NHA ExCPT Exam Passing Score Percentage 2026

The ExCPT passing score is a scaled score of 390 out of 500. Scoring 390 or higher means you pass the exam, which tests pharmacy technician knowledge in laws, medication dispensing, and drug therapy for entry-level certification.

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ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam — Passing Score, Questions, Retakes & Tips
Exam: ExCPT (NHA)
Credential: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Overview

The ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) is administered by the NHA. It evaluates pharmacy technician knowledge across laws, dispensing procedures, drug therapy basics, medication safety and calculations.

Exam Structure

Total questions

120 multiple-choice questions on the test form (of which 100 are scored, the rest are pretest/unscored items).

Time allowed

130 minutes (2 hours and 10 minutes) to complete the exam.

Scoring

Only the scored items count toward your pass/fail — the official pass cut is based on the scored items.

Question types

Multiple-choice; topics include laws & regulations, dispensing process, drug knowledge, calculations, medication safety.

Passing Score & Negative Marking

To pass the ExCPT you need a minimum score of 80 out of 100 scored questions — effectively an 80% threshold on the scored portion. There is no negative marking: incorrect answers are not penalized. Therefore attempt every question.

Score Calculator

Quickly compute how many correct answers you need for a target %, or calculate your percentage and pass/fail status.

Set the number of scored questions (default 100).
Enter the percent you'd like to reach (e.g., 80 for pass threshold).
Type how many questions you answered correctly to compute your percent and pass check.

Results will appear here after calculation.

Retakes & Attempt Limits

If you don't pass, you can retake the exam. Typical retake rules commonly followed are:

  • Allowed up to 3 attempts total before facing a longer wait.
  • Standard waiting period: about 30 days between attempts.
  • If still unsuccessful after three attempts, there may be a longer waiting period (commonly up to 12 months) before retrying.

Note: Always verify current policy with NHA or your testing registration materials as administrative policies can be updated.

How to Pass — Practical Study Plan & Tips ✔️

1
Know the weightings — focus on the highest-weight areas like the Dispensing Process (prescription entry, calculations, filling and labeling).
2
Practice calculations — pharmacy math is make-or-break. Learn conversions (mg ↔ mL, ratios, concentrations) and practice under timed conditions.
3
Use official test plan & practice tests — these mock questions mimic the real format and pacing.
4
Attempt every question — no negative marking. Make educated guesses rather than leaving blanks.
5
Make a revision schedule — short daily sessions (30–90 minutes) with weekly full-length practice under 130-minute timing.
6
Flashcards & mnemonics — especially for drug classes, common side effects and controlled substances rules.

How many questions should I attempt?

Attempt all 120 questions on the test form — because there is no penalty for wrong answers and you're trying to maximize correct scored items. Focus on accuracy for the 100 scored items, but never skip a question during the exam.

Final note

Aim for a comfortable safety margin above the pass line (target 85–90+ on scored items in practice) to allow for any uncertainty about which items are scored versus pretest. Good pacing, systematic review, and targeted practice are the fastest roads to pass.

Quick Snapshot

Total questions: 120 (100 scored)

Pass: 80 / 100 scored (80%)

Time: 130 minutes

Negative marking: No — guess all.

Download Checklist

Copy the checklist to your notes and use it to plan study sessions and mock exam dates.

FAQ ❓

  1. How many questions are on the ExCPT?

    There are 120 multiple-choice questions on the test form, but only 100 are scored. The remaining items are pretest/unscored.

  2. What is the passing score?

    The commonly stated pass threshold is 80 out of 100 scored questions (about 80%).

  3. Is there negative marking?

    No — there is no negative marking. Wrong answers do not subtract points, so attempt every question.

  4. How many questions should I attempt?

    Attempt all questions on the exam — guessing is better than leaving blanks because there's no penalty for wrong answers.

  5. Can I retake the exam? Is there a limit?

    Yes, you can retake. Typically candidates have up to around 3 attempts with about a 30-day wait between tries; after three failed attempts there may be a longer (commonly ~12 months) waiting period. Check your NHA candidate information for current rules.

  6. What are best tips to pass the ExCPT?

    Practice calculations, use official practice tests, focus on Dispensing Process, schedule timed full-length practice sessions, and review laws & common meds with flashcards.

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