The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is a computer-based exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to assess the competency of pharmacy technicians and to grant the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. As the national certification for pharmacy technicians, the PTCE plays a crucial role in advancing medication and patient safety across pharmacy practice settings.
The PTCB is an independent certification organization that develops, maintains, promotes, and administers a nationally accredited certification program for pharmacy technicians. PTCB was established in 1995 to meet the growing demand for qualified pharmacy support staff and to improve medication dispensing accuracy. Today, over 500,000 pharmacy technicians have earned PTCB’s CPhT credential.
Eligibility & Registration
| Key Takeaway |
|---|
| The PTCE is required to earn the CPhT credential from PTCB. It is a computer-based exam with 90 questions over 1 hour and 50 minutes. |
| To be eligible for the PTCE, candidates must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or have equivalent work experience (500 hours minimum). |
| The PTCE passing score is 1400 on a scaled score range of 1000-1600. Scores are based solely on number of questions answered correctly. |
| The PTCE covers four domains: Medications (40%), Federal Requirements (20%), Patient Safety & Quality Assurance (20%), and Order Entry & Processing (20%). |
| PTCB offers official PTCE practice tests (Practice Bank and Pre-PTCE) to help candidates prepare through their website. |
| Certified pharmacy techs earn nearly $4/hour more on average than non-certified techs. Certification provides better job opportunities and earning potential. |
| CPhTs must renew certification every 2 years by completing 20 hours of continuing education and paying a $40 fee. |
To be eligible for the PTCE, candidates must satisfy one of the following pathways:
- Complete a PTCB-recognized education/training program
- Obtain equivalent work experience (minimum 500 hours) as a pharmacy technician
- Hold a pharmacy degree (acceptable in lieu of a training program)
Additionally, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED/foreign equivalent
- Have no felony convictions
- Not be restricted by any State Board of Pharmacy
To register for the PTCE, candidates should:
- Confirm eligibility at ptcb.org
- Create an online account on PTCB’s website
- Attest to meeting eligibility criteria
- Submit an online application with fee payment ($129 for PTCB members, $139 for non-members)
The PTCB website provides step-by-step instructions for completing the PTCE application. Supporting documentation may be required.
Exam Content
| Domain | % of Exam | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Medications | 40% | Drug names, classifications, indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, dosage forms, etc. |
| Federal Requirements | 20% | Pharmacy law, HIPAA, DEA regulations, FDA safety standards, controlled substances, etc. |
| Patient Safety & Quality Assurance | 20% | Error prevention, infection control, safety procedures, quality assurance measures, etc. |
| Order Entry & Processing | 20% | Order interpretation, data entry, inventory management, billing, pharmacy computer systems, etc. |
The PTCE exam blueprint covers four major domains of pharmacy technician practice:
- Medications (Approx. 40% of exam)
- Federal Requirements (Approx. 20% of exam)
- Patient Safety & Quality Assurance (Approx. 20% of exam)
- Order Entry & Processing (Approx. 20% of exam)
The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the safe and effective practice of pharmacy technicians. Candidates have 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete the computer-based test.
PTCB Exam Format & Scoring
| Key Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Length | 1 hour and 50 minutes (110 minutes total including intro/survey) |
| Number of Questions | 90 total questions (80 scored, 10 unscored) |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice with 4 answer options |
| Exam Delivery | Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers |
| Scoring Method | Scaled score between 1000-1600 |
| Passing Score | 1400 scaled score |
| Score Components | Overall score + domain subscores |
| Score Reporting | Unofficial pass/fail at test center, official scores in 2 weeks |
| Retake Policy | Wait 60 days between 1st and 2nd attempts, 6 months for future attempts |
The PTCE is administered at Pearson VUE test centers using a computer-based format. Candidates receive an unofficial pass/fail notification at the test center. Official scores are provided online approximately 2 weeks later.
The PTCE is scored using a scaled score that ranges from 1000 to 1600. The passing score is 1400. Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly with no penalty for guessing. Candidates who fail may retake the exam after a 60 day waiting period.
Appointment Scheduling & Test Day
To schedule a PTCE appointment, candidates visit Pearson VUE’s website after receiving an eligibility notification from PTCB. Test center locations can be searched by zip code. Candidates select their preferred test date and time based on availability.
On exam day, candidates must present acceptable forms of identification. Two forms of current, non-expired ID are required, including one form with a photo and signature. Recommended items include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or state ID.
The PTCE appointment lasts up to 2.5 hours, including check-in, an introductory tutorial, the exam itself, and a brief survey. Candidates are observed at all times by test center staff and should dress comfortably. Food, drinks, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
Pharmacy Technician Training
PTCB highly recommends that CPhT candidates complete a PTCB-recognized education/training program to prepare for PTCE content and format. These programs teach the basics of pharmacy technician practice, including pharmacology, pharmacy law, calculations, and more. Many programs also assist with PTCE registration and job placement.
