PTCB Exam Format 2026: 90 Questions, 2 Hours, 4 Domains
November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
The PTCE has 90 multiple-choice questions, of which 80 are scored and 10 are unscored. You get 1 hour 50 minutes to test, and PTCB asks you to plan for 2 hours in total.
The PTCE has 90 multiple-choice questions, and 80 of them are scored. You get 1 hour and 50 minutes for the exam itself, and PTCB asks you to plan for 2 hours in total. The content is split into four knowledge domains, led by Medications at 35%.
Preparing for the PTCB (PTCE)? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first. Or see the PTCB (PTCE) study guide.
Your two hours
- 5-minute tutorial
- 1 hour 50 minutes of testing
- 5-minute post-exam survey
Ninety questions in 110 minutes is about 73 seconds per question. That figure is our arithmetic, not a PTCB number, but it shows why a calculation you work twice costs you time you may not have.
The four domains and their weights
The content outline effective January 6, 2026 gives these percentages:
| Domain | Weight | Estimated scored questions* |
|---|---|---|
| Medications | 35% | 28 |
| Patient Safety and Quality Assurance | 23.75% | 19 |
| Order Entry and Processing | 22.5% | 18 |
| Federal Requirements | 18.75% | 15 |
*Our arithmetic: weight times 80 scored questions. PTCB publishes the percentages, not a question count for each domain, so treat the last column as an estimate.
What each domain covers
- Medications: generic and brand names, classifications, therapeutic duplications, interactions, doses and dosage forms, side effects, indications, drug stability and storage.
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance: high-alert and look-alike/sound-alike medications, error prevention such as Tall Man lettering and leading and trailing zeros, issues that need a pharmacist, event reporting (MedWatch, VAERS), prescription errors and infection prevention.
- Order Entry and Processing: calculations, Sig codes and abbreviations, equipment and supplies, lot numbers, expiration dates and NDC numbers, and returning expired products.
- Federal Requirements: storage, handling and disposal of hazardous substances, controlled substance prescriptions and DEA schedules, restricted drug programs such as pseudoephedrine and REMS, recalls and the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.
The math is not only in Order Entry
The outline puts an asterisk on nine of its 24 content statements to show that some or all of that statement reflects calculation-based knowledge. They appear in all four domains: two in Medications, two in Federal Requirements, two in Patient Safety and three in Order Entry. Controlled substance prescription rules and DEA schedules, for example, are flagged, even though they sit under Federal Requirements.
Test day
- The exam is computer-based and given in person at Pearson test centers, under a live proctor. PTCB counts more than 1,400 centers, including more than 100 military bases.
- Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
- Bring an approved ID that matches your name in your PTCB Account. Without it you cannot test.
- Testing accommodations must be requested during the application process.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the PTCE?
There are 90 multiple-choice questions: 80 scored and 10 unscored. The unscored questions are placed randomly and not identified.
How long is the PTCE?
The exam is 1 hour and 50 minutes. With the 5-minute tutorial and the 5-minute survey, PTCB asks you to commit 2 hours.
Can I take the PTCE at home?
PTCB's CPhT page describes the PTCE as given in person at Pearson test centers under a live proctor.
How much does it cost?
PTCB lists $129 to apply for CPhT certification and take the PTCE.
Official sources
- PTCB: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- PTCB: PTCE Content Outline, effective January 6, 2026 (PDF)
Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.