PTCB EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES 2026
1. Which dosage form is designed to release medication slowly over
time?
A. Immediate-release tablet
B. Enteric-coated tablet
C. Extended-release tablet
D. Sublingual tablet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Extended-release formulations release medication gradually to
maintain therapeutic levels and reduce dosing frequency.
2. A prescription written for a Schedule II medication must include
which element?
A. Refills authorized
B. Prescriber’s DEA number
C. Diagnosis code
D. Patient’s insurance information
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Schedule II prescriptions require the prescriber’s DEA number and do
not allow refills.
3. Which route of administration bypasses first-pass metabolism?
A. Oral B. Rectal C. Sublingual D. Enteral
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sublingual medications are absorbed directly into systemic circulation,
bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism.
,4. What is the primary purpose of a tall man letter?
A. Improve patient counseling
B. Reduce look-alike/sound-alike medication errors
C. Identify high-alert medications
D. Indicate controlled substances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tall man lettering highlights differences in similar drug names to
prevent errors.
5. Which auxiliary label is appropriate for tetracycline?
A. Take with milk
B. Avoid sunlight
C. Take on a full stomach
D. May cause drowsiness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tetracycline can cause photosensitivity; patients should avoid
excessive sunlight.
6. What schedule classification has the highest potential for abuse?
A. Schedule I
B. Schedule II
C. Schedule III
D. Schedule IV
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use and the highest
abuse potential.
7. Which measurement equals 1 teaspoon?
,A. 2.5 mL
B. 5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 15 mL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One teaspoon is equivalent to 5 mL.
8. A medication that lowers blood glucose levels is classified as a(n):
A. Antipyretic
B. Analgesic
C. Hypoglycemic
D. Antihypertensive
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoglycemic agents reduce blood glucose levels.
9. What is the primary role of a pharmacy technician during
medication reconciliation?
A. Diagnose conditions
B. Prescribe medications
C. Collect and verify medication histories
D. Adjust medication doses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Technicians assist by gathering accurate medication histories for
pharmacist review.
10. Which organization sets standards for pharmacy practice
accreditation?
A. FDA B. DEA C. USP D. The Joint Commission
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Joint Commission accredits healthcare organizations and sets
safety standards.
11. What does USP <797> primarily address?
A. Hazardous drugs
B. Nonsterile compounding
C. Sterile compounding
D. Controlled substances
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: USP <797> provides standards for sterile compounding practices.
12. Which insulin has the fastest onset of action?
A. Regular insulin
B. NPH insulin
C. Insulin lispro
D. Insulin glargine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with fast onset.
13. A medication expiration date indicates:
A. The date it becomes toxic
B. The last day it is guaranteed full potency
C. The date it should be discarded if unopened
D. The manufacturing date
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Expiration dates indicate guaranteed potency when stored properly.
WITH RATIONALES 2026
1. Which dosage form is designed to release medication slowly over
time?
A. Immediate-release tablet
B. Enteric-coated tablet
C. Extended-release tablet
D. Sublingual tablet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Extended-release formulations release medication gradually to
maintain therapeutic levels and reduce dosing frequency.
2. A prescription written for a Schedule II medication must include
which element?
A. Refills authorized
B. Prescriber’s DEA number
C. Diagnosis code
D. Patient’s insurance information
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Schedule II prescriptions require the prescriber’s DEA number and do
not allow refills.
3. Which route of administration bypasses first-pass metabolism?
A. Oral B. Rectal C. Sublingual D. Enteral
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sublingual medications are absorbed directly into systemic circulation,
bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism.
,4. What is the primary purpose of a tall man letter?
A. Improve patient counseling
B. Reduce look-alike/sound-alike medication errors
C. Identify high-alert medications
D. Indicate controlled substances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tall man lettering highlights differences in similar drug names to
prevent errors.
5. Which auxiliary label is appropriate for tetracycline?
A. Take with milk
B. Avoid sunlight
C. Take on a full stomach
D. May cause drowsiness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tetracycline can cause photosensitivity; patients should avoid
excessive sunlight.
6. What schedule classification has the highest potential for abuse?
A. Schedule I
B. Schedule II
C. Schedule III
D. Schedule IV
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use and the highest
abuse potential.
7. Which measurement equals 1 teaspoon?
,A. 2.5 mL
B. 5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 15 mL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One teaspoon is equivalent to 5 mL.
8. A medication that lowers blood glucose levels is classified as a(n):
A. Antipyretic
B. Analgesic
C. Hypoglycemic
D. Antihypertensive
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoglycemic agents reduce blood glucose levels.
9. What is the primary role of a pharmacy technician during
medication reconciliation?
A. Diagnose conditions
B. Prescribe medications
C. Collect and verify medication histories
D. Adjust medication doses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Technicians assist by gathering accurate medication histories for
pharmacist review.
10. Which organization sets standards for pharmacy practice
accreditation?
A. FDA B. DEA C. USP D. The Joint Commission
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Joint Commission accredits healthcare organizations and sets
safety standards.
11. What does USP <797> primarily address?
A. Hazardous drugs
B. Nonsterile compounding
C. Sterile compounding
D. Controlled substances
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: USP <797> provides standards for sterile compounding practices.
12. Which insulin has the fastest onset of action?
A. Regular insulin
B. NPH insulin
C. Insulin lispro
D. Insulin glargine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with fast onset.
13. A medication expiration date indicates:
A. The date it becomes toxic
B. The last day it is guaranteed full potency
C. The date it should be discarded if unopened
D. The manufacturing date
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Expiration dates indicate guaranteed potency when stored properly.
