PTCB guide · updated 2026-09-29

How many questions are on the PTCB exam?

The PTCB exam (PTCE) has 90 multiple-choice questions, of which 80 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest items you cannot identify. You get 1 hour and 50 minutes for the questions inside a 2-hour appointment.

The PTCE format at a glance

Item	Official figure
Total questions	90 multiple-choice
Scored questions	80
Unscored (pretest) questions	10, mixed in at random and not marked
Time for the questions	1 hour 50 minutes
Total appointment	2 hours (5-minute tutorial, 110-minute exam, 5-minute survey)
Where you test	In person at a Pearson VUE test center
Fee	$129

Why only 80 of the 90 questions count

PTCB places 10 unscored questions throughout the exam to collect data on items it may use later. They look exactly like the scored ones, and PTCB does not tell you which they are. The practical rule is simple: treat all 90 as if they count.

This also means a question that feels strange or off-topic may be a pretest item. Answer it, flag it if you want to come back, and move on rather than losing three minutes on it.

How the 80 scored questions split across domains

Since January 6, 2026 the PTCE follows content outline v1.4, which has four domains. Applying the published percentages to 80 scored items gives the approximate counts below. PTCB publishes percentages, not item counts, so treat the right-hand column as arithmetic, not an official number.

Domain	Share of exam	About this many of the 80 scored questions
1. Medications	35%	28
2. Federal Requirements	18.75%	15
3. Patient Safety and Quality Assurance	23.75%	19
4. Order Entry and Processing	22.5%	18

How much time you have per question

110 minutes for 90 questions is about 73 seconds per question. Recall items, such as a brand-generic match or a DEA schedule, should take 20 to 40 seconds. That leaves room for calculation items, which can take two minutes each.

Nine of the 22 knowledge statements in the outline are marked as partly or fully calculation-based, so expect a steady run of math across the exam, not one block. A good pacing check is to be at question 45 with at least 55 minutes left.

What the questions look like

Every item is multiple choice with a single best answer.
Many are short scenarios: a prescription, a label or an order, followed by a question about what the technician should do or calculate.
The exam software includes an on-screen calculator; personal calculators are not allowed.
There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a question blank.

Frequently asked questions

Is the PTCB exam 90 or 80 questions?

Both numbers are correct. You answer 90 questions, but only 80 are scored. The other 10 are unscored pretest items placed at random.

How long is the PTCB exam?

Plan for 2 hours at the test center: a 5-minute tutorial, 1 hour and 50 minutes for the questions, and a 5-minute survey at the end.

Can I take the PTCE online?

PTCB lists the PTCE as an in-person exam at Pearson test centers, supervised by a live proctor.

Do I get my result right away?

An unofficial result appears on screen after the survey. The official score report is posted to your PTCB account, typically within three weeks.

Try the free PTCB practice test

Questions tagged to the official outline, with an explanation for every answer. 15 free a day, no sign-up.

Start free

Sources: PTCB: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) · PTCE Content Outline v1.4 (effective Jan 6, 2026). Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by PTCB.