Can you retake the pharmacy tech exam?

Yes, you can retake the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, with no wait for the second and third tries, but a six-month wait is required for the fourth attempt; after four tries, you must show proof of approved extra study (like a course or tutoring) before reapplying, and you pay a fee for each attempt. It's crucial to prepare thoroughly, focusing on weaker areas, as failing suggests needing more knowledge.

How to retake pharmacy tech exam?

Retake Policy

Candidates must apply and pay for each PTCB credential exam attempt. Candidates who fail a PTCB credential exam must wait to receive their official score report before reapplying. Candidates have an unlimited number of exam attempts, although candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare for each attempt.

How many times can you take the pharmacy test?

If this is your second or third time taking the PTCE, you can apply to retake the exam as soon as you receive the Official PTCE Score Report from the previous exam attempt. If this is your fourth time, you must wait six (6) months before reapplying.

Can you challenge the pharmacy tech exam?

You cannot challenge exam questions after the test is over. PTCB does not change scores for personal issues, hardships, or technical problems. If PTCB finds a technical or administrative error that affected your score, your exam score will be canceled, and you will get a chance to take the test again.

What disqualifies you from being a pharmacy tech?

You are typically disqualified from being a pharmacy technician for serious criminal offenses, especially those involving drugs, fraud, theft, or violence, as well as certain felonies, but eligibility often depends on your state's Board of Pharmacy, the nature of the crime, and time passed since conviction. Key disqualifiers include drug-related offenses, violent crimes, and dishonesty, while minor offenses might be overlooked, especially after several years. 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED 2 KNOW BEFORE TAKING THE PHARMACY TECH EXAM + FREE RESOURCES | PTCB EXAM 2021

What happens if you fail the pharmacy tech exam?

Candidates who fail a PTCB credential exam must wait to receive their official score report before reapplying. Candidates have an unlimited number of exam attempts, although candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare for each attempt.

Who gets paid more, CNA or pharmacy tech?

Pharmacy technicians generally earn slightly more than CNAs, with median salaries around $43,000-$44,000 compared to CNA averages, which can range from $38,000-$45,000 but often start lower, though earnings vary significantly by location, experience, and employer, with CNAs potentially increasing pay through overtime. Both roles offer similar entry points, but pharmacy techs often see better pay in hospital or outpatient settings, while CNAs provide direct patient care in homes or facilities, with both roles serving as stepping stones in healthcare. 

What is the passing score for pharmacy tech?

A passing score is 1400 or above, with a range of possible scores between 1000 and 1600. This score has been established by a panel of content experts based on a modified-Angoff method.

Can you take the pharmacy tech exam at home?

PTCB credential exams, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination® (PTCE®), CSPT Exam, and Assessment-Based Certificate Exams, are delivered in person at a testing center and online via live remote proctoring.

Which pharmacy tech exam is easier?

The PTCE has a slightly higher pass rate than the ExCPT. Pass rates in 2023 were 63% for the ExCPT and 69% for the PTCE. The PTCE also has fewer test questions but has a shorter time limit. Both exams are scored similarly, with each question scored differently based on topic and difficulty.

How to schedule a pharmacy technician exam?

Candidates authorized to schedule an exam may schedule their exam appointment within their PTCB Account or by calling Pearson VUE directly at (866) 902-0593 between 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT, Monday through Friday. Candidates will receive a confirmation email after scheduling an appointment.

Which exam is best for pharmacy?

GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test):

Organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), GPAT is the most recognized national-level entrance exam for admission to Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) programs in AICTE-approved institutions.

What is the passing marks out of 100 in pharmacy?

If a candidate gets more than or equal 50% marks in all heads in all the subjects- he/she is pass. If a student gets 40% in some heads/subjects but aggregate is more than 50% than also student is considered as pass.

How to go from pharmacy tech 1 to 2?

A level II pharmacy tech is typically required to have more education or training than a level I tech. This training may involve completing a pharmacy technician training or degree program. Pharmacy technician certification might also be required. A level II pharmacy tech also often has more experience.

What are the two types of pharmacy tech exams?

The PTCB exam focuses more on medications and dosages, while the ExCPT deals more with the role of the pharmacy technician. There are also differences in eligibility between PTCE vs. ExCPT. The PTCE only requires 500 hours of experience or the completion of an approved program, but the ExCPT requires 1,200 hours.

Is it hard to get pharmacy tech certified?

Becoming a pharmacy technician is not particularly difficult. There are several ways to obtain the necessary training and certification, including online programs and apprenticeship programs. The PTCB offers an assessment exam that can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

Can a proctored exam see your screen?

Yes, proctored exams use software that can see, record, and monitor your screen, browser activity, applications, and even control your mouse and keyboard to ensure you aren't accessing unauthorized materials or cheating during an online test, with capabilities varying by platform but generally including screen sharing and activity logging. You'll usually grant permission for this access during setup, and it helps maintain exam integrity. 

What is the fastest way to become a pharmacy tech?

The fastest way to become a pharmacy tech involves completing a short online certification program (often 2-4 months) that includes an externship, then passing the PTCB exam, leveraging accelerated paths for quick career entry. Focus on programs offering on-the-job training or externships with retail pharmacies like Walgreens and look for "trainee" positions for direct experience. 

What is the pass rate for the PTCE in 2025?

In 2024, the PTCB and RxTechExam bundled our training, Official Practice Tools and Certification Exam (PTCE) to simplify training and certification. Through that collaboration, RxTechExam students have had stellar results – an 83% PTCE pass rate in 2025.

Is pharmacy tech a difficult job?

Being a pharmacy tech is challenging but manageable; it's hard due to high stress, multitasking, demanding customer service, long hours standing, and the need for extreme accuracy with drug details, but easier if you're organized, good with people, enjoy fast-paced work, and don't mind repetitive tasks and flexible, sometimes irregular, schedules. The difficulty often comes from the pressure of precision and patient demands, rather than complex medical theory, making it stressful but rewarding for the right person. 

What is the 5 percent rule in pharmacy?

The "5 rule" in pharmacy usually refers to either the "Five Rights of Medication Administration" (Right Patient, Drug, Dose, Route, Time) for patient safety or Lipinski's Rule of Five for drug development, predicting oral activity, though it can also refer to the DEA's "5% Rule" for dispensing controlled substances without a distributor license. These rules are critical for ensuring safe patient care, developing new medicines, and maintaining compliance with drug regulations. 

How to become a level 3 pharmacy tech?

Pharmacy tech III positions typically require a minimum of six months to one year as a pharmacy technician and up to three to five years of experience performing more advanced duties than pharmacy technician I or II. This might include light management duties or other duties as requested by the pharmacist.

Is it better to be a pharmacy tech or a medical assistant?

While there is good job security for both careers, medical assistants have a projected job growth of 14% through 2033 while pharmacy technicians only have a projected growth of 6%. Patient interaction. Medical assistants split their time between interacting with patients and doing administrative tasks.

Is MA lower than CNA?

CNAs require less training, but typically earn less income than a PCT or MA.

Which is harder, dentistry or pharmacy?

Answer: Although both graduate schools are difficult to become admitted into and to complete, typically dental school is harder than pharmacy school. Dental school is notoriously known for being more difficult than most medical school due to the overall stress and rapid rate of new subjects and material.