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PTCB passing score: what 1,400 means

PTCB reports PTCE results on a scaled score from 1,000 to 1,600, and 1,400 passes. Only 80 of the 90 questions count. You see an unofficial result on screen right after the exam; the official score report usually appears in your PTCB account within three weeks.

Updated October 2026

How the PTCE is scored

Correct answers on the 80 scored questions are converted to a scaled score so that different exam forms hold the same standard. The 10 unscored questions are placed at random and not identified. 1,400 on a 1,000 to 1,600 scale is not a percentage.

Results

An unofficial pass or fail appears on screen when you finish. The official score report is typically in your PTCB account within three weeks.

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Below 1,400

Wait 60 days for attempts 2 and 3, then 6 months. No attempt limit, but after 4 attempts you submit proof of preparation. Read is the PTCB exam hard.

PTCE FAQ

What is the passing score for the PTCB exam?

1,400 on a scaled score from 1,000 to 1,600.

What percentage do you need to pass the PTCB?

PTCB doesn't use a percentage. The passing mark is a scaled 1,400.

How long does it take to get PTCB results?

Unofficial results appear right after the exam; the official report usually within three weeks.

Free PTCB practice questions

More PTCE guides

Sources
  1. PTCB: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
  2. PTCB Guidebook: After the exam
  3. 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 The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change.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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