Here is the PTCB login link. While you are here, we would love the opportunity to serve you now or in the future for your CEUs. freeCE has been serving pharmacy professionals since 1990.
freeCE is the only provider to have a PTCB-recognized program for EVERY PTCB certificate.
Table of Contents
What Is The PTCB?
The PTCB stands for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. It is an organization established in the United States to certify pharmacy technicians. Here’s a brief overview:
Purpose:
- The PTCB’s primary goal is to advance medication safety by certifying technicians who are qualified to support pharmacists in their role as healthcare providers.
- Certification: The PTCB offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential to individuals who meet specific qualifications and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification
Exam (PTCE):
- The PTCE is a computer-based exam that tests the knowledge and skills pharmacy technicians should possess.
Eligibility:
- Before sitting for the PTCE, candidates typically must have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have equivalent work experience, and they must be a US resident. However, eligibility requirements can vary, and potential changes in the requirements can occur over time.
Continuing Education:
To maintain the CPhT credential, pharmacy technicians are required to complete continuing education (CE) and recertify every two years.
Importance:
Earning the CPhT credential can provide pharmacy technicians with more job opportunities, potentially higher pay, and recognition of their commitment to the profession. In some states, certification is mandatory to work as a pharmacy technician.
Other Credentials:
Besides the CPhT, the PTCB has introduced other advanced certifications and certificates for pharmacy technicians, recognizing their specialties or advanced competencies in specific areas.
When Was The PTCB Founded?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) was founded in 1995.
Pass & Fail Rate On PTCB Exam
Exam Date | CPhT Exams Administrated | Pass Rate |
2020 Exams | 33,634 | 70% |
2021 Exams | 42,615 | 71% |
2022 Exams | 42,344 | 70% |
Total | 1,122,000 | 70% |
Is The PTCB Exam Hard?
Whether the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the PTCB, is considered “hard” can vary based on an individual’s preparation, background, and aptitude. Here are some factors to consider:
Content Depth:
The PTCE covers a broad range of topics related to pharmacy practice, including pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication safety, and various pharmacy operations. Some candidates may find certain sections more challenging than others.
Study Preparation:
Candidates who thoroughly prepare for the exam by taking advantage of study guides, practice tests, and pharmacy technician training programs are often better equipped to handle the breadth and depth of questions on the PTCE.
Format:
Being comfortable with the format of the exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions, can also play a role in how hard an individual finds the test. Familiarity can reduce test anxiety and improve performance.
Pass Rate:
Historically, the pass rate for the PTCE has varied, but not everyone passes on their first attempt. Knowing the pass rate can give potential test-takers an idea of the exam’s difficulty, but it’s essential to remember that individual preparation and background play significant roles in success.
Experience and Background:
Those with hands-on experience working in a pharmacy or who have completed a comprehensive training program might find the exam more manageable. They can relate questions to real-world scenarios they’ve encountered.
Time Pressure:
Some test-takers might find the timed nature of the exam to be challenging. Practicing with timed practice tests can help candidates get a feel for the pacing of the real exam.
What Is a Passing Score for PTCB Test?
A passing score for the PTCE is. 1,400.
What Happens If You Fail PTCB?
For the first three tries of the exam, candidates aren’t required to wait between retakes. However, before taking the test for the fourth time, there’s a waiting period of six months. If a candidate has to take the exam more than four times, they must show proof of satisfactory preparation to the PTCB for evaluation and consent before making further attempts.
How Many Questions Can You Get Wrong on the PTCB Exam?
The PTCB examination consists of 90 questions spread over a duration of 1 hour and 50 minutes. Out of these, 10 questions aren’t included in the final scoring, leaving 80 that contribute to the result. The number of questions you can get wrong out of the 80 is not known since each question carries its own specific score value. That value is not public knowledge.
If you are a pharmacy technician and need engaging and career-advancing continuing education, consider freeCE.
If you are looking for specialty certificates, check out our specialty certs page. freeCE is officially the first provider to have a PTCB-recognized program for EVERY PTCB certificate.
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