TAKE THE EXAM

About the Exam

• The PTCE is a computer-based exam with 90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored questions and 10 unscored questions). Unscored questions are randomly placed throughout the exam and are not identified.
• Be prepared to commit 2 hours for the exam (5-minute tutorial, 1 hour and 50-minute exam, and 5-minute post-exam survey).
• Your unofficial exam result will be presented on the screen immediately following the post-exam survey. You may also receive a printed copy of the unofficial exam result at the test site. Official exam results will be posted to your PTCB Account within two to three weeks.

Exam Day Requirements

• Arrive at the designated Pearson VUE test center 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Bring an approved form of identification that matches your name as it appears on your PTCB account. You will not be allowed to take the exam without proper identification.

Be sure to review more detail about what to expect and what is required in the Candidate Guidebook.

Testing Accommodations

Candidates who require testing accommodations must request these accommodations during the application process. Accommodations that are reasonable and consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided by PTCB at no additional cost to candidates. Candidates who need to bring medical equipment into the testing room need to request an accommodation if the item is not on the list of allowed items.

RENEW

PTCB CPhTs are required to renew their certification every 2 years to maintain their credential. Recertification ensures that pharmacy technicians stay up-to-date in pharmacy practice through the completion of continuing education (CE).

Renewal Process Schedule

CPhTs can apply for renewal when their application window is open. An application window opens 60 days prior to the certification’s expiration date. CPhTs who do not recertify by the expiration date are no longer certified and must apply for reinstatement within 1 year of certification expiration to resume active status.

Continuing Education (CE)

Recertification Requirements 

• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of CE during your 2-year recertification period, including:
  • 1 hour in the subject of pharmacy law; and
  • 1 hour in the subject of patient safety
• CE hours earned must be in pharmacy technician subject matter as listed in the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination Content Outline or offered by ACPE-accredited providers with the target audience designation ‘T’ (technician-specific).

Beginning with renewal applications received after September 1, 2020, PTCB accepts a maximum of five (5) CE hours from ACPE-accredited providers with the target audience designation ‘P’ (pharmacist-specific) if the subject matter is contained within the PTCE Content Outline.

Note: CE hours can only be applied to the recertification cycle in which they are completed, and cannot be carried over and applied to future cycles.

Reinstatement Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed for recertification, reinstatement candidates must complete 1 additional hour of CE in pharmacy law.

Recertification & Reinstatement Fees

*Any recertification application received after the Application Deadline, which is the first day of the certification expiration month, will be assessed a $25 late application fee, in addition to the required recertification application fee.

**Applies each time an application is returned for corrections. This fee is nonrefundable.

How to Apply for Renewal

PTCB’s streamlined renewal process, launched in 2019, offers faster CE tracking and application approvals for CPhTs. CPhTs must have an NABP e-Profile ID on file with PTCB before they recertify.

The streamlined process:

• eliminates the need to manually enter CE information that is already tracked in the CPE Monitor
• allows for instant approval of recertification/reinstatement applications 
• reduces potential delays when applying

Apply By Logging In

A link to submit your application for recertification will appear on your PTCB Account homepage beginning on your application submission window opening date, 60 days prior to your certification expiration date.

Earn, Verify, Check

• Earn CE hours during your 2-year renewal cycle.
• Verify that your NABP e-Profile ID appears in your PTCB Account.
  • With an NABP e-Profile, you can enter and track completed CE hours in CPE Monitor, a database of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and ACPE. Create your NABP e-Profile on NABP’s website. Be sure to add your PTCB Certification Number to the Credentials section of your NABP e-Profile. 
• Check that you have met all CE requirements and your CE hours are recorded correctly in CPE Monitor.
  • CPhTs who have tracked their completed continuing education (CE) hours in CPE Monitor do not have to enter their CEs on the PTCB application.
  • If you completed CEs that are not in CPE Monitor, you must manually enter your CE activities and upload documentation of CE completion to your PTCB application.

Apply, Attest, Submit

• Apply by logging into your PTCB Account.
• Attest that you’ve completed PTCB’s renewal requirements and your CE activities are in CPE Monitor.
• Submit your renewal application along with the renewal fee payment. Once your payment is processed, your application will be approved, subject to review.

PTCB Reviews Your Application

• Your application will be accepted as soon as your payment clears and application is submitted. You will receive notice of acceptance within 5-10 minutes.
• For the next 60 days, PTCB will attempt to verify your CEs through CPE Monitor. After 60 days, if PTCB is unable to verify your CEs through CPE Monitor, PTCB will review the documentation uploaded with your renewal application. If there are any discrepancies in your application, you may be contacted to provide additional supporting documentation.