PTCB Practice Test

An unofficial PTCB practice test with answers explained: 90 questions on the four domains of the PTCE content outline.

Which of these herbal products does the drug information list as one that may interact with warfarin?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 90 questions, 110 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Bank checked October 12, 2026.

The real exam, as PTCB describes it

Questions
90
Time limit
110 minutes
Fee
$129 to apply for certification and take the exam
Domains
Four: medications 35%, federal requirements 18.75%, patient safety and quality assurance 23.75%, order entry and processing 22.5%.
Appointment
Two hours: a 5-minute tutorial, the exam of 1 hour 50 minutes and a 5-minute survey, at a Pearson test center with a live proctor.
Results
An unofficial result shows on screen after the survey. The official result is posted to the PTCB account within three weeks.

Checked October 12, 2026 against PTCB's Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) page and the PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

PTCB's own CPhT page

Next step Pharmacology questionsNHA pharmacy practice test

All 90 questions

Medications 32

  • A levothyroxine prescription is written for 0.125 mg. How many micrograms (mcg) is that? NIST, Metric (SI) Prefixes; the answer is arithmetic on the number in the question. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.4.
  • A patient asks whether a metoprolol extended-release tablet may be cut in half. What does the drug information say? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Metoprolol, How should this medicine be used. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.4.
  • A patient lists a dietary supplement on the profile. Which supplement ingredient does FDA warn can significantly interfere with certain lab tests, such as troponin tests? FDA, Biotin Interference with Troponin Lab Tests: Assays Subject to Biotin Interference. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.3.
  • A patient profile lists an allergy to penicillin. Which of these is a penicillin-like antibiotic? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Amoxicillin, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.5.
Show all 90 questions (86 more)

Medications, continued

  • A patient who takes prescription naproxen brings ibuprofen tablets to the counter. Why is this a therapeutic duplication to bring to the pharmacist? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Naproxen and Ibuprofen, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.2.
  • A profile shows simvastatin from one prescriber and rosuvastatin from another. Which class do both drugs belong to? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Simvastatin and Rosuvastatin, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.2.
  • A stock bottle reads "Store at 20° to 25°C [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]". Which Fahrenheit range does the label give for that? DailyMed (National Library of Medicine), amlodipine besylate tablets label, 16.2 Storage. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.8.
  • A vial of insulin glargine is first opened on April 2. An opened vial keeps for 28 days. What is the last day of that period? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Insulin Glargine (rDNA origin) Injection, What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.7.
  • Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid oral suspension is mixed on June 3. The drug information says to refrigerate it and dispose of any unused liquid after 10 days. What is the last day it is kept? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid, What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.7.
  • Azithromycin is in which class of antibiotics? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Azithromycin, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.
  • By FDA, what can happen when a person drinks a lot of grapefruit juice while taking certain statins, such as simvastatin? FDA Consumer Update, Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don't Mix. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.3.
  • By which route is insulin glargine given? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Insulin Glargine (rDNA origin) Injection, How should this medicine be used. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.4.
  • Doxycycline may make the skin sensitive to what? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Doxycycline, What special precautions should I follow. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.5.
  • Escitalopram belongs to which class of antidepressants? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Escitalopram, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.
  • For which condition does the drug information say a doctor may tell a patient not to take propranolol? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Propranolol, What special precautions should I follow. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.3.
  • How often is a fentanyl transdermal patch applied? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Fentanyl Transdermal Patch, How should this medicine be used. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.4.
  • The important warning for montelukast is about which risk? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Montelukast, Important warning. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.5.
  • Lasix is a brand name of which diuretic? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Furosemide, Brand names. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.
  • Levothyroxine is used to treat which condition? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Levothyroxine, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.6.
  • Metoprolol belongs to which class of medications? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Metoprolol, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.
  • Plavix is a brand name of which antiplatelet medication? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Clopidogrel, Brand names. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.
  • Sildenafil should not be taken by a patient who is taking which medications for chest pain? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Sildenafil, What special precautions should I follow. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.3.
  • Singulair is a brand name of which medication? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Montelukast, Brand names. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.
  • Tamsulosin is used to treat which condition? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Tamsulosin, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.6.
  • What does the drug information say about taking ciprofloxacin with milk or a calcium-fortified juice? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Ciprofloxacin, How should this medicine be used. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.4.
  • What is ondansetron used for? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Ondansetron, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.6.
  • Where are unopened multi-dose bottles of latanoprost eye drops stored? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Latanoprost Ophthalmic, What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.8.
  • Which condition does alendronate treat and prevent? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Alendronate, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.6.
  • Which of these herbal products does the drug information list as one that may interact with warfarin? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Warfarin, What special precautions should I follow. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.3.
  • Which of these is on the list of side effects that the drug information gives for lisinopril? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Lisinopril, What side effects can this medication cause. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.5.
  • Which of these medications is a calcium channel blocker? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Amlodipine, Why is this medication prescribed. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.
  • Zoloft is a brand name of which generic medication? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Sertraline, Brand names. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 1, knowledge area 1.1.

