Preparation should involve review of the specific content areas within the content outline. The content
outline is provided in the NPTE Candidate Handbook. Since the examination is multiple choice and computerized, candidates
should make sure they are comfortable taking multiple-choice, computerized examinations.
Obtain registration materials from the licensing authority of the jurisdiction in which you
are seeking licensure. All jurisdictions allow online registration for the examination at http://www.fsbpt.org.
If you have a documented disability, you may request special accommodations to take the
examination. Contact the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which you are seeking
licensure for details. You must request special accommodations at the time you register.
Return completed registration materials, along with payment, to the appropriate organization as
identified on the instructions you received from the licensing authority.
The jurisdiction licensing authority will approve your eligibility and notify FSBPT.
FSBPT will send you an "Authorization to Test" letter containing instructions
on how to schedule an appointment with Prometric. Questions regarding registration
processing may be directed to examregistration@fsbpt.org
.
Schedule an appointment for the examination with Prometric. You may schedule your
appointment with Prometric by calling the number given in your "Authorization to
Test" letter or you may schedule online at www.prometric.com
.
Sit for the examination at your chosen Prometric testing site. You must sit for the
examination within your 60-day eligibility period as indicated on the
"Authorization-to-Test" letter provided by FSBPT. If you do not sit for the
examination, or withdraw your registration within these 60 days, you will be removed from
the eligibility list and will be required to begin the registration process again.
Must I sit for the examination in the jurisdiction in which I am seeking
licensure?
No. You may sit for the examination at any of the approximately 300 testing centers in the United States. You are not
required to sit for the examination within the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure.
May I register to take the examination with more than one jurisdiction at
the same time?
No. You may not register to take the examination through more than one jurisdiction at the
same time. If you submit registration forms for more than one jurisdiction, FSBPT will
process only the first registration form received and register you to take the examination
for licensure in that jurisdiction. Once you are registered in one jurisdiction, if you
attempt to register with another jurisdiction at the same time, examination registration
fees that you submit to FSBPT will not be refunded.
If you do not pass the examination, you may register with the same jurisdiction or a
different jurisdiction. However, as before, you may register through only one jurisdiction
to retake the examination.
What are my licensure and examination registration fees?
To determine licensure fees you will need to consult the materials provided by the licensing authority, as fees vary from
state to state. The fee for the NPTE is $350 as of January 1, 2005.
The NPTE registration form asks for a Social Security Number and I do not have
one. What do I do?
We require a unique identification number in order for you to sit for the examination. This should be your Social
Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can obtain one from the Social Security Administration at
http://www.ssa.gov/ or call 1-800-772-1213.
In rare cases where a candidate cannot obtain a Social Security Number, an “Alternate Identification Number” (AIN)
may be obtained from FSBPT by application. You may print an application for an Alternate Indentification Number from the
FSBPT website, www.fsbpt.org, by clicking on “For Candidates/Licensees,” then “NPTE,”
and then “Exam Reports and Services.” Your registration will not be processed without either a Social Security Number or an
Alternate Identification Number.
The issuance of an AIN is solely for the purpose of registering for examinations or services through the FSBPT when a
candidate cannot obtain a Social Security Number. The AIN is not a substitute for a Social Security Number for any other
purpose.
Applicants should retain their AIN and utilize it concerning all correspondence, inquiries, or requests relating to
their licensure examination. AIN applications will be processed within five business days of receipt. Candidates will be
notified of their assigned number by mail upon issuance.
Can individuals with disabilities be accommodated?
You must submit appropriate documentation of your request for special accommodations to
the licensing authority of the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure, at the
time that you submit your initial application materials. Only those candidates who have
been granted approval from their licensing authority will receive special accommodations
during testing.
For information about how to request special accommodations, you must contact the
jurisdiction licensing authority in which you are seeking licensure prior to registering
to take the examination. All Prometric testing centers are fully accessible and compliant
with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Prometric is the name of the company that provides FSBPT’s computer-based testing services. You may visit their website
at www.prometric.com for more information.
When may I take my examination?
You must sit for the examination within your 60-day eligibility period as indicated on
your "Authorization to Test" letter provided by FSBPT. You are strongly
encouraged to call Prometric to make an appointment as soon as you receive notification
from FSBPT that you are eligible. Testing will be scheduled at the location and on the
date and time of your choosing, if available. If not available, alternate dates, times
and/or locations will be offered.
What information must I provide when I schedule my
examination with Prometric?
