About this test
PTCB Practice Test 2 is the second 20-question mini exam in our numbered series. Like Test 1, it keeps the exact domain proportions of the official 2026 PTCE content outline, but it draws from a separate question set, so if you have already taken Test 1 this is 20 genuinely new questions.
Every answer includes a source-cited explanation. Take Test 1 and Test 2 back to back for a 40-question spread across the bank with no repeats.
New to the material? Work through our 2026 PTCB study guide first, then reinforce it with PTCB Practice Test 1 and the full PTCB practice test.
What's in the question bank
| Topic | Questions in bank |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | 4 |
| Lasa | 2 |
| High Alert | 2 |
| Sig Codes | 2 |
| Brand Generic | 1 |
| Indication | 1 |
| Ndc | 1 |
| Expiration | 1 |
Sample questions with answers
These 8 questions come straight from the 32-question bank the timed test above draws from. Work each one before you open the answer: recalling it cold is what moves it into long-term memory.
1. To which drug class does metformin belong?
- A.Biguanides
- B.Sulfonylureas
- C.Thiazolidinediones
- D.DPP-4 inhibitors
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Biguanides
Metformin is the only biguanide in common use and is the usual first-line oral agent for type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas such as glipizide work by stimulating insulin release, a different mechanism, so they are a separate class.
2. Which segment of the National Drug Code is assigned directly by the FDA rather than by the drug company?
- A.The labeler code
- B.The product code
- C.The package code
- D.Both the product and package codes
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. The labeler code
The FDA assigns the first segment, the labeler code, to any firm that manufactures, repacks, relabels, or distributes the drug under its own name. The product and package codes are assigned by the firm itself, so options naming those segments are incorrect.
3. A pharmacist can supply only 40 of the 90 oxycodone tablets written on a valid Schedule II prescription because of a stock shortage. Under federal law, within what period must the remaining tablets be dispensed?
- A.Within 72 hours of the first partial filling
- B.Within 7 days of the first partial filling
- C.Within 30 days of the first partial filling
- D.Within 6 months of the issue date
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Within 72 hours of the first partial filling
When a pharmacist is unable to supply the full quantity of a Schedule II prescription, 21 CFR 1306.13(a) allows a partial fill with the remainder dispensed within 72 hours of the first partial filling. If the balance cannot be supplied within 72 hours, the pharmacist must notify the prescriber, and no further quantity may be dispensed without a new prescription.
4. According to the ISMP List of Confused Drug Names, the antihistamine hydrOXYzine is commonly confused with which medication?
- A.hydrALAZINE
- B.hydrocortisone
- C.Hyzaar
- D.Hycamtin
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. hydrALAZINE
HydrOXYzine and the blood pressure medication hydrALAZINE are a documented pair on ISMP's confused drug names list. Tall man letters capitalize the differing middle letters to help staff tell them apart. A mix-up can cause unexpected sedation or leave hypertension untreated.
5. A prescription for prednisone 10 mg reads "ss tab PO QAM." What dose should the patient take?
- A.One tablet every morning
- B.One-half tablet every morning
- C.Two tablets every other morning
- D.One-half tablet every evening
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. One-half tablet every morning
The apothecary abbreviation ss means one-half, so the patient takes half of a 10 mg tablet (5 mg) each dose. QAM indicates the dose is taken every morning, not in the evening (QPM) or on alternating days.
6. Cozaar is a brand name for which generic medication?
- A.Valsartan
- B.Candesartan
- C.Losartan
- D.Olmesartan
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Losartan
Cozaar is the brand name for losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used for high blood pressure. Valsartan, candesartan, and olmesartan are also ARBs, but each is marketed under its own separate brand name.
7. According to the FDA, what does the expiration date printed on a manufactured drug product actually represent?
- A.The date after which the drug becomes immediately toxic
- B.The period during which the drug is known to remain stable, retaining its strength, quality, and purity under labeled storage conditions
- C.The last date the pharmacy may legally purchase the product
- D.A marketing date chosen by the wholesaler
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The period during which the drug is known to remain stable, retaining its strength, quality, and purity under labeled storage conditions
Expiration dates reflect the time period during which the product is known to remain stable when stored as labeled, supported by stability testing submitted to the FDA. Drugs do not automatically become poisonous at expiration; the concern is loss of strength and possible degradation products, so the toxicity option overstates it.
8. Under 21 CFR 1306.05, which of the following is NOT federally required on a controlled substance prescription?
- A.The full name and address of the patient
- B.The patient's date of birth
- C.The drug name, strength, dosage form, and quantity prescribed
- D.The name, address, and DEA registration number of the practitioner
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The patient's date of birth
Federal law requires a controlled substance prescription to be dated and signed on the day issued and to include the patient's full name and address, the drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity prescribed, directions for use, and the practitioner's name, address, and DEA registration number. A patient date of birth is not among the elements listed in 21 CFR 1306.05, although states or insurers may require it.
Ready for the full timed run? Scroll back up and start the Practice Test 2, or browse every free PTCB quiz by exam domain.
Key concepts to know
Build a streak across the series
The numbered tests are designed to be taken in sequence. Non-overlapping sets mean each one adds new coverage rather than re-testing what you just saw, which is a more efficient way to work through the bank.
Read every explanation
Even on questions you get right, read the cited explanation. On the PTCE, the difference between two plausible answers is often a single detail, and the explanations are where those details live.
Practice Test 2: FAQ
Do I need to take Test 1 before Test 2?
No, you can take them in any order. They draw from separate sets, so neither repeats the other regardless of the order you take them in.
How many numbered practice tests are there?
We are rolling out a full numbered series. Start with Test 1 and Test 2, and pair them with the full 90-question exam for complete practice.
Official sources checked
This quiz's content and explanations are built from and cross-checked against primary sources. Verify current exam facts directly with PTCB.