Preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam requires more than just memorization. It demands familiarity with the actual structure, content and challenge level of the test. That is why targeted practice using realistic questions is essential for success.
This free PTCE practice exam provides 20 high quality questions that reflect the current PTCB blueprint. Each question covers one of the core domains tested on the real exam including medication safety, pharmacology, pharmacy law, compounding, inventory management, patient services and billing procedures.
Every question comes with a clear explanation of the correct answer and practical tips to help reinforce key concepts. Use this resource to strengthen your knowledge, improve retention and build confidence before test day.
Let us begin.
Question 1
In ptce practice exam, which medication class carries a boxed warning for tendon rupture and requires a MedGuide upon dispensing?
A) Penicillins
B) ACE inhibitors
C) Statins
D) Fluoroquinolones
Correct Answer: D) Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture, particularly in patients over 60 or those taking corticosteroids. Due to this serious safety concern, the FDA mandates that a MedGuide be provided to every patient receiving a fluoroquinolone prescription.
Tip: Always verify that a MedGuide is dispensed with medications that require one. Other common examples include isotretinoin and tiagabine.
Question 2
How many milliliters of a 25% w v solution contain 10 grams of active ingredient?
A) 20 mL
B) 25 mL
C) 30 mL
D) 40 mL
Correct Answer: D) 40 mL
A 25% w v solution contains 25 grams of solute per 100 mL of solution. Using a simple proportion:
25 grams → 100 mL
10 grams → x mL
x = (10 × 100) / 25 = 40 mL
Tip: Concentration calculations are common on the PTCE. Remember the formula: (Desired Strength / Total Strength) × Volume = Amount Needed.
Question 3
Which of the following drugs is classified as a high alert medication due to its narrow therapeutic index?
A) Omeprazole
B) Metformin
C) Warfarin
D) Loratadine
Correct Answer: C) Warfarin
High alert medications have a higher risk of causing significant harm when used incorrectly. Warfarin is considered high alert because it has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Even minor dosing errors can lead to serious bleeding or clotting events.
Tip: Other high alert medications include insulin, heparin, opioids, potassium chloride and sodium chloride solutions above 0.9%.
Question 4
What is the primary purpose of the DEA Form 222?
A) To report theft of controlled substances
B) To order Schedule I and II controlled substances
C) To document patient counseling for controlled drugs
D) To register a pharmacy with the DEA
Correct Answer: B) To order Schedule I and II controlled substances
DEA Form 222 is used by authorized pharmacies and institutions to legally order Schedule I and II controlled substances such as morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl. These forms are pre printed and issued by the DEA to ensure accountability and prevent diversion.
Tip: Pharmacies now often use the DEA Controlled Substance Ordering System CSOS as an electronic alternative to paper Form 222.
Question 5
Which auxiliary label should be affixed to a prescription for doxycycline?
A) Take with food
B) Avoid dairy products
C) May cause drowsiness
D) Shake well before use
Correct Answer: B) Avoid dairy products
Tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline bind with calcium in dairy products, significantly reducing absorption. Patients should avoid milk, cheese, yogurt and antacids containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum within two hours of taking the medication.
Tip: This interaction applies to all tetracyclines except minocycline, which is less affected by food.
Question 6
Which federal law established the requirement for pharmacy technicians to be certified in certain states?
A) Controlled Substances Act
B) Medicare Modernization Act
C) Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
D) Drug Quality and Security Act
Correct Answer: C) Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
OBRA 90 mandated that pharmacists perform prospective drug use review and patient counseling for Medicaid recipients. It also led many states to implement requirements for technician certification and training to ensure safe and effective pharmacy operations.
Tip: OBRA 90 is a cornerstone law in modern pharmacy practice and frequently appears on certification exams.
Question 7
A prescription reads: “Lisinopril 10 mg #30, Sig: 1 tab PO daily.” How many days will the supply last?
A) 10 days
B) 20 days
C) 30 days
D) 60 days
Correct Answer: C) 30 days
The quantity dispensed is 30 tablets and the directions indicate one tablet by mouth daily. Therefore, the supply will last 30 days.
Tip: Always double check the sig and quantity to ensure accuracy when verifying prescriptions or entering data into the system.
Question 8
Which of the following is an example of a look alike sound alike LASA medication pair?
A) Ativan and Xanax
B) Zyrtec and Claritin
C) Hydroxyzine and Hydralazine
D) Prozac and Paxil
Correct Answer: C) Hydroxyzine and Hydralazine
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used for anxiety and itching while hydralazine is a vasodilator used to treat hypertension. Their names are visually and phonetically similar, increasing the risk of dispensing errors. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices ISMP maintains a list of LASA pairs to promote safer prescribing and dispensing.
Tip: Tall man lettering such as HYDROXYZINE and HYDRAlazine helps differentiate these drugs in electronic systems.
Question 9
What is the maximum allowable deviation when preparing a compounded sterile preparation under USP 797?
A) ±5%
B) ±10%
C) ±15%
D) No deviation allowed
Correct Answer: A) ±5%
USP General Chapter 797 outlines standards for compounding sterile preparations CSPs. It specifies that the final weight or volume of a CSP must be within ±5% of the intended amount to ensure potency and safety.
Tip: Accuracy, sterility and proper documentation are critical when compounding sterile products.
