Q: What is the passing grade for the PTCE exam?
A: The PTCE uses a scaled scoring system, and the passing scaled score is 1400. You must achieve a score of at least 1400 to pass and earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
Q: Why is it a scaled score and not a percentage?
A: The PTCE is a computerized adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. To ensure fairness across different test versions, your raw score (number correct) is converted to a scaled score. A score of 1400 represents the minimum competency standard set by the PTCB, regardless of which specific set of questions you received.
Q: What percentage of questions do I need to get right to score a 1400?
A: There is no fixed percentage. Because the test adapts, two candidates who both pass could answer a different number of questions correctly. The PTCB does not publish a raw-to-scale conversion chart. Your goal should be to demonstrate consistent competency across all four exam domains.
Q: What are the four domains of the PTCE?
A: The exam content is weighted as follows:
- Medications: 33.5%
- Federal Requirements: 22.5%
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance: 22.5%
- Order Entry and Processing: 21.5%
Q: How will I know if I passed?
A: You will receive a preliminary pass/fail result at the test center immediately after completing the exam. Your official score report, available in your PTCB account within 2-3 weeks, will confirm your result and provide your exact scaled score (between 1000 and 1600) and a performance breakdown by domain.
Q: What is the best strategy to ensure I reach the 1400 passing score?
A:
- Study All Domains Comprehensively: Do not neglect any section, as weakness in one area can pull down your overall score.
- Use High-Quality Practice Tests: Take full-length, timed practice exams that provide a scaled score estimate. This is the best way to gauge your readiness.
- Focus on Your Weak Areas: Use your practice test results to identify and intensively review topics where you are underperforming.
- Prepare for the Adaptive Format: Be mentally ready for the test to feel challenging throughout; this often indicates you are performing well.
For a targeted study plan designed to help you master all PTCE domains and confidently achieve a passing score, explore the resources at certilyst.com.