Pharmacy Technician Practice Test (PTCB)- 1 Practice with the free Pharmacy Technician practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (16 questions with answer explanations).
Pharmacy Technician Practice Test (PTCB)- 2
Pharmacy Technician Practice Test (PTCB)- 3
Pharmacy Technician Practice Test (PTCB)- 4
Pharmacy Technician Practice Test (PTCB)- 5
Interactive Pharmacy Technician resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 20, 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 Oct 20, 2026 against Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Structured Pharmacy Technician training builds a solid foundation of skills | Training programs can be time-intensive (weeks to months) |
| Multiple training formats available: online, in-person, and hybrid | Quality varies significantly between training providers |
| Hands-on practice prepares you for real-world job scenarios | Costs for comprehensive programs can be substantial |
| Training programs often include job placement assistance | Hands-on components may require travel or in-person attendance |
| Continuing education keeps your skills current with industry changes | Self-paced learning requires strong discipline and motivation |
Try these questions from our free Pharmacy Technician practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which of these medicine classes has been linked to a chronic, dry cough?
Answer: B. ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a class of medications commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. A well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors is a persistent, dry cough, which occurs in a significant percentage of patients. This cough is thought to be caused by the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that ACE inhibitors prevent from being broken down, leading to irritation in the airways.
Which of the following programs contain information on adverse events that have been reported to the FDA?
Answer: B. FAERS
FAERS stands for the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. This comprehensive database collects and stores adverse event reports, medication error reports, and product quality complaints submitted to the FDA concerning drugs and biologic products. It plays a critical role in post-market surveillance and monitoring the safety of medications.
Which of these controlled drug regimes does tramadol belong to?
Answer: D. Schedule IV
Tramadol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. This classification indicates that it has a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to drugs in Schedules I, II, or III, but still carries a risk. Its controlled status reflects its opioid activity and potential for misuse.
Which of these is a brand name for levodopa, the active ingredient?
Answer: C. Inbrija
Levodopa is a medication primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease. While often combined with carbidopa (e.g., Sinemet), Inbrija is a brand name for an inhaled form of levodopa used for "off" episodes in Parkinson's patients. The other options are brand names for different active ingredients: Flo-Pred (prednisolone), Actos (pioglitazone), and Proscar (finasteride).
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, with 80 scored and 10 unscored. The Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) has 100 multiple-choice questions, with 80 scored and 20 unscored. You'll typically have just under two hours to complete either exam, making time management essential.
The difficulty is subjective, but most candidates find it challenging without proper preparation. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including pharmacology, federal law, patient safety, and complex pharmacy math. Success depends on a solid study plan, consistent review, and extensive use of practice tests to simulate the real exam environment and identify knowledge gaps.
To pass on your first attempt, create a structured study schedule and stick to it. Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing facts. Use a quality study guide and take multiple full-length practice tests to build stamina and familiarity with the question format. Mastering the top 200 drugs and all pharmacy calculations is absolutely essential for success.
As of early 2026, the PTCB's PTCE exam fee is $129, and the NHA's ExCPT exam fee is $125. While these fees are subject to change, you can expect the pharmacy technician exam cost in 2026 to be in a similar range. Always check the official PTCB and NHA websites for the most current pricing before registering for your test.
Many websites offer FREE pharmacy technician practice test resources online. PracticeTestGeeks provides a comprehensive set of practice questions and answers to help you prepare. The official PTCB and NHA websites also offer some sample questions. Using these tools is a great way to gauge your readiness and focus your studies on areas needing improvement.