Both earn the CPhT credential. The PTCE is shorter (90 questions), costs $129 and is in person only. The ExCPT is longer (120 questions), can be taken online with live remote proctoring, and needs more work hours on its experience route. Pass rates: 69% (PTCE, 2025) vs 62.22% (ExCPT, 2024).
Updated October 2026
Published pass rates
PTCE (PTCB), 202569%
ExCPT (NHA), 202462.22%
Different years and methods; compare with care.
Side by side
PTCE (PTCB)
ExCPT (NHA)
Questions
90 (80 scored)
120 (100 scored)
Time
2 hours total appointment
2 hours 10 minutes
Passing score
1,400 on 1,000–1,600
390 on 200–500
Fee
$129
Listed in the NHA store
Pass rate
69% (2025)
62.22% (2024)
Work experience route
500 hours
1,200 hours within 1 year, in the last 3
Online proctoring
No, Pearson VUE centers only
Yes, live remote proctoring
Retakes
60 day wait for attempts 2 and 3, then 6 months, no limit
30 day wait, 3 attempts, then 1 year
Renewal
Every 2 years, 20 CE hours, $55
Every 2 years, 20 CE hours, $55
How to decide
Need to test from home? Only the ExCPT offers live remote proctoring.
Qualifying through work? The PTCE needs 500 hours; the ExCPT needs 1,200 hours within a year.
Your state or employer may name one. Check before you apply.
Know you're ready for the PTCE before you book your date
PassPulse is built to get you through the PTCE on your first attempt. Exam style questions on every topic, the math drilled until it's automatic, every answer explained. 15 minutes a day, on your phone.
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 The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change.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.