Question 10
Which organization administers the PTCE?
A) NABP
B) PTCB
C) ASHP
D) ACPE
Correct Answer: B) PTCB
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board PTCB is the organization that develops and administers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Passing this exam earns the individual the Certified Pharmacy Technician CPhT credential.
Tip: Some states accept both PTCB and ExCPT exams but PTCB is the most widely recognized.
Question 11
Which schedule includes medications with no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse?
A) Schedule II
B) Schedule III
C) Schedule IV
D) Schedule I
Correct Answer: D) Schedule I
Schedule I drugs have no currently accepted medical use in the United States and a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD and marijuana although some states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use.
Tip: Schedule II through V have decreasing levels of abuse potential and increasing medical acceptance.
Question 12
What does the acronym TALL man lettering refer to?
A) A method for highlighting look alike sound alike drug names
B) A labeling system for hazardous drugs
C) A protocol for handling expired medications
D) A technique for calculating body surface area
Correct Answer: A) A method for highlighting look alike sound alike drug names
TALL man lettering uses uppercase letters to emphasize differences in similar drug names such as predniSONE and predniSOLONE. This strategy helps reduce medication errors in prescribing, dispensing and administration.
Tip: Many electronic health records and pharmacy software systems use TALL man lettering as a built in safety feature.
Question 13
Which of the following vaccines is recommended to be stored frozen?
A) Influenza
B) MMR
C) Varicella
D) Hepatitis B
Correct Answer: C) Varicella
The varicella vaccine must be stored frozen at temperatures between 58°F and 4°F 20°C to 25°C. Most other vaccines including MMR, hepatitis B and influenza are stored refrigerated not frozen.
Tip: Improper storage can render vaccines ineffective. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for handling and temperature control.
Question 14
What is the primary function of a laminar airflow workbench in sterile compounding?
A) To sterilize equipment
B) To provide a particle free workspace
C) To measure exact volumes
D) To mix hazardous drugs
Correct Answer: B) To provide a particle free workspace
A laminar airflow workbench HEPA filters air to create a clean zone free of particulates and microorganisms. This ensures the sterility of compounded sterile preparations during preparation.
Tip: Vertical flow hoods are typically used for non hazardous drugs while horizontal flow hoods may be used depending on facility design.
Question 15
Which reference source is commonly used to check for drug interactions?
A) Orange Book
B) Red Book
C) Martindale
D) Micromedex
Correct Answer: D) Micromedex
Micromedex is a comprehensive clinical decision support tool that includes detailed information on drug interactions, contraindications, dosing and toxicology. It is widely used in hospitals and pharmacies for patient safety checks.
Tip: Other useful resources include Lexicomp, Clinical Pharmacology and Epocrates.
Question 16
What is the brand name for duloxetine?
A) Cymbalta
B) Effexor
C) Pristiq
D) Paxil
Correct Answer: A) Cymbalta
Duloxetine is marketed under the brand name Cymbalta. It is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor SNRI used to treat depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Tip: Knowing common brand generic pairs is crucial for accurate dispensing and patient counseling.
Question 17
Which form must be completed when a controlled substance is lost or stolen?
A) DEA Form 106
B) DEA Form 222
C) DEA Form 41
D) DEA Form 82
Correct Answer: A) DEA Form 106
DEA Form 106 is used to report the loss or theft of controlled substances. It must be submitted to the nearest DEA field office as soon as possible after discovery of the incident.
Tip: Prompt reporting helps prevent investigations and demonstrates compliance with federal regulations.
Question 18
What is the minimum age to purchase pseudoephedrine without a prescription?
A) 16 years
B) 18 years
C) 21 years
D) No age restriction
Correct Answer: B) 18 years
Under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase pseudoephedrine containing products. They must also show photo ID and sign a logbook recording the transaction.
Tip: Daily and monthly purchase limits apply to prevent diversion for illicit drug production.
Question 19
Which of the following is a biosimilar medication?
A) Humira
B) Adalimumab
C) Hyrimoz
D) Enbrel
Correct Answer: C) Hyrimoz
Hyrimoz is a biosimilar to Humira adalimumab. Biosimilars are highly similar to an already approved biologic reference product but not identical. They offer comparable safety and efficacy at potentially lower cost.
Tip: Unlike generics, biosimilars undergo extensive testing to demonstrate similarity to the originator biologic.
Question 20
What is the appropriate route of administration for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets?
A) Swallow with water
B) Chew and swallow
C) Place under the tongue
D) Apply to the skin
Correct Answer: C) Place under the tongue
Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets are placed under the tongue where they dissolve and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This allows for rapid onset of action during an angina attack.
Tip: Patients should sit down when taking nitroglycerin to prevent dizziness or fainting due to sudden drop in blood pressure.
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This free PTCE practice exam offers a solid foundation for your certification preparation. Each question reflects the depth and style of the actual test and the explanations help turn practice into real learning.
To maximize your success, review any incorrect answers carefully, revisit weak areas and continue practicing with timed exams to build endurance and accuracy.
For even more realistic prep, explore additional full length practice tests and performance tracking tools available through trusted platforms like PokerExams, designed specifically to mirror the latest PTCB exam format.
Keep studying stay focused and remember,every question you master brings you one step closer to becoming a certified pharmacy technician.