PTCB Practice Test 1 | Free Pharmacy Technician Exam

Take our PTCB Practice Test 1 questions Free to fully prepare for your Pharmacy Technician exam. Practice realistic questions, get detailed explanations and identify knowledge gaps.

This is the first of three free PTCB practice exams designed to boost your test readiness. Practice as many questions as possible to strengthen your knowledge. Each question comes with a detailed explanation to help you understand key concepts. Start your pharmacy technician exam preparation now with our interactive, online practice test and build confidence for exam day.

PTCB Practice Test 1

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Question 1
Which of the following is the correct storage requirement for insulin?
A
Room temperature, away from sunlight
B
Refrigerator, 36–46°F (2–8°C)
C
Freezer, below 32°F (0°C)
D
In a warm cabinet near a heater
Question 1 Explanation: 
Insulin must be stored in a refrigerator to maintain potency. Room temperature is only acceptable for short-term use, and freezing or heating can destroy the medication.
Question 2
A prescription reads: “Amoxicillin 500 mg, take 1 capsule TID x 10 days.” How many capsules should the patient receive?
A
30
B
20
C
10
D
15
Question 2 Explanation: 
TID means three times a day. Over 10 days, 3 × 10 = 30 capsules. Accurate calculation prevents under- or overdosing.
Question 3
Which DEA schedule includes drugs with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use?
A
Schedule IV
B
Schedule III
C
Schedule II
D
Schedule I
Question 3 Explanation: 
Schedule I drugs (e.g., heroin, LSD) are illegal for medical use. Schedule II–V have accepted medical uses but decreasing potential for abuse.
Question 4
A pharmacy technician notices two medications, Celebrex and Celexa, in a prescription tray. What should they do?
A
Dispense both without checking
B
Verify the prescription with the pharmacist
C
Choose the cheaper option
D
Call the patient directly
Question 4 Explanation: 
These drugs are look-alike, sound-alike (LASA). Verification prevents dangerous medication errors.
Question 5
Which of the following abbreviations indicates “twice daily”?
A
QD
B
TID
C
BID
D
QHS
Question 5 Explanation: 
BID = two times per day. QD = once daily, TID = three times per day, QHS = every night at bedtime.
Question 6
Which task is outside the pharmacy technician’s legal scope?
A
Counting tablets for a prescription
B
Providing patient counseling
C
Labeling medication
D
Maintaining inventory records
Question 6 Explanation: 
Technicians support pharmacists but cannot provide counseling. Only pharmacists can advise patients on medication use.
Question 7
A prescription for 0.25 g of a medication is available as 125 mg tablets. How many tablets should be dispensed?
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
Question 7 Explanation: 
0.25 g = 250 mg. Each tablet = 125 mg. 250 ÷ 125 = 2 tablets. Conversion accuracy is critical for patient safety.
Question 8
Which piece of information is not required on a controlled substance prescription?
A
Patient’s full name and address
B
Prescriber’s DEA number
C
Quantity prescribed
D
Patient’s insurance provider
Question 8 Explanation: 
Controlled substance prescriptions must include patient info, prescriber DEA, drug name, dosage, and quantity. Insurance details are not required.
Question 9
During sterile compounding, which technique is mandatory to prevent contamination?
A
Wearing casual clothes
B
Using a laminar airflow hood
C
Working near an open window
D
Skipping handwashing
Question 9 Explanation: 
Sterile compounding requires laminar airflow hoods, proper PPE, and aseptic technique to maintain medication safety.
Question 10
Which medication category is used to lower high blood pressure?
A
Analgesics
B
Antibiotics
C
Anticoagulants
D
Antihypertensives
Question 10 Explanation: 
Antihypertensives reduce blood pressure. Antibiotics treat infections, analgesics relieve pain, and anticoagulants prevent blood clots.
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