026 application fee is $129 (PTCB, 2026).
- Schedule with Pearson VUE. After PTCB approves your application, schedule your exam at pearsonvue.com. Test centres are available nationwide.
- Retake. 60-day wait between attempts; maximum 3 attempts in a 12-month period.
- Recertification. Every 2 years; 20 hours of CE (including 1 hour pharmacy law and 1 hour patient safety); $49 recertification fee (PTCB, 2025).
Q21. (Domain 4) A patient is prescribed 1,000 mg of vancomycin IV in 250 mL of fluid, to be infused over 90 minutes. The drop factor is 20 gtt/mL. What is the drip rate in gtt/min?
Answer: 56 gtt/min (rounded from 55.6). Rationale: 250 mL ÷ 90 min = 2.78 mL/min × 20 gtt/mL = 55.6 → 56 gtt/min (PTCB, 2025).
Q22. (Domain 2) A Class II controlled substance prescription may be refilled:
Answer: Never — Schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled; a new prescription is required for each fill (DEA, 2025).
Q23. (Domain 1) Which insulin type has the longest duration of action?
Answer: Long-acting insulin glargine (Lantus) — duration ~24 hours, no peak (PTCB, 2025).
Q24. (Domain 3) The "three checks" of medication verification occur:
Answer: When pulling the medication from stock, when preparing it, and at the point of administration/handoff (PTCB, 2025).
Q25. (Domain 4) Convert 250 mL to fluid ounces (1 fl oz ≈ 29.57 mL).
Answer: 8.45 fl oz. Rationale: 250 ÷ 29.57 = 8.45 fl oz (PTCB, 2025).
PTCB study plan: 4-week prep schedule
- Week 1: Foundations. Read the official PTCB Candidate Handbook cover-to-cover; review the four content domains and sub-topics (PTCB, 2025).
- Week 2: Calculations. Practice ratios, proportions, IV drip rates, and conversions daily; PTCB exams typically include 10–15 calculation questions (PTCB, 2025).
- Week 3: Pharmacology + Federal Requirements. Master the top 200 brand/generic pairings, DEA schedules, and USP <797> / <800> (PTCB, 2025).
- Week 4: Mock exams + review. Take three full-length PTCB practice exams under timed conditions; review every wrong answer; re-read the relevant handbook section (PTCB, 2025).
Frequently asked questions — see top of page
The 7 FAQs cover the pass mark, the eligibility requirements, retakes, recertification, the difference between PTCB CPhT and NHA ExCPT, study material, and what to bring on exam day.
Resources and next steps
For official study material, download the PTCB Candidate Handbook from ptcb.org (free PDF) and the ASHP "Manual for Pharmacy Technicians" (PTCB, 2025). The Mosby's Review for the PTCB exam is the most popular paid study guide. Pair with this guide's 20 questions for a 4-week study plan.
