How to Pass the PTCB Exam: The 2025 Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to crush the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
📘 What is the PTCB?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam is a nationally recognized certification exam required to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Passing it can open doors to stable jobs in pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare environments.
🧪 PTCB Exam Overview (2025)
- Cost: $129
- Length: 2 hours
- Format: 90 multiple-choice questions
- Passing Score: Scaled score of 1,400 out of 1,600
- Testing Method: In-person or online proctored
🧠 What’s on the Exam?
The exam is broken into four major sections:
- Medications (40%)
Drug classes, generics/brand names, dosage forms - Federal Requirements (12.5%)
DEA schedules, legal requirements, controlled substances - Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (26.25%)
Error prevention, drug interactions, proper procedures - Order Entry and Processing (21.25%)
Prescription interpretation, calculations, labeling
📚 Step-by-Step Study Plan
1. Get the Right Materials
- PTCB Official Guide
- Mosby’s Pharmacy Technician Study Guide
- Quizlet Flashcards
- Apps like Pocket Prep, MedPreps, or PTCB Hero
2. Make a 4-Week Schedule
Tip: Study 60–90 minutes per day, 5 days a week.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Take full-length practice exams. Focus on areas where you score below 80%.
4. Memorize Key Drug Names & Conversions
Know the top 100 brand/generic drugs, sig codes, dosage conversions (e.g., 1 oz = 30 mL).
5. Review Federal Law & Controlled Substances
This is often the section that trips people up — review DEA forms, schedules, and what can/can’t be refilled.
💻 Where to Take the Test
You can take the test at a Pearson VUE testing center or online using a secure webcam proctor system.
📈 How to Pass on the First Try
- Don’t cram — start at least 30 days before
- Use apps that track your weak spots
- Get a study buddy or join a Facebook group
- Use official practice tests from PTCB.org
🎓 After You Pass
Congrats! You can now add “CPhT” after your name. Most employers will require this certification and may even reimburse the exam cost.
Next Steps:
- Apply for state licensing (varies by state)
- Start applying for jobs
- Consider further certification (e.g., immunization training or compounding)
🚀 Final Tips
- Stay consistent with studying
- Use spaced repetition for memorization
- Sleep well the night before
- Eat a light meal before the exam
You don’t need to be perfect — just prepared. If you score 80%+ on practice tests, you’re ready!
🔗 Resources
