PTCE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PTCE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs? → Generic drugs have the same active ingredient but different name and typically lower cost
2. Which class of antibiotics inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins? → Beta-lactams
3. A 1:1000 epinephrine solution contains how many mg/mL? → 1 mg/mL
4. Which DEA form is used to report theft or significant loss of controlled substances? → DEA Form 106
5. A prescription calls for ibuprofen suspension 100 mg/5 mL; dose is 10 mg/kg for a 22 kg child. How many mL per dose? → 11 mL
6. Which of the following is an example of a medication error category under the NCC MERP index classified as 'Category E'? → Error contributed to temporary harm requiring intervention
7. Which of the following best describes the DEA's definition of 'diversion' of controlled substances? → The movement of controlled substances from legitimate medical channels to illicit use
8. Which of the following is a benefit of using a pharmacy management system (PMS) with electronic prior authorization (ePA) capability? → It streamlines obtaining insurance approval for non-formulary or specialty medications
9. What is a side effect? → An unintended effect of a medication beyond its intended action
10. What is the primary purpose of a levigating agent in ointment preparation? → To reduce particle size and improve uniform distribution of the active ingredient
11. Which agency enforces the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hazardous drug handling standards in pharmacies? → OSHA itself
12. Acetaminophen elixir 160 mg/5 mL is ordered; dose is 480 mg. How many teaspoons is this? → 3 tsp
13. A physician orders 'Amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL suspension — give 10 mL BID.' What is the total daily dose? → 500 mg
14. What is a drug contraindication? → A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable
15. An order reads 'Heparin 25,000 units in 250 mL D5W — infuse at 1000 units/hr.' What rate (mL/hr) should the pump be set to? → 10 mL/hr
16. A patient takes warfarin 7.5 mg/day using 2.5 mg tablets. How many tablets are taken per day? → 3 tablets
17. What is the correct direction for cleaning the laminar flow hood interior? → Back to front in overlapping side-to-side strokes using sterile 70% IPA
18. Lisinopril belongs to which antihypertensive drug class? → ACE inhibitor
19. What does informed consent require? → Explaining the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient
20. Which of the following best describes a 'want book' used in pharmacy inventory management? → A log used to record items that need to be reordered
21. Which law established the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program? → Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA) of 2007
22. A patient says they prefer not to use child-resistant caps. What is the correct procedure? → Have the patient sign a waiver and dispense with a non-child-resistant cap
23. A 'tall man lettering' strategy (e.g., hydrOXYzine vs. hydrALAzine) is used on drug labels primarily to: → Distinguish look-alike/sound-alike drug names
24. A patient is to receive digoxin 0.125 mg daily. The available tablets are 250 mcg. How many tablets per dose? → 0.5 tablet
25. What is the primary advantage of a robotic dispensing system (such as a ScriptPro or Parata robot) in a retail pharmacy? → It reduces dispensing errors and improves workflow efficiency
26. What drug class is albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin)? → Short-acting beta-2 agonist
27. Which drug class works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II? → ACE inhibitors
28. Which of the following is an acceptable garbing sequence when entering a cleanroom for sterile compounding? → Shoe covers → hair cover → mask → gown → gloves
29. A drug ending in '-pril' most likely belongs to which antihypertensive class? → ACE inhibitors
30. Which term describes the unique 10- or 11-digit number on a drug package that identifies the labeler, product, and package size? → NDC (National Drug Code)