Federal requirements 17

  • A delivered prescription drug shows signs that it may be counterfeit. Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, what does the pharmacy do with this suspect product? FDA, Pharmacists: Utilize DSCSA Requirements to Protect Your Patients. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.6.
  • A pharmacy receives a recall letter from a manufacturer. Under 21 CFR 7.49, what should it do? 21 CFR 7.49, Recall communications, paragraph (d) (FDA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.5.
  • A pharmacy sends Schedule II drugs to a reverse distributor for destruction. Which document covers the transfer? DEA Pharmacist's Manual, 2022 edition, Section X, Reverse Distributors Authorized to Dispose of Controlled Substances. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.3.
  • A recall strategy states the "depth of recall". What does that term mean in 21 CFR 7.42? 21 CFR 7.42, Recall strategy, paragraph (b)(1) (FDA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.5.
  • A Schedule IV prescription for 30 tablets carries the most refills that 21 CFR 1306.22 allows, which is five. Counting the first fill, how many tablets may be dispensed in all? 21 CFR 1306.22, Refilling of prescriptions, paragraph (a) (DEA); the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.2.
  • A tablet holds not more than 90 milligrams of codeine with acetaminophen. In which schedule is it? 21 CFR 1308.13, Schedule III, paragraph (e)(1) (DEA); DEA Pharmacist's Manual, 2022 edition, Section II. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.2.
  • A wholesaler delivers Schedule III to V drugs with an invoice. What must the pharmacy record on that receipt? DEA Pharmacist's Manual, 2022 edition, Section IV, Ordering Schedules III-V Controlled Substances; 21 CFR 1304.21(d). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.3.
  • The commercial chemical products on EPA's P-list, in 40 CFR 261.33(e), are identified as what kind of waste? 40 CFR 261.33, Discarded commercial chemical products, paragraph (e) (EPA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.1.
  • In which schedule does DEA's Pharmacist's Manual place any combination product that contains hydrocodone? DEA Pharmacist's Manual, 2022 edition, Section II, Schedule II Controlled Substances. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.2.
  • Once FDA decides that a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) is necessary for a drug, who must develop and carry it out? FDA, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about REMS. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.4.
  • One box of a cold product holds 0.96 gram of pseudoephedrine base. A seller may not sell one purchaser more than 3.6 grams of pseudoephedrine base in a calendar day. How many whole boxes is the most? 21 CFR 1314.20, Restrictions on sales quantity, paragraph (a) (DEA); the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.4.
  • Pregabalin is listed in which schedule of controlled substances? 21 CFR 1308.15, Schedule V, paragraph (e) (DEA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.2.
  • Staff watch a bottle of a controlled substance break on the floor. By DEA guidance, is this witnessed breakage a loss that DEA must be told of? DEA Pharmacist's Manual, 2022 edition, Section IX, Breakage and Spillage. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.3.
  • Under 40 CFR 266.505, what may a pharmacy or other healthcare facility NOT do with hazardous waste pharmaceuticals? 40 CFR 266.505, Prohibition on sewering hazardous waste pharmaceuticals (EPA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.1.
  • Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, for how long must a pharmacy store the product tracing documentation it receives? FDA, Pharmacists: Utilize DSCSA Requirements to Protect Your Patients. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.6.
  • Under the Thalidomide REMS program, who must be registered before a prescription is filled? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Thalidomide, Important warning. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.4.
  • Where in a pharmacy must a collection receptacle for the public's unused controlled substances be placed? 21 CFR 1317.75, Collection receptacles, paragraph (d)(2) (DEA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 2, knowledge area 2.3.

