Q: What is a passing score on the PTCE?
A: The passing score for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), is 1400 on a scaled score range of 1000 to 1600. This is a fixed, non-negotiable benchmark set by the PTCB.
Q: How is the PTCE score calculated? Is it a percentage?
A: No, your score is not a percentage of correct answers. The PTCB uses a complex scaling process:
- Raw Score: This is the number of questions you answer correctly out of the 90 scored questions.
- Scaled Score: Your raw score is converted to the official scaled score (1000-1600) through a statistical equating process. This accounts for slight difficulty variations across different versions of the exam, ensuring fairness. You need a scaled score of 1400 or higher to pass.
Q: How many questions do I need to get right to score a 1400?
A: There is no public or fixed number. Because the scaling is proprietary and adjusts per exam form, the PTCB does not publish a raw-to-scale conversion chart. The number of correct answers needed to reach a scaled score of 1400 can vary slightly from one test administration to another.
Q: What does a score report show if I pass or fail?
A: All candidates receive a detailed score report.
- If You Pass: Your report will show your scaled score (1400-1600) and confirm your certification. It will not show a "grade" or the number of questions missed.
- If You Do Not Pass: Your report will show your scaled score (below 1400) and include a performance breakdown by exam content area (e.g., Medications, Federal Requirements, Patient Safety). This helps you identify weak areas to study before a retake.
Q: What is the best strategy to ensure I pass with a 1400+ score?
A:
- Aim for Mastery, Not a Minimum: Study to understand the material thoroughly, not to guess the minimum number of correct answers needed.
- Use PTCB-Approved Resources: Study materials that are aligned with the current PTCE content outline, available on the PTCB website.
- Take Full-Length Practice Exams: Simulate the real testing experience to build stamina and identify your consistent raw score performance on quality practice tests.
Q: What happens after I pass?
A: Upon passing, you earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. You must then maintain it by completing 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including at least 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety.
For structured guidance on preparing for professional certification exams like the PTCE, you can explore resources at certilyst.com.