Name of the examination (Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Jurisprudence
Exam)
Where and when you would like to test (location of Prometric Center and desired date)
Your Name
Social Security Number or Alternate Identification Number
Daytime telephone number
Type of payment: credit card or direct debit
Prometric will always endeavor to accommodate your scheduling preferences as closely as
possible. Please keep in mind that it is in your best interest to schedule and test early
in your eligibility period.
What is the Prometric fee for my examination?
The Prometric fee for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTs is $65. The Prometric fee for the National
Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs is $50.
What are the acceptable forms of payment for the Prometric test center
fee?
Payment for the Prometric test center fee may be made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
or by direct debit to a checking account. Payment information must be provided at the time
you schedule your examination. It is not possible to pay at the testing center.
To pay by credit card, you will be asked to provide a valid credit card number and
expiration date. To pay by direct debit to a checking account, you will be asked to
provide bank information and a checking account number. This information can be found on
one of your blank checks. Your credit card will be charged or your account debited on the
day of your examination. The Prometric testing fee is payable to Prometric and therefore
can only be refunded by Prometric.
Should I reconfirm my appointment before my testing date?
Yes. It is an excellent idea to confirm your appointment. If you schedule online with Prometric at www.prometric.com/fsbpt you will automatically receive an email confirmation with your
appointment information. Otherwise, you can check online at www.prometric.com or call Prometric at 1-800-796-9857.
When you call, you will need the confirmation number provided when your appointment was scheduled. You can reconfirm the
date, time, and location of your appointment using Prometric's automated system.
How will I find my local Prometric Testing Center?
There are three ways to get directions to your local Prometric Testing Center: 1) You may access directions through
Prometric's Registration Center at 1-800-796-9857. 2) You may call a local Prometric Center and ask for directions. 3) You
may obtain test center directions via the Internet at www.prometric.com. Once there, click on "Find a Test Center,"
and then choose "Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy" from the drop down menu. Choose the state in which you want
to test, and you will be provided with a current list of test centers.
Is the NPTE available at all Prometric test centers?
No. The NPTE is not offered at all Prometric test centers in the United States, nor is it offered overseas. For a
complete list of Prometric sites that do offer the NPTE, visit Prometric's website at www.prometric.com.
If I am unable to keep the scheduled testing appointment, how do I
reschedule?
You may cancel or reschedule your examination 30 or more days prior to your appointment at no charge by calling the number for Prometric as provided in your "Authorization-to-Test" letter.
If you cancel or reschedule your appointment 3 to 29 days prior to your exam date, you will be charged a reschedule fee of $25 by Prometric.
If you cancel or reschedule your exam within 2 days of your appointment, fail to appear for your scheduled exam, or arrive late and are refused admission, you will forfeit the entire Prometric sitting fee.
Cancellation/Reschedule Period
Cancellation/Rescheduling Fee
30 or more days before exam date
No charge
Between 3 and 29 days before scheduled exam date
$25 per cancellation/reschedule (to be collected by Prometric)
Less than 3 days before the exam date, no-show for exam date, or arrives more than fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time and is refused admission
The full Prometric Sitting Fee for the cancelled/rescheduled exam
Are refunds available for no-shows?
If you fail to contact Prometric a minimum of two business days prior to your appointment to cancel or to reschedule your appointment and do not show up for your scheduled exam, you will not receive a refund from Prometric. A refund of your examination fee, less the processing fee, is available if you do not show up for your examination, as long as the refund is requested within your 60-day eligibility period.
If I apply for the examination, but do not take it, will I receive a
refund?
You will receive a refund only if you withdraw your registration, from the FSBPT, before the end of your 60-day eligibility period. The refund will be less a processing fee.
If you fail to sit for the examination or fail to withdraw your registration within your eligibility period, you will forfeit your examination fee and will be required to register and pay again if you would like another 60-day eligibility period.
How do I withdraw if I decide I do not want to or cannot take the
examination?
If you wish to withdraw your registration, you must notify FSBPT in writing of your intent to withdraw your registration. This notification must arrive at FSBPT before your 60-day eligibility period has expired. Make sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and Social Security Number on your withdrawal request. If you have already made an appointment with Prometric to sit for the examination, you must cancel that appointment two business days prior to the scheduled appointment and before sending your withdrawal request to FSBPT.
What happens if I have sent my examination registration fee to FSBPT but
the licensing authority does not approve my registration?
In cases where you are deemed ineligible by a jurisdiction licensing authority or voluntarily withdraw a registration, and
FSBPT has already received the examination fee, FSBPT will refund its portion of the examination fee, less a processing fee.
