How to Pass the PTCE Pharmacy Tech Exam: 2026 Complete Study Guide
The PTCE is the national certification exam for pharmacy technicians. This guide covers all 9 knowledge domains, the top drug classes, controlled substance schedules, and a 4-week study plan to earn your CPhT certification.
TL;DR
The PTCE has 90 questions (80 scored + 10 unscored) in 1 hour 50 minutes. Passing score is 1400 on a 1000-1600 scale. Top domains: Medications (40%), Patient Safety (26.25%), Order Entry and Processing (21.25%). Know your top-100 drugs, DEA controlled substance schedules, and sig code abbreviations cold.
Top Drug Classes to Know
Statins: atorvastatin/Lipitor, rosuvastatin/Crestor. ACE inhibitors: lisinopril, enalapril. ARBs: losartan, valsartan. Beta-blockers: metoprolol, carvedilol. SSRIs: sertraline/Zoloft, escitalopram/Lexapro. PPIs: omeprazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix. Know the generic name, brand name, drug class, and common side effect for each.
DEA Controlled Substance Schedules
Schedule I: no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD). Schedule II: high abuse potential (oxycodone, hydrocodone, Adderall, cocaine) — no refills permitted, written Rx required. Schedule III: moderate dependence (testosterone, anabolic steroids, buprenorphine). Schedule IV: lower abuse (benzodiazepines, zolpidem/Ambien, tramadol) — up to 5 refills in 6 months. Schedule V: lowest (cough preparations with <200mg codeine/100mL).
Sig Code Abbreviations
QD = once daily, BID = twice daily, TID = three times daily, QID = four times daily, QHS = at bedtime, QAM = every morning, AC = before meals, PC = after meals, PRN = as needed, PO = by mouth, SL = sublingual, TOP = topical. OU = both eyes, OS = left eye, OD = right eye. AU = both ears, AS = left ear, AD = right ear.
Days Supply Calculations
Days supply = quantity dispensed / daily dose. Example: 60 tablets, take 2 tablets twice daily = 60 / (2x2) = 60/4 = 15 days supply. For inhalers: quantity (puffs) / puffs per day. For eye drops: assume 1 drop = 0.05mL, so a 5mL bottle = 100 drops. If using 2 drops in each eye twice daily = 8 drops/day → 100/8 = 12.5 days (round down to 12).