For candidates pursuing the work experience pathway, on-the-job training under a pharmacist’s supervision can provide hands-on preparation. However, a recognized program is still advised to fill any knowledge gaps before attempting certification.
FAQs
How much does it cost to take the PTCE?
- The PTCE costs $129 for PTCB members and $139 for non-members. Retakes are $129.
When will I receive my official PTCE score report?
- Official scores are available via your PTCB account approximately 2 weeks after your test date.
What is the passing score on the PTCE?
- Candidates must achieve a scaled score of at least 1400 to pass the PTCE.
Why should pharmacy technicians become PTCB certified?
- PTCB certification demonstrates medication safety knowledge to employers. It provides better job opportunities and higher earning potential.
How often do I need to renew my CPhT certification?
- CPhTs must renew every 2 years by completing 20 hours of continuing education and paying a $40 renewal fee.
Pharmacy Technician Salary
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| National Average Salary | $36,740 per year or $17.66 per hour (BLS) |
| Highest Paying States | California ($49,990), Washington ($46,830), Alaska ($46,160), Oregon ($45,240), District of Columbia ($45,030) (BLS) |
| Highest Paying Cities | San Francisco, CA ($59,340), Napa, CA ($58,620), San Jose, CA ($58,390), Vallejo, CA ($57,060), Santa Rosa, CA ($56,590) (BLS) |
| Experience | Entry-level (<1 year): $13.56/hour; 1-4 years: $14.84/hour; 5-9 years: $17.09/hour; 10-19 years: $18.63/hour; 20+ years: $19.75/hour (Payscale) |
| Place of Work | Hospitals (median $38,270); Pharmacies & Drug Stores (median $35,940); Food & Beverage Stores (median $36,090) (BLS) |
| Certification | Certified pharmacy techs earn an average of $2.60 more per hour than non-certified (Payscale) |
PTCB certification can significantly impact a pharmacy technician’s salary. On average, certified technicians earn nearly $4 more per hour than their non-certified peers. Based on 2022 data, certified pharmacy techs make an average annual salary of $37,080 vs. $33,400 for non-certified techs.
Major pharmacy retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart pay certified pharmacy technicians higher hourly wages. Certification also allows advancement to lead tech positions with added responsibilities and pay increases.
Hiring Process at Store Chain Pharmacies
| Key Takeaway |
|---|
| Store chains hire various pharmacy roles like community pharmacists, pharmacy techs, inventory managers, etc. based on needs. |
| Key skills assessed during hiring include patient care, customer service, inventory management, pharmacy operations, etc. |
| Background checks, including criminal history and pharmacy board record reviews, are conducted before final job offers. |
| Tests relevant to the pharmacy role may be given to assess candidate abilities before hire. |
| Staff are often consulted and involved in application review, interviews, etc. to provide input. |
| Follow-up with candidates by email or phone is important throughout the hiring process. |
| Walgreens hiring process timeframes are not specifically discussed. |
| Reddit users report pharmacy tech hiring taking a few weeks to months depending on setting. |
| Walmart seems to rarely interview applicants with less than 1-2 years of experience. |
National pharmacy chains often require or prefer PTCB certification when hiring pharmacy technicians. Below is a typical hiring process:
- Online application – Candidates complete an online form with contact/work history details.
- Assessment test – Applicants take an online test evaluating their abilities.
- Video interview – Short, virtual interviews assess customer service skills.
- In-person interview – Candidates interview with the Pharmacy Manager.
- Background check – Criminal history and pharmacy board records are reviewed.
- Job offer – The pharmacy extends a formal job offer contingent on completing training.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
The PTCB is an impartial certification body established by pharmacy organizations to set national standards for safe pharmacy support staff practice. Key details include:
Mission – PTCB serves the public health by certifying technicians qualified to assist pharmacists and advance patient safety.
Leadership – PTCB is governed by a 10-member Board of Governors with seven pharmacy organizations represented.
Certification Program – PTCB’s nationally accredited CPhT Program focuses on advancing medication safety and reducing prescription errors.
Recertification Program – CPhTs must recertify every 2 years through continuing education to promote ongoing learning.
Exam Development – The PTCE exam is regularly updated by PTCB’s Certification Council to address evolving pharmacy practice.
Stakeholders – PTCB serves over 288,000 CPhTs, 44,000 pharmacies, and government/regulatory agencies.
Conclusion
Earning PTCB’s CPhT credential through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is essential for pharmacy technicians to validate expertise, pursue better-paying jobs, and support pharmacists in safe medication practices. As the national standard for pharmacy technician competency assessment, the PTCE opens doors for career advancement and demonstrates a commitment to protecting patient health. All pharmacy technicians should strongly consider becoming PTCB certified early in their careers to establish themselves as qualified professionals that patients and healthcare providers can trust.
