United States
Hong KongWhat does it cost?
The application and examination fee is USD 129 and it covers the Pearson VUE seat. A retake is a fresh application at the same fee.
A low fee, and the number that surrounds it varies enormously.
The fee
- Application and exam
- USD 129
- Includes
- The Pearson VUE seat
- Retake
- USD 129, a fresh application
- Recertification
- Every two years, on continuing education
What else you might pay
A PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program, if you cannot use the 500-hour work experience route. That is a separate purchase and usually the largest line by far.
PTCB accepts a minimum of 500 hours of equivalent work experience, complete at application, with a supervisor attestation. That is roughly three months full-time. Candidates who pay for a program without checking whether they already qualify are the ones who overspend on this credential.
Preparation
Optional. The content outline and the federal regulations behind Federal Requirements are free, so a question bank is the only purchase most candidates need.
Verify the fee
PTCB has changed it before. Read the current figure on the PTCB certification page rather than trusting any third party, including this one.
Where candidates overspend
On a training program they did not need. The 500-hour work experience route is free, and roughly three months of full-time work satisfies it, so many working technicians are already eligible without knowing it.
Checking that before enrolling anywhere is the single largest saving available on this credential.
And where they underspend
On a current question bank. A stale free one is not a saving if it costs an attempt, because a retake is another USD 129 and a waiting period.
Common questions
How much does the PTCB exam cost?
USD 129 for the application and exam, including the Pearson VUE seat.
Is a retake cheaper?
No, it is a fresh application at the same fee.
What else might I pay?
A recognized training program, if you cannot use the 500-hour work experience route.
Do I have to buy prep materials?
No. The outline and the federal regulations are free.
Should I trust a quoted fee?
Check PTCB directly. It has changed before.