PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$129
Provider
PTCB
Validity
2 years
Available
USA
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
6-12 months of relevant experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- Reside in the United States of America or its territories.
- Meet one of two eligibility pathways. Pathway 1 is completion of a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program, or completion within 60 days of submitting the application. A pharmacy degree is acceptable in lieu of a recognised pharmacy technician training or education programme.
- Pathway 2 is equivalent work experience as a pharmacy technician of at least 500 hours, which PTCB requires to be complete at the time of application. PTCB describes this as an alternative secondary path for experienced technicians who were not in a position to attend a recognised programme.
- Fully disclose all criminal matters and any State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions, with complete documentation from the court, agency or authority involved. PTCB makes disqualification determinations case by case and reserves the right to investigate criminal background.
- Submit supporting documentation within 30 days of the application submission date. After 30 days, an incomplete application is refunded less a $50 administrative fee.
- Comply with all applicable PTCB Certification policies and agree to the PTCB Candidate Agreement before the exam begins.
- There is no minimum age published by PTCB, and no state registration is required first. PTCB also states clearly that a PTCB certification does not itself represent licensure, registration or authorisation to work as a pharmacy technician.
Number of Questions
90 multiple-choice questions. 80 are scored and 10 are unscored. PTCB states the unscored questions are randomly placed throughout the exam and are not identified.
Duration
Two hours in total at the test centre: a 5-minute tutorial, 1 hour and 50 minutes of exam time, and a 5-minute post-exam survey.
Question Format
Multiple-choice questions across the four knowledge domains, Calculation-based questions, which PTCB flags with an asterisk against specific knowledge areas in the content outline, Sig code, abbreviation, medical terminology and symbol interpretation items, Items on days supply, quantity, dose, concentration and dilution calculations, Generic name, brand name and drug classification recognition items, PTCB does not publish a separate item-type taxonomy beyond describing the exam as multiple choice
Passing Requirement
1,400 on a scaled score range of 1,000 to 1,600. PTCB states the range is based on the exam outline. An unofficial result appears on screen after the post-exam survey and may also be printed at the test centre, but PTCB states preliminary reports are not official or final.
How It Is Delivered
Proctored at Pearson test centers. PTCB's CPhT page states the PTCE is administered in person at more than 1,400 Pearson test centers nationwide, including more than 100 military bases, under the supervision of a live proctor. PTCB's Guidebook separately describes online proctored requirements that apply to PTCB exams offered in that format.
Languages Offered
English. PTCB does not publish an alternate-language administration of the PTCE.
Visit the official PTCB certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification)?
Reside in the United States of America or its territories.. Meet one of two eligibility pathways. Pathway 1 is completion of a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program, or completion within 60 days of submitting the application. A pharmacy degree is acceptable in lieu of a recognised pharmacy technician training or education programme.. Pathway 2 is equivalent work experience as a pharmacy technician of at least 500 hours, which PTCB requires to be complete at the time of application. PTCB describes this as an alternative secondary path for experienced technicians who were not in a position to attend a recognised programme.. Fully disclose all criminal matters and any State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions, with complete documentation from the court, agency or authority involved. PTCB makes disqualification determinations case by case and reserves the right to investigate criminal background.. Submit supporting documentation within 30 days of the application submission date. After 30 days, an incomplete application is refunded less a $50 administrative fee.. Comply with all applicable PTCB Certification policies and agree to the PTCB Candidate Agreement before the exam begins.. There is no minimum age published by PTCB, and no state registration is required first. PTCB also states clearly that a PTCB certification does not itself represent licensure, registration or authorisation to work as a pharmacy technician..
How much does the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification) cost?
The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification) exam costs $129. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification)?
Visit the official PTCB certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification)?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification)?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification) Guide