NPTE (FSBPT) - National Physical Therapy Examination

The NPTE is a standardized examination designed to assess the competence of candidates to practice as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. It is a requirement for licensure in the United States for those entering the physical therapy profession.

Completion Time: 5 hours for the PT-level exam and 4 hours for the PTA-level exam

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

Graduation from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program.

Eligibility to take the NPTE as determined by the state board of physical therapy in which licensure is sought.

Cost: $485

Exam Format

This computer-based examination is conducted in person at Prometric testing centers nationwide on set dates in January, April, July, and October. 

The NPTE for PTs consists of 225 multiple-choice questions, and the NPTE for PTAs contains 180 multiple-choice questions.

The exam covers various topics relevant to physical therapy practice, including evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, interventions, and equipment.

Certification Process

Complete a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.

Apply for licensure with your state's physical therapy board, which typically involves submitting an application and fees.

Register for the NPTE with FSBPT, and pay the examination fee.

The NPTE is a pass/fail exam with scores ranging from 200 to 800. A score of 600 or above is required to pass.

The NPTE is not a certification that requires renewal. It is a licensure examination taken as part of becoming a licensed physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA).

While the NPTE itself does not require continuing education, maintaining physical therapy licensure typically involves ongoing professional development and continuing education.

For specific information regarding the National Physical Therapy Examination, including detailed application processes, examination content, and guidelines for licensure, it is recommended to consult directly with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and your state’s physical therapy board. FSBPT provides comprehensive resources and standards for physical therapy licensure in the United States.

Career Opportunities

Passing the NPTE and obtaining licensure enables individuals to practice as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and rehabilitation centers.

Other related certifications include:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialist (Oncology)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)

• ABPTS Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)

• Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)