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The PTCE Exam is offered by the PTCB after completing a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training program. You can also become eligible to take the PTCE by completing at least 500 hours of work as a pharmacy technician, allowing experienced pharmacy techs to take the test.
The PTCE is updated on a regular basis to ensure current with changes in the pharmacy technician practice. It requires a minimum score to pass as determined by a panel of industry experts.
In order to prepare for the PTCE, the PTCB has made two resources available including a content outline and reference list.
In addition, they offer an official PTCE practice exam through Pearson VUE and additional Calculation Questions through the Pocket Prep app that will be discussed in more detail below.
Best App
Pocket Prep
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for online PTCB exam prep, then Pocket Prep is one of your go-to options. They have a large list of PTCE practice exam questions that cover 4 different content areas and have helped more than 175K users.
You will find separate sections for PTCE Calculation questions and standard PTCE questions. This includes 138 calculation practice questions that have been used on previous exams and have detailed explanations. In addition, there are 800 standard PTCE practice exam questions covering the different sections of the test.
These sections include:
As with most of the Pocket Prep products, the PTCE test prep app gives you the ability to track progress. You will also see the specific areas where you need improvement and need to focus your efforts.
Best Short Courses
Study.com
Pros
Cons
No study guide
The Study.com guide for the PTCE is composed of both written and video components that cover all topics on the exam.
Study.com provides 13 different chapters of material each with multiple lessons covering topics from basic terminology to drug interactions, inventory management, and more. Each of these lessons contains a quiz allowing you to gauge your understanding of each subject area on the PTCE exam.
Best Study Guide/Practice Tests
Peterson’s
Pros
Cons
Peterson’s offers both a study guide and online component to help your prep for the PTCE. While most of Peterson’s products are focused on the online piece, they offer a physical study guide you can purchase for PTCE prep.
You will find PTCE practice exam questions in the study guide and additionally will have access to more practice questions online after purchasing the book component.
Preparing for the PTCE exam can be stressful, but there are options out there to help. Most of these products are going to provide practice test questions and some short lessons to help improve your test score.
Whether you are looking for an app that allows you to study on-the-go or a traditional study guide, you can easily find a solution that fits your needs. Just remember that by taking the PTCE and getting a certification, you greatly increase your credentials and chances of getting a great Pharmacy Technician job.