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How much does the PTCB exam cost?

Applying for CPhT certification and taking the PTCE costs $129. Each retake costs the same again, after a 60 day wait. Once certified, you recertify every 2 years for $55 with 20 hours of continuing education.

Updated October 2026
$129
PTCE application and examPTCB, 2026
$129every retake
60 dayswait to retake
$55recertification, 2 yrs

What failing costs

With a 69% pass rate in 2025, about 3 in 10 attempts failed. A retake means $129 again and a wait of at least 60 days. After two retakes the wait becomes 6 months.

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Keeping your CPhT

Recertify every two years: at least 20 CE hours, including 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 of patient safety, plus a $55 application fee.

PTCE FAQ

How much is the PTCB exam?

$129.

How much is PTCB recertification?

$55 every two years, with 20 CE hours.

Does PTCB charge for retakes?

Yes, each attempt is paid in full.

Free PTCB practice questions

More PTCE guides

Sources
  1. PTCB: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
  2. PTCB Guidebook: After the exam
  3. PTCB Guidebook: Maintaining PTCB certifications
  4. PTCB: Credentials by the numbers

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PassPulse is an independent exam preparation tool. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Exam, credential and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exams and materials described.

This page is for general information only. It is not official guidance from any certifying body, state agency or employer, and it is not legal, medical, career or financial advice. The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change. Practice questions, answers and explanations on PassPulse may also contain errors. Always confirm current requirements and facts directly with the certifying body, your state, your employer or the manufacturer's instructions before you register, apply or act on them. Pass rates and statistics describe past candidates and do not predict your result.
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