Note: The total amount you pay to apply for licensure with
your jurisdiction may include fees not related to testing. Individual licensing authorities establish these additional
fees. FSBPT does not receive these fees and thus cannot refund them. FSBPT also cannot refund any fees paid to Prometric.
What are the
requirements for admission to the testing center?
You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with two forms of acceptable identification. Acceptable ID is a currently valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.), and another piece of identification pre-printed with your name and containing your signature such as a credit card. On both forms of ID your signature must match your pre-printed name. A Social Security card is not an acceptable form of identification. As part of your identification processing, the driver’s license/passport will be swiped in order to retain scanned information.
Your first and last name on both forms of ID must exactly match the first and last name on your Authorization to Test letter issued by FSBPT. If you are denied admittance to the examination due to any problem with your identification you will forfeit your Prometric fee and will be required to schedule another testing appointment within your eligibility period.
Will I be thumb-printed or photographed at the Prometric testing
center?
Yes. A digital image of your fingerprint will be taken and you will be photographed at the testing center. Another fingerprint will be taken each time you leave the testing room during your exam. Additionally, all testing sessions will be videotaped.
How much time will I have for the examination?
You are allowed 5 hours for the PT examination and 4 hours for the
PTA examination. There are 250 items (questions) on the physical therapist examination,
and 200 items on the physical therapist assistant examination.
Why is my appointment time longer than the examination?
For the PT examination the appointment time is 5 ½ hours even though the exam itself is only 5 hours. For the PTA
examination the appointment time is 4 ½ hours even though the exam itself is only 4 hours. The extra half hour is to allow
for the scheduled 15-minute break as well as the pre-exam tutorial and post-exam survey.
Are all questions scored?
No. Fifty (50) pretest questions are included on each examination. Your scores will only be based on 200 scored items for the PT examination and 150 scored items for the PTA examination. Pretest questions are included to determine if the questions meet rigorous psychometric (testing) standards. If the questions meet standards, they can be used as scored items in future examinations. All 200 scored PT items or 150 scored PTA items on the examination you will be taking were included as pretest items in previous versions of the examination. Item pretesting also eliminates delays in sending score reports to candidates when new examination forms are introduced.
Will I be able to tell which questions are pre-test items?
No. Pretest items will be distributed randomly within each examination and cannot be identified. Therefore, you should answer each question as if it were a scored item. However, as stated above, your score will only be based on 200 scored items for the PT examination and 150 scored items for the PTA examination.
What is a section?
The exam is delivered in sections or blocks of 50 questions. Each section is a “mini exam” in that it will follow the same basic content outline as the larger exam and contain both scored and pretest items. The PT exam has 5 sections. The PTA exam has 4 sections. Once you have completed a section you cannot return to the section to review or change your answers.
Will there be a penalty for items answered incorrectly?
Examination scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly.
You should consider the answers to each question carefully and select the correct or best
one. There is only one correct or best answer to each question. Because there is no
additional penalty for incorrect answers, it is to your advantage to answer every
question, even when you are unsure of the correct or best answer.
Will there be other candidates testing at my test center?
There may be other candidates testing for a number of different examinations. All
candidates will be separated by modular testing booths that allow privacy and ample
workspace.
What will the temperature be in the testing center?
The temperature in the Prometric centers varies and people perceive
temperature differently. You should dress in layers that can be removed if you become
uncomfortable. For security reasons, Prometric does not allow bulky jackets to be worn.
Can I take a break during the examination?
Yes. There are two kinds of breaks during the examination: scheduled and unscheduled. Both the PT and PTA examinations have one scheduled 15-minute break after section two has been completed. The PT exam also has three unscheduled breaks. The PTA exam has two unscheduled breaks.
The scheduled break has been added for candidate convenience. During the scheduled break, after section 2 of the examination has been completed, the exam timer is paused for up to 15 minutes. If candidates do not want to take the break or want to take a shorter break, they can end the break by following the directions on the computer screen.
An unscheduled break can be taken between sections when the “Unscheduled Break” screen is showing on the computer.
During an unscheduled break the exam timer continues to elapse. This means time spent on an unscheduled break is time that
you are choosing to not spend on the examination.
Candidates may only leave the examination when either a scheduled break or an unscheduled break screen is showing on
their computer. If a candidate leaves the testing room while not on a specified break screen the test center administrator
will report to the FSBPT that an exam irregularity occurred during the candidate’s exam administration.
