Facts verified Nov 1, 2026 against Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Nov 1, 2026 against Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored + 10 unscored) | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Passing score | 1,400 scaled (range 1,000–1,600) | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Exam fee | $129 (application + PTCE) | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Retake policy | No wait for 2nd/3rd attempts; 6-month wait before 4th; proof of preparation after 4 attempts | ptcb.zendesk.com |
| Validity | 2 years | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Delivery | In person at 1,400+ Pearson VUE test centers, live proctor | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Eligibility | Pathway 1: PTCB-recognized program (or completion within 60 days); Pathway 2: 500+ hours work experience | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Score release | Unofficial on screen right away; official within 3 weeks | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Late registration deadline | Recertification: apply from 60 days before expiry; $25 late fee after deadline (1st of expiration month) | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| Testing window | 90-day exam authorization after approval (up to two 90-day extensions) | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
Facts verified Nov 1, 2026 against Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Interactive Pharmacy Technician resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
According to overall statistics, the top-paying industries are federal. The average pay for pharmacy technicians under them is $44,900 per year. In addition to that, the top-paying states for this job are shown in the following table: Practice with the free Pharmacy Technician practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (16 questions with answer explanations).
State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
Alaska | $20.74 | $43,150 |
California | $20.48 | $42,610 |
Washington | $20.42 | $42,470 |
Oregon | $19.67 | $40,920 |
District of Columbia | $19.22 | $39,980 |
Based on statistics, the annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Florida is $32,090. They make at least $15.43 per hour. Florida is also one of the states with the highest employment level for pharmacy technicians.
The pharmacy technician’s annual salary in Massachusetts is at least $37,728. As already mentioned, the salary will also differ based on different factors, such as geographical location or educational level.
It depends on the preparation you have done. If you have passed the certification exam, then it will be easier for you to get hired. It will add to your credibility, and more employers prefer those who they know have attained the necessary qualifications for the job.
The average wage for a Walmart Pharmacy Technician is $16 per hour. Walmart Pharmacy Technician wages range from $10 to $39 per hour.
Yes, you can. A great example would be retail pharmacy technicians. Your job is to help pharmacists manage and dispense prescribed medications. You won’t need a pharmacy degree to attain this job. All you have to do is to pass accredited programs for pharmacy technicians. You need to have at least a high school diploma or an equivalent to enroll. After that, you can take the PTCE and get certified.
The average CVS Pharmacy Technician pay is $16 per hour.
The average Walgreens Pharmacy Technician pay is $15 per hour. Walgreens Pharmacy Technician salaries range from $6 to $42 per hour.
You may wonder "How much pharmacy technician make in a year?" According to the BLS, the national average annual wage for a pharmacy technician is $34,020, which is over $15,000 less than the national average annual wage for all occupations, which is $51,960.
Because pharmacists are often in demand 24 hours a day, you'll have the choice of working second shift, weekends, or part-time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one out of every five pharmacists works part-time.
Yes. Your responsibilities may involve counseling patients with a range of inquiries about their medication dose, frequency, or drug interactions through the phone, video conference, or chat.
The pharmacy technician hourly wage in Rite Aid is $13. At Rite Aid, Pharmacy Technician earnings can range from $6 to $23 per hour.
The average pharmacy technician salary Texas is $37,010, which is around $13,970 less than the national average. Starting at $25,480 per year, you can expect a raise to $29,540 in 1-4 years.
The average Express Scripts Pharmacy Technician hourly wage is $16. Express Scripts Pharmacy Technician wages range from $12 to $22 per hour.
Try these questions from our free Pharmacy Technician practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which USP chapter governs sterile compounding in pharmacy practice?
Answer: C. USP 797
USP Chapter 797 (Pharmaceutical Compounding — Sterile Preparations) establishes standards for sterile compounding including beyond-use dates, environmental monitoring, personnel training, and quality assurance.
Which of the following documentation form requires that patient profile be maintained for every patient regardless of the pharmacy setting?
Answer: C. Patient profile
A patient profile is a comprehensive record that includes a patient's medication history, known allergies, medical conditions, and other relevant health information. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date patient profile is a regulatory requirement and a fundamental practice in all pharmacy settings. This ensures safe and effective medication management by providing pharmacists with essential patient data.
A pharmacy receives a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance. Which of the following is TRUE?
Answer: B. No refills are permitted
Schedule II controlled substances (e.g., oxycodone, Adderall) cannot be refilled. A new prescription is required each time.
Insurance companies enact plan limitations to control drug use, which of the following is a limitation for a mail order pharmacy for days’ supply?
Answer: C. 90
Many insurance companies implement plan limitations to control costs and drug utilization, particularly for mail-order pharmacies. A common limitation for mail-order prescriptions is a 90-day supply. This allows patients to receive a larger quantity of maintenance medications at once, often with the benefit of a reduced co-pay, while still managing overall drug expenditures.
The PTCB PTCE consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 80 questions are scored, and 10 are unscored pilot questions used for future exam development. Candidates are given 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete the exam. It's crucial to manage your time effectively to answer all questions.
The PTCE is challenging but certainly passable with dedicated study and preparation. It covers a broad range of topics including pharmacology, pharmacy law, sterile and non-sterile compounding, medication safety, and calculations. Many find the math and memorization of drug names to be the most difficult parts. Utilizing FREE practice tests and study guides can significantly improve your chances.
Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) perform a variety of crucial tasks under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. These include preparing and dispensing medications, compounding sterile and non-sterile products, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing customer service. They work in diverse settings like retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and even remote positions.
As of 2026, the standard fee for the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is typically $129. This fee is paid directly to the PTCB when you register for the exam. Additional costs might include study materials, practice tests, or any required training programs, so budget accordingly for your certification journey.
You can find numerous FREE online practice tests and reviewers for the Pharmacy Technician Exam right here on PracticeTestGeeks.com. We offer comprehensive questions & answers designed to simulate the actual PTCE. Look for our 'mock test' options and downloadable PDF study guides to help you prepare effectively for your certification.