Pharmacy Tech (PTCE) Practice Test: 90 Questions for Certification
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that pharmacy technicians earned a median salary of $37,790 in 2023, with the top 10% earning over $48,000. The field is projected to grow 6% through 2032, driven by increased demand for prescription medications. PTCB data shows that the PTCE pass rate is approximately 58-65%, meaning more than a third of candidates fail on their first attempt at $129 per sitting.
ASHP-accredited training programs cost $5,000 to $15,000. Pharmacy Tech University courses run $500 to $1,200. Our pharmacy tech practice test delivers 90 questions across all PTCE content areas with every answer explained for $69 one-time.
To be clear: this is an authentic practice test built using the ALA Mirror Method to replicate the PTCE exam's structure, content distribution, and difficulty curve. Every question is 100% original, written by Guinness World Records Puzzle Master Timothy E. Parker.
What Is the PTCE?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). It consists of 90 questions (80 scored, 10 unscored) with a 2-hour time limit.
- Medications (40%) — generic/brand names, drug classifications, therapeutic equivalence
- Federal Requirements (12.5%) — DEA schedules, HIPAA, FDA recalls, controlled substances
- Patient Safety & Quality (26.25%) — error prevention, high-alert medications, look-alike/sound-alike drugs
- Order Entry & Processing (21.25%) — prescription interpretation, calculations, compounding, labeling
The passing score is 1,400 out of 1,600. The exam fee is $129. Most states require PTCB certification or equivalent for pharmacy technician licensure. Recertification is required every two years with 20 hours of continuing education.
How the ALA Mirror Method Works
- Exact structural replication. 90 questions distributed across all 4 content domains in the same proportions as the real PTCE.
- Calibrated difficulty curve. Approximately 30% easy, 50% medium, and 20% hard.
- 100% original content. Written by Guinness World Records Puzzle Master Timothy E. Parker. No recycled questions.
Sample Questions with Full Explanations
What is the generic name for the brand drug Lipitor?
Lipitor's generic name is atorvastatin, a statin medication used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. Lisinopril (A) is the generic for Prinivil/Zestril, an ACE inhibitor. Metformin (C) is the generic for Glucophage, a diabetes medication. Omeprazole (D) is the generic for Prilosec, a proton pump inhibitor. Knowing brand-generic pairs is fundamental to pharmacy technician practice.
A controlled substance prescription for alprazolam (Schedule IV) can be refilled a maximum of how many times within 6 months from the date written?
Under federal law (21 CFR 1306.22), Schedule III and IV controlled substances may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months of the original date written. Schedule II substances (A would apply here) cannot be refilled at all. Option B (3 times) is a common misconception. Option D (unlimited) applies to non-controlled medications with valid prescriptions. Alprazolam as a Schedule IV benzodiazepine follows the 5-refill, 6-month rule.
A pharmacist orders 500 mL of a 15% dextrose solution. The pharmacy has 10% and 50% dextrose solutions in stock. Using the alligation method, how many milliliters of the 50% solution are needed?
Using alligation: Place the desired concentration (15%) in the center. The 50% solution is higher, and the 10% is lower. The parts of 50% needed = 15 - 10 = 5. The parts of 10% needed = 50 - 15 = 35. Total parts = 40. The proportion of 50% solution = 5/40 = 1/8. Volume of 50% solution = 500 mL x 1/8 = 62.5 mL. The remaining 437.5 mL comes from the 10% solution. Option B doubles the correct answer. Option C represents half the total. Option D reverses the alligation ratios.
Every question in the full 90-question test includes this level of explanation.
What Your Report Includes
- Every question reviewed — all 90 questions with your answer and the correct answer
- Teaching explanation per question — 80 to 150 words per question
- Searchable results portal — filter by topic, dimension, or result
- 5-dimension radar chart — visual performance breakdown
- Crown Tier ranking — 9-tier scoring system
- PDF export — offline study and printing
- IBM Quantum verified Credential ID — tamper-proof verification
- 1-year access — return anytime within 12 months
5 Dimensions Scored
Medications & Drug Knowledge
Federal Law & Compliance
Patient Safety & Quality
Order Processing & Calculations
Pharmacy Operations
Pricing and Retests
- Full test: $69 — one-time payment, no subscription
- Retest: $34.50 — exactly half price, unlimited retakes
- No hidden fees — includes test, explanations, portal, PDF, 1-year access
ASHP-accredited programs cost $5,000 to $15,000. Pharmacy Tech University courses run $500 to $1,200. Pocket Prep charges $15 to $50 for app-based practice. Our practice test provides 90 fully explained questions at $69.
Take the Full Pharmacy Tech Practice Test 90 questions · every answer explained · searchable results · PDF export $69Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the actual PTCE?
No. This is an authentic practice test using the ALA Mirror Method. It mirrors the PTCE exam structure but is not the official certification exam administered by PTCB.
Does this cover all PTCE content areas?
Yes. The 90 questions span all four content domains in proportional weighting that mirrors the real exam.
How accurate is the ALA Mirror Method?
The method replicates the content distribution and proportional weighting with a calibrated difficulty curve of approximately 30% easy, 50% medium, and 20% hard. All questions are 100% original.
What does IBM Quantum verification mean?
Every completed test generates a unique Credential ID verified through IBM Quantum processing, providing a tamper-proof record of your score.
Can I retake the test?
Yes. Retake at exactly half price ($34.50) using your original Credential ID. No limit on retakes. Learn more about retests.
How long do I have access to my results?
Your searchable results portal, teaching report, and PDF export remain accessible for 1 full year.
Do I need to finish in one sitting?
No. Start, pause, and resume at any time on any device. Every answer is auto-saved instantly.
Start Your Pharmacy Tech Practice Test
Ninety questions. Every content domain covered. Every answer explained. One price.
Take the Full Pharmacy Tech Practice Test 90 questions · complete report · every answer explained · start, pause and resume anytime $69Retests at exactly half price ($34.50). Learn more
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