No. Computer knowledge is not required to take a computerized
examination. Before the
examination begins, a simple introductory lesson (tutorial) is presented that explains the
process of selecting answers and moving from question to question. The time you spend on
the tutorial does not count against the time allotted for the examination. Most candidates
take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete the tutorial and may repeat it, if desired.
You may select your answers using either the keyboard or the mouse. You are strongly
encouraged to take the tutorial prior to taking the examination.
Can I mark items for later review?
Yes. The testing software allows you to "mark" questions that you want to review before ending a section. Any question can be "marked," regardless of whether it has been left blank or answered. It is not necessary to "unmark" a question in order for it to be scored at the end of the examination. After you finish a section, you cannot return for additional review.
While taking the examination, can I move back and forth between
questions?
Yes. While taking the computerized examination, you can skip forward or backward through the section you are currently in and review questions, whether the questions are "marked" or "unmarked."
Can I use "scratch paper" when taking the examination?
Yes. You are allowed to use "scratch paper" that is supplied at the testing center. The "scratch paper" will be an erasable
note board. You are not allowed to bring in your own scratch paper. Testing center staff will collect the erasable note board
at the completion of the examination.
Can I use earplugs when taking the examination?
No. The Prometric testing center will supply headphones to help dampen noise but not earplugs. Candidates should expect
that there will be some background noise during their examination. There may be candidates in surrounding cubicles taking
typing intensive examinations. There may be other candidates entering and leaving the testing room during the course of your
examination. The headphones will help to dampen noise that you may find distracting.
What can I do if there is glare on the computer
screen?
As a first step, you should reposition the computer monitor to eliminate
the glare. If the
glare persists despite attempts to adjust the position of the monitor, and you still have
difficulty seeing the computer screen, you should notify Prometric test center staff
immediately of the problem.
What can I do if I experience a delay in starting my
examination?
You should note that your appointment time is not necessarily your starting time. You will have to be checked-in before taking the examination (i.e., sign in, present the appropriate identification, get thumb-printed and photographed). The check-in process may take time if many candidates have the same appointment time. However, if the delay is more than 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment, and you cannot continue to wait, Prometric will allow you to reschedule for another time if you still have time left in your 60-day eligibility period. If you have waited until the last day of your eligibility period to test, you should continue to wait, despite any delays.
What can I do if the computer malfunctions while taking the
examination?
If you experience technical difficulties while taking the examination, you must alert Prometric staff immediately. If
Prometric staff cannot remedy the situation within 30 minutes, or the problem persists despite attempts to remedy the
problem, you have the right to request rescheduling of the examination on another day within your 60-day eligibility period
at no additional cost. The time Prometric spends remedying a problem does not count as part of your examination time. You
should contact both the licensing authority from which you are seeking licensure and FSBPT to notify them of the technical
difficulties.
What happens if there is a fire drill, evacuation, or other unexpected event during
my examination?
If the disruption lasts for less than 30 minutes, you will be expected to complete your examination. If the disruption is
longer than 30 minutes, you have the right to request rescheduling of the examination on another day within your 60-day
eligibility period at no additional cost.
What should I do if I experience other disruptions not covered here while taking my
examination?
You should alert Prometric staff immediately to disruptions occurring within the testing room. The sooner the testing center staff is aware of a problem, the sooner steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate the disruption.
Can I make comments concerning the examination
administration?
Yes. You are given the opportunity to complete a survey after finishing your examination. The survey is presented on the
computer and consists of questions about the examination administration.
What is the FSBPT policy regarding examination
security?
The FSBPT policy is that you must act to protect the integrity of the NPTE at all times, i.e., before,
during, and after you take the NPTE. The NPTE is the property of the FSBPT and is protected by trade secret, contract, and
federal copyright laws. THE FSBPT STRICTLY PROHIBITS ANY SHARING OF ANY INFORMATION WHATSOEVER ABOUT ANY QUESTION CONTAINED
WITHIN ANY PAST OR PRESENT NPTE. The FSBPT warns that it is a violation of FSBPT’s property rights in the NPTE and is illegal
to share questions that are on the NPTE or to ask any person who has taken the NPTE about any NPTE question. The FSBPT also
warns persons who have registered to take the NPTE that their sharing or soliciting others to share information about any
question contained within any past or present NPTE may be a breach of their registration contract and further result in their
being liable for consequential damages and attorneys fees.
The FSBPT will prosecute all persons who solicit questions or share information about NPTE questions. PERSONS FOR