Question 1
A technician fills a prescription with the wrong strength, and the pharmacist catches it at final verification before the patient receives it. What is this event called?
Retaking the PTCB exam
There is no waiting period for a second or third attempt, but you must wait for your official score report before reapplying. A fourth attempt needs a six-month wait.
| Second and third attempts | No waiting period |
|---|---|
| Fourth attempt | Wait six months |
| After four attempts | Show acceptable preparation first |
| Each attempt | Apply and pay again |
After four attempts
Before more attempts, PTCB asks for evidence of preparation completed since your last attempt, such as six months of tutoring by a pharmacist or CPhT, a formal review course or training program, an ASHP/ACPE-accredited program, or a pharmacy technician associate degree.
Before you rebook
PTCB notes that its exams are highly reliable: without more preparation, a candidate who failed should expect to fail again. Use your score report and a practice test by domain to decide what to study first.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
A technician must make 500 mL of a 10% solution from a 50% stock solution. How many mL of the stock are needed?
Question 3
A patient who uses nitroglycerin for chest pain brings in a prescription for sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. Why does this need the pharmacist?
Next step
Questions people ask
How soon can I retake the PTCB exam?
There is no waiting period for the second and third attempts, but you must first receive your official score report. The fourth attempt needs a six-month wait.
Is there a limit on attempts?
No fixed limit, but after four attempts PTCB must approve evidence of further preparation first.
Is a retake free?
No. Each attempt is applied and paid for.