What changed for 2026
- Removed: nonsterile compounding, alligations and the narrow therapeutic index (NTI) knowledge area.
- Added: a knowledge area on the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), FDA product serialization and tracing.
- Same: the four domains and the total test length, 90 questions (80 scored).
- Weight moved from Medications and Patient Safety toward Federal Requirements and Order Entry.
If your study book was written for the old outline, skip its compounding and alligation chapters. Full format details are in what's on the PTCE.
The 2026 outline, area by area
| Domain | Knowledge areas |
|---|---|
| Medications (35%) | Generic and brand names and classes; therapeutic duplications; drug interactions and contraindications; strengths, dosage forms, routes and duration; side effects, adverse effects and allergies; indications; drug stability; proper storage |
| Patient Safety and QA (23.75%) | High-alert and look-alike/sound-alike drugs; error prevention strategies; issues that need pharmacist intervention; event reporting; types of prescription errors; infection prevention and cleaning |
| Order Entry and Processing (22.5%) | Calculations, conversions, Sig codes and abbreviations; equipment and supplies for administration; lot numbers, expiration dates and NDC; returns of dispensable, non-dispensable and expired items |
| Federal Requirements (18.75%) | Hazardous and non-hazardous substances; controlled substance prescriptions and DEA schedules; controlled substance receiving, dispensing, take-back, loss and destruction; restricted drug programs; FDA recalls; DSCSA serialization and tracing |
The free official documents to study from
- The PTCE Content Outline: the official list of domains and knowledge areas, effective January 6, 2026.
- The CPhT Knowledge Reference: PTCB's statement of the knowledge expected of a certified pharmacy technician.
Both are free PDFs from PTCB. PTCB doesn't endorse any review course, manual or book, so treat the outline as your checklist.
A 6 week PTCE study plan
- Week 1: baseline. A timed practice set across all four domains. Write down your weakest knowledge areas.
- Weeks 2 to 3: Medications. Brand and generic names, classes, interactions, indications and storage. It's 35% of the exam.
- Week 4: Patient Safety and Order Entry. Look-alike/sound-alike drugs, error types, calculations, Sig codes, NDC and lot numbers.
- Week 5: Federal Requirements. DEA schedules, controlled substance handling, recalls, REMS and the new DSCSA area.
- Week 6: readiness. Full timed practice at exam pace: 90 questions in 1 hour 50 minutes. Book when you're consistently safe.
Know you're ready for the PTCE before you book your date
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Start preparing for the PTCEPTCE FAQ
Is there a free PTCB study guide?
PTCB publishes the PTCE content outline and the CPhT Knowledge Reference as free PDFs. Use the outline as your checklist.
What are the major changes to the PTCB exam in 2026?
Nonsterile compounding, alligations and narrow therapeutic index drugs were removed, a DSCSA knowledge area was added, and weight shifted toward Federal Requirements and Order Entry.
Is math still on the PTCE in 2026?
Yes. Calculations and conversions are in Order Entry and Processing. Alligations were removed.
How many questions are on the PTCE?
90 multiple-choice questions, 80 scored and 10 unscored, in a 1 hour 50 minute exam.
Can I use an old PTCB study book?
Yes for most topics, but skip compounding and alligation chapters and add the DSCSA area, which old books don't cover.