Patient safety and quality assurance 21

  • The "Five Rights" of medication safety are the right medication, the right dose, the right time, the right route and the right what? AHRQ PSNet, patient safety primer Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events, Prevention of Adverse Drug Events. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.2.
  • A 30-day supply was filled on March 1, so the next fill was due on March 31. The patient asks for it on April 20. How many days late is that, a gap in adherence to mention to the pharmacist? PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 3.3; the answer is arithmetic on the dates in the question.
  • A customer asks the technician to recommend an over-the-counter product for a cough. Who handles the request? PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 3.3, Issues that require pharmacist intervention.
  • A patient picking up hydrocodone with acetaminophen also buys a cold product that contains acetaminophen. Why does the technician alert the pharmacist? MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine), Acetaminophen, Important warning. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.3.
  • A prescription is written for prednisone, and prednisolone is put in the vial. Which type of prescription error is this? PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 3.5; FDA Name Differentiation Project list.
  • A strength is written ".4 mg", with no zero before the decimal point. Which error does FDA's labeling guidance say this can lead to? FDA guidance for industry, Safety Considerations for Container Labels and Carton Labeling Design to Minimize Medication Errors, section on Leading and Trailing Zeros, Decimals, and Commas. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.2.
  • A technician who gives immunizations wears disposable gloves. Under OSHA's bloodborne pathogens rule, when must a pair be replaced? 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (d)(3)(ix)(A) (OSHA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.6.
  • An order for 0.5 mg is typed into the computer as 5 mg. How many times the ordered dose would the patient get? FDA guidance for industry, Safety Considerations for Container Labels and Carton Labeling Design to Minimize Medication Errors, section on Leading and Trailing Zeros, Decimals, and Commas. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.5.
  • Before a needle is pushed into a medicine vial, how is the rubber top cleaned? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Drawing medicine out of a vial. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.6.
  • By FDA's labeling guidance, how is a strength of four milligrams written? FDA guidance for industry, Safety Considerations for Container Labels and Carton Labeling Design to Minimize Medication Errors, section on Leading and Trailing Zeros, Decimals, and Commas. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.2.
  • The directions read: 7.5 mL three times a day for 10 days. A 150 mL bottle is prepared. By how many milliliters is the quantity short? PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 3.5; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question.
  • FDA quotes a national council's definition of a medication error. Which is it? FDA, Medication Errors Related to CDER-Regulated Drug Products. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.4.
  • FDA's tall man lettering list writes hydroxyzine as hydrOXYzine. Which look-alike name is it paired with? FDA Name Differentiation Project, list of established drug names recommended to use tall man lettering. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.1.
  • Under FDA's bar code label rule, the bar code on a drug product must contain, at a minimum, which number? 21 CFR 201.25, Bar code label requirements, paragraph (c)(1) (FDA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.2.
  • What makes two drugs a look-alike, sound-alike pair, as AHRQ's PSNet puts it? AHRQ PSNet, patient safety primer Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events, Risk Factors for Adverse Drug Events. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.1.
  • When does FDA say to wash with soap and water and not to use hand sanitizer? FDA Consumer Update, Safely Using Hand Sanitizer. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.6.
  • Which adverse events are healthcare providers required by law to report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)? Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (CDC and FDA), Report an Adverse Event to VAERS. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.4.
  • Which form is the voluntary MedWatch report that FDA designed for use by healthcare professionals? FDA, MedWatch Forms for FDA Safety Reporting, Voluntary Reporting. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.4.
  • Which group does AHRQ's PSNet name among the higher-risk medications that cause most adverse drug events in older patients? AHRQ PSNet, patient safety primer Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events, Risk Factors for Adverse Drug Events. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.1.
  • Which intravenous anticoagulant does AHRQ's PSNet call one of the highest-risk medications used in the inpatient setting? AHRQ PSNet, patient safety primer Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events, Background and Definitions. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.1.
  • Which strategy does AHRQ's PSNet list to eliminate handwriting errors when orders are transcribed? AHRQ PSNet, patient safety primer Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events, Prevention of Adverse Drug Events. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 3, knowledge area 3.2.

