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ExCPT test plan (2023 job analysis)
| Domain | Scored items |
|---|---|
| Role, Responsibilities, and General Duties of the Pharmacy Technician | 15 |
| Laws (regulations 9, controlled substances 6) | 15 |
| Drugs and Drug Therapy | 13 |
| Dispensing Process (incl. 7 calculations items) | 43 |
| Medication and Patient Safety and Quality Assurance | 14 |
ExCPT vs PTCE
| ExCPT (NHA) | PTCE (PTCB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 100 scored + 20 pretest | 80 scored + 10 unscored |
| Time | 2 hr 10 min | 1 hr 50 min |
| Passing | Scaled 390 (200-500) | Scaled 1400 (1000-1600) |
| Delivery | PSI test center or live remote proctoring | Pearson VUE test center |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, 20 CE hours | Every 2 years, 20 CE hours |
Prepare now
Most ExCPT content overlaps the PTCE: start with our free PTCB practice test, pharmacy math and pharmacy law. Both credentials are accepted by boards such as Texas and California.
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Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the ExCPT?
120: 100 scored and 20 unscored pretest questions, in 2 hours 10 minutes.
Is the ExCPT easier than the PTCB?
They cover similar content; the ExCPT weights the dispensing process more heavily (43 of 100 scored items).
Can I take the ExCPT at home?
Yes - NHA offers live remote proctoring as well as PSI test centers.
How many times can I retake the ExCPT?
NHA allows three attempts with at least 30 days between them; after a third failure you wait one year for each further attempt.
Sources
- NHA - ExCPT Test Plan (2023 job analysis) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NHA - Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NHA - Candidate Handbook (accessed 2026-09-23)