PTCB vs ExCPT: Which Exam Should You Take?
Updated
There are two national exams that certify pharmacy technicians in the US: the PTCE from PTCB and the ExCPT from NHA. Both earn the same CPhT credential and are accepted in all 50 states, so the choice comes down to details. This is a neutral, side-by-side comparison built from PTCB and NHA sources. Deciding your whole path? See how to become a pharmacy technician.
Quick answer
Both exams lead to the same CPhT credential and both are accepted everywhere. The PTCE (90 questions, $129) is required or preferred by more employers and has the most study resources. The ExCPT (100 questions, $125) is a valid alternative, especially if your employer or program specifies it. Check your state's requirements first, since both are accepted but your employer may prefer one.
PTCE vs ExCPT: side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | PTCE (PTCB) | ExCPT (NHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Offered by | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| Exam name | PTCE | ExCPT |
| Credential earned | CPhT | CPhT |
| Questions | 90 (80 scored) | 100 |
| Time limit | 2 hours (1 hour 50 minutes exam + 5 min tutorial + 5 min survey) | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Cost | $129 | $125 |
| Passing score | 1400 of 1600 | 300 of 500 |
| Most recent pass rate | 69% (2025) | 63% (2023) |
| Retake policy | Up to 4 times without PTCB approval | Up to 2 times per calendar year |
| Testing centers | 1400+ Pearson Test Centers nationwide, including 100+ military bases | PSI testing centers, or live remote proctoring |
| Renewal | 20 hrs CE + $55 / 2 yrs | 20 hrs CE + $55 / 2 yrs |
| Accepted in all 50 states | Yes | Yes |
The main difference: focus
The exams weight topics differently. The PTCE leans heavily on medications, including dosage calculations, side effects, and controlled substances. The ExCPT focuses more on the duties of pharmacy technicians and their role in keeping patients safe. Both cover law, safety, and dispensing, so a solid study plan prepares you for either.
Who offers each exam
The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) was founded in 1995 and focuses solely on pharmacy technicians. It reports 313,556 active CPhTs as of 2025 and has granted more than 876,000 certifications since it began. The NHA (National Healthcareer Association) was founded in 1989 and is one of the largest allied-health certifying bodies in the US, certifying many roles beyond pharmacy (medical assistants, phlebotomy technicians, and more). Because NHA is a broad healthcare certifier and PTCB is pharmacy-specific, more pharmacy employers name PTCB by default, though both are accepted.
Eligibility: how to qualify for each
You must meet one pathway for the exam you choose.
PTCE (PTCB) pathways
- Complete PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program (or completion within 60 days of application)
- Equivalent work experience as a pharmacy technician (min. 500 hours, complete at time of application)
- Pharmacy degree (PharmD) accepted in lieu of recognized program
ExCPT (NHA) pathways
- HS diploma/GED (or scheduled within 60 days) AND completed pharmacy tech training/education program within last 5 years
- HS diploma/GED AND 1 year work experience with min. 1200 supervised pharmacy-related hours within last 3 years
- High school health science student pathway (see nhanow.com/secondary-educators)
What each exam covers
Both exams test medications, law, safety, and dispensing, but the emphasis differs. Here is what each publishes as its topic coverage:
| PTCE (PTCB) topics | ExCPT (NHA) topics |
|---|---|
|
|
Which is harder?
They are close. The most recent PTCE pass rate was 69% (2025) and the ExCPT's was 63% (2023). Both require answering roughly 80% of questions correctly. The PTCE has fewer questions (90 vs 100) but a slightly shorter time limit. Difficulty depends far more on your preparation than on which exam you pick.
Which should you take?
Choose based on three things, in order:
- What your employer or program requires. If they name one, take that one. Many employers specifically ask for PTCB certification.
- Where you will work. Both are accepted in all 50 states, but confirm your state requirements and any employer preference.
- Study resources. The PTCE has the widest set of free practice material, including our full test library.
This site focuses on the PTCE because it is the more commonly required exam, not because the ExCPT is inferior. If you take the PTCE, start with the free 90-question practice exam and drill the heaviest-weighted topics with the federal requirements quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PTCE or ExCPT better?
Neither is clearly better. Both earn the CPhT credential, are accepted by all state boards and most employers, and have similar cost, difficulty, and renewal. The PTCE is more widely required by employers and has more practice resources; the ExCPT is a valid alternative from NHA.
Do PTCB and ExCPT lead to the same certification?
Yes. Both the PTCE (from PTCB) and the ExCPT (from NHA) award the CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) credential.
Which exam is harder, PTCE or ExCPT?
They are comparable. The PTCE's most recent pass rate was 69% (2025); the ExCPT's was 63% (2023). Both require answering roughly 80% of questions correctly to pass.
How much does each exam cost?
The PTCE costs $129 and the ExCPT costs $125. Both renew every two years with 20 hours of continuing education and a $55 fee.
Official sources
- PTCB: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- PTCB: Credentials by the Numbers (pass rates)
- NHA: ExCPT / Certified Pharmacy Technician
- NHA Annual Pass Rates (PDF)
Confirm current exam facts with PTCB and NHA before you apply. PTCB Quiz Prep is an independent study resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by PTCB or NHA. See our editorial standards.