The Physical Therapist Test Guide

The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is the required licensure test for all American physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. It is developed and maintained by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The exams measure candidates’ competency to become entry-level practitioners.

More than 80 percent of physical therapist (PT) candidates pass the exam each year, according to the FSBPT. More than 70 percent of physical therapist assistant (PTA) candidates pass the test each year.

NPTE Content and Sample Questions

Both National Physical Therapy Examinations cover the same topical areas. They include:

• Cardiac, vascular and pulmonary systems
• Equipment and devices
• Integumentary system
• Metabolic, endocrine, gastro-intestinal and genitor-urinary systems
• Musculoskeletal system
• Neuromuscular and nervous systems
• Safety and professional roles
• Therapeutic modalities

Examination questions have multiple-choice answers and are computerized. Computer skills are not a test requirement, as the session begins with a simple tutorial.

The PT exam features 250 questions and is five hours long. The PTA exam features 200 questions and is four hours long. Fifty questions on each of the tests are pre-test questions that will not be scored but are being evaluated for inclusion in future exams. Those pre-test questions are scattered throughout the NPTE and candidates will not be aware of the differences.

The following is a sample question for the physical therapist exam, according to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy:

1. After sitting at a computer station for 2-3 hours, an individual reports experiencing a sharp, localized pain in the left arm. When asked to show the location of the pain, the individual points to the area of insertion of the deltoid. The pain disappears when the individual stands up and walks around briefly. Which of the following interventions is MOST likely to correct the problem?

1. Isometric strengthening of the deltoid.
2. Lumbar extension exercises in prone.
3. Instruction in correct postural alignment in sitting.
4. Instruction in shoulder active range of motion exercises.

(The answer is C.)

The next sample question is for the physical therapist assistant exam, according to the FSBPT:

1. During a physical therapy evaluation, a patient with a sprain of the deltoid ligament of the ankle reported pain with palpation of the affected area and with ankle motion that stresses the ligament. To determine any change in the patient’s pain level during subsequent treatments, a physical therapist assistant should perform which of the following actions?

1. Palpate anterior to the lateral malleolus, and passively plantar flex the ankle.
2. Palpate inferior to the medial malleolus, and passively evert the ankle.
3. Palpate over the smus tarsi, and passively invert the ankle.
4. Palpate deep to the Achilles tendon, and passively dorsiflex the ankle.

(The answer is B.)

Exams scores are tallied by FSBPT and transmitted to the licensing authority. Six hundred points equals a passing score. Candidates can retake the test two times within a 12-month period.

Registration

Potential PT and PTAs should obtain NPTE registration material from the jurisdiction in which they want to be licensed. They do not have to physically take the exam within that jurisdiction. All jurisdictions allow for online registration.

The jurisdiction licensing authority determines the candidate’s NPTE eligibility and notifies the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The federation then sends the candidate a test authorization letter with exam appointment-setting instructions.

Physical therapist and physical therapist assistant candidates then have 60 days to schedule their NPTE test at one of about 300 US testing centers run by Prometric Testing Services.

The NPTE fee is $350, excluding varying state licensure fees. Prometric charges an additional fee to administer the test.

NPTE Rules

Security is tight around the National Physical Therapy Exam in order to prevent cheating and disclosure of the test questions. Candidates must arrive 30 minutes prior to the examination and must present a driver’s license or passport and an additional piece of identification, such as a credit card. The signatures and first and last names must match exactly. Candidates also provide a digital thumbprint and have their photos taken.

Test sessions are videotaped and candidates provide their thumbprint each time they leave the room. No bulky jackets or scratch paper from home are allowed. Candidates sign a FSBPT waiver agreeing that they will not discuss the test questions later.

NPTE sessions include a scheduled 15-minute break and opportunities for unscheduled breaks. Although ear plugs aren’t allowed, earphones are available on site.

Additional Physical Therapist Certifications

After passing the NPTE and becoming licensed physical therapists, PTs with more than 2,000 clinical practice hours in a specialty area can apply for additional certification. The tests are voluntary for those wanting formal recognition of advanced clinical knowledge.

The American Physical Therapy Association provides this specialty testing in seven areas including, cardiopulmonary, clinical electrophysiological, geriatric, neurologic, orthopedic, pediatric and sports. More than 8,400 physical therapists received the added certification as of 2008, according to the association. More than half of them chose the orthopedic specialty.

Are you interested in finding NPTE study materials? Check out our Physical Therapy Test Directory.