Exam preparation · 2026 outline
Your PTCB study guide
Learn a concept, practise recalling it, and test whether you can apply it. Use your missed answers to decide what to study next.
Four areas to prepare
| Domain | PTCE weight | Study focus |
|---|---|---|
| Medications | 35% | Names, classes, uses, interactions, safe handling and storage |
| Federal requirements | 18.75% | Controlled substances, restricted programs, recalls and supply-chain rules |
| Patient safety and quality assurance | 23.75% | Error prevention, reporting, pharmacist intervention and cleaning |
| Order entry and processing | 22.5% | Calculations, prescriptions, equipment, identification and returns |
Source: PTCB content outline, effective January 6, 2026.
A practical study session
- Read one lesson and work through its example.
- Recall answers in a 20-card set before revealing them.
- Mark uncertain cards for review.
- Take the module quiz and read each explanation.
- Return to missed concepts before attempting a review test.
Understand the exam and your practice score
The PTCE has 90 questions and a 110-minute answering period. Its passing score is a scaled 1,400. Our review tests reuse practice-bank questions; their percentage targets are learning goals, not a conversion to PTCB scaled scores or a prediction that you will pass. Check PTCB’s exam information.
Certification and your state
This course prepares you for the national PTCE. Your state board separately sets technician registration, licensing, training and permitted-duty rules. Confirm those requirements with your state board before working; national certification alone does not establish authority to practise.