Order entry and processing 20

  • A child weighs 55 lb. The order is 12 mg per kg for each dose. Using 2.2 lb to the kg, how many milligrams are in one dose? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 4.1.
  • A cream is 2.5% hydrocortisone by weight, which is 2.5 g in every 100 g. How many grams of hydrocortisone are in a 30 g tube? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 4.1.
  • A customer brings back an unused prescription the day after picking it up and asks for it to go back on the shelf. What does FDA's compliance policy say? FDA Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 460.300, Return of Unused Prescription Drugs to Pharmacy Stock. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.4.
  • A patient injects 40 units of U-100 insulin each day. Standard U-100 insulin holds 100 units in 1 mL. How many days does a 10 mL vial last? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Giving an insulin injection (Getting Ready); the answer is arithmetic. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.1.
  • A patient tests blood sugar 3 times a day. How many whole days does a box of 100 test strips last? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 4.2.
  • A powder is to be reconstituted when it is dispensed. For which form must its labeling bear expiration information? 21 CFR 211.137, Expiration dating, paragraph (c) (FDA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.3.
  • A prednisone 10 mg taper reads: 4 tablets daily for 3 days, 3 tablets daily for 3 days, 2 tablets daily for 3 days, then 1 tablet daily for 3 days. How many tablets are needed? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 4.1.
  • A prescription for a metered-dose inhaler comes with a spacer. What does the spacer do? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, How to use an inhaler - with spacer. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.2.
  • A prescription reads "Dispense: XL tablets". How many tablets is that? Wikipedia, Roman numerals (Standard form). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.1.
  • A prescription reads: amoxicillin 500 mg capsules, 1 capsule TID, quantity 30. What is the days' supply? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations (TID); the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.1.
  • A suspension holds 250 mg in every 5 mL. How many milliliters give a 400 mg dose? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 4.1.
  • Before a dose is drawn from a vial, air equal to the dose is pushed into the vial with the syringe. Why? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Drawing medicine out of a vial. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.2.
  • The directions on a prescription include "a.c.". What does it mean? Wikipedia, List of abbreviations used in medical prescriptions (entries a.c. and p.c.). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.1.
  • The directions read: 1 tablet QID for 7 days. How many tablets are dispensed? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations (QID); the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.1.
  • The directions read: 2 teaspoons three times a day. With 5 mL to the teaspoon, how many milliliters does the patient take in a day? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Liquid medication administration; the answer is arithmetic. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.1.
  • How many milliliters of a 50% dextrose solution are needed to make 500 mL of a 10% solution? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. PTCB, PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), knowledge area 4.1.
  • In DEA's definitions, a reverse distributor acquires controlled substances from another registrant for which purpose? 21 CFR 1300.01, Definitions relating to controlled substances, "Reverse distribute" (DEA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.4.
  • In FDA's manufacturing rules, what is a lot number? 21 CFR 210.3, Definitions, paragraph (b)(11) (FDA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.3.
  • What does a nebulizer do? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, How to use a nebulizer. Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.2.
  • Which of these is a layout that FDA permits for the labeler, product and package codes of a 10-digit National Drug Code? 21 CFR 207.33, paragraph (b)(2) (FDA). Outline: PTCE Content Outline (effective January 6, 2026), domain 4, knowledge area 4.3.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the four knowledge domains of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) Content Outline of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, effective January 6, 2026 (https://ptcb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PTCE-Content-Outline.pdf, linked from https://ptcb.org/credentials/certification/certified-pharmacy-technician/, read 2026-10-12). Every fact was read on 2026-10-12 in the public text the question names: MedlinePlus drug information and encyclopedia pages, DailyMed labels, the Code of Federal Regulations at ecfr.gov (titles 21, 29 and 40), the DEA Pharmacist's Manual (2022), FDA pages and guidance, AHRQ PSNet, vaers.hhs.gov, NIST and two Wikipedia articles. The 18 calculation questions are arithmetic, each worked out a second time. No practice test, study guide or exam item of the exam's owner was used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This PTCB practice test has 90 questions of our own for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and prints on paper. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Read the full guide

How the bank is split

The 90 questions follow the domain weights of PTCB's PTCE Content Outline, effective January 6, 2026 and read October 12, 2026, and 18 of them are calculations. Exam mode asks all 90 in 110 minutes, the length PTCB gives for the real exam.

Where the facts come from

Each answer names the public text it was read in, chiefly MedlinePlus drug information, the Code of Federal Regulations, the DEA Pharmacist's Manual, FDA pages and AHRQ's PSNet. State pharmacy rules differ and are not asked: for technician duties, ratios and registration, read your own board of pharmacy's rules.

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the PTCB exam?

90 multiple-choice questions, by PTCB's CPhT page: 80 scored and 10 unscored, which are placed at random and not identified.

What is a passing score on the PTCB exam?

PTCB reports a scaled score from 1,000 to 1,600, and 1,400 passes, by its CPhT page. It prints no percent, so a result here is the number right, not a forecast.

Is there a printable PTCB practice test with answers?

Yes. This pharmacy technician practice test prints as a question sheet, with the answer key if you tick it, and the print dialog can save it as a PTCB practice test PDF. The answers are ours, never a key to the real exam.

Is a PTCB practice exam the same as the PTCE?

No. PTCE is the real exam, and CPhT is the credential PTCB grants for passing it, by PTCB's CPhT page. The pharmacy technician exam questions here follow its content outline, and none is taken from the real exam or from PTCB's own practice tools.

Who can take the PTCB exam?

A candidate completes a PTCB-recognized education or training program, or has at least 500 hours of equivalent work as a pharmacy technician, and lives in the United States or its territories, by PTCB's CPhT page.

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