PCT (AMT) - Patient Care Technician
- Cost $150
- Renews yearly
- Recertify every 3 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) certification validates the knowledge and skills of patient care technicians. American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers the PCT exam.
Completion Time: Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the CMLA exam
Cost
Initial testing fee: $150
Retest fee: $110
Course Format
Exam Format
The PCT exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the exam with a minimum passing scaled score of 70. PCT exam topics include:
Allied Health Foundations (76 questions/38%)
Personal Patient Assistance and Care (42 questions/21%)
Clinical Procedures (67 questions/33.5%)
Clinical Patient Environment (15 questions/7.5%)
Test Dates
Applicants can register to take the exam anytime Monday through Saturday based on availability at their selected Pearson VUE Testing Center.
Test Results
Test results appear on the computer screen after test completion. AMT also mails a detailed score report to examinees.
Applicants register for the exam after receiving an Authorization to Test (ATT) from AMT.
Create an account or log in to Pearson VUE
Enter the AMT Candidate ID and first and last name
Locate a Pearson VUE testing center
Select a date and time
Applicants can also schedule the exam by calling Pearson VUE at 888-846-6941.
Exam Day Instructions
Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before exam time
Bring 2 forms of approved ID
Store personal items in provided lockers
Food and drinks aren’t allowed in the testing room
Certification
Eligibility
To be eligible to take the PCT exam, applicants must meet all the requirements within one of 4 pathways:
PCT Education Pathway
Graduated from (or scheduled to graduate from) a patient care technician program within the last 4 years
Provide a copy of official transcripts
Have at least 6 months of full-time experience as a PCT within the last 3 years, if graduated more than 4 years ago
Medical/Nursing Assistant Education Pathway
Graduated from (or scheduled to graduate from) a Medical/Nursing Assistant program within the last 4 years
Completion of supplementary training in patient care competencies or experience as a PCT
Provide a copy of official transcripts
Have at least 6 months of full-time experience as a PCT within the last 3 years, if graduated more than 4 years ago
Experience Pathway
Worked at least 1 year as a full-time or part-time equivalent patient care technician within the last 3 years
Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED
Instructor Pathway
Graduated from a patient care technician program or another related healthcare program with the relevant PCT competencies
Worked at least 1 year as an instructor of a patient care technician program or related program within the last 3 years
Allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing. AMT issues an Authorization to Test (ATT) upon approval.
Renewal
Patient Care Technicians (PCT) must renew every 3 years. The annual renewal fee is $75. These certificants need 10 CCP points per year, totaling 30 points in 3 years.
Continuing Education
To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:
Hold a current, active PCT certification from the AMT
Complete 30 CCPs
Pay renewal fee
Part of the renewal process requires 30 CCP points. Qualifying activities include:
Professional Education (no maximum)
Formal Education (45 points maximum)
Authorship of Scholarly Works (no maximum)
Instructional Presentations (no maximum)
Organizational Participation (9 points maximum)
For full information, refer to the Qualified CCP activities. Applicants can track their CCP points on AMTs online portal, AMTrax.
Other Resources
AMT provides several resources to help prepare for the PCT exam, including:
Related Certifications
The AMT also offers the following certifications:
Frequently asked questions
Can I earn a AMT Patient Care Technician (PCT) online?
No, you can't earn a AMT Patient Care Technician (PCT) online.
What organization offers the Patient Care Technician (PCT)?
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers the Patient Care Technician (PCT).
What other certifications does the AMT offer besides the Patient Care Technician (PCT)?
The AMT also offers the following certifications:
Can I take the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam at home?
No, applicants can’t take the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam at home via Live Remote Proctoring. You must take it at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Can I take a break during the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam?
Yes, Pearson VUE allows breaks during the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam, but the testing center doesn’t grant extra exam time.
Can I reschedule the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam?
Yes, you can reschedule the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam free of charge by contacting Pearson VUE no later than 1 business day before your exam date.
How far in advance must I notify Pearson VUE to cancel the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam?
You may cancel the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam free of charge if you contact Pearson VUE at least 1 business day from your exam date. If canceled within 1 business day, you forfeit your testing fee and must pay a retesting fee to take the exam.
Does AMT offer a practice exam for the Patient Care Technician (PCT)?
No, there’s no practice exam for the Patient Care Technician (PCT), but AMT offers a course content outline and a reference list to prepare for the exam.
What if I fail the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam?
If you fail the Patient Care Technician (PCT) exam, you can retake the exam 45 days after the previous attempt after paying the $110 retesting fee. You can’t retake the exam if you fail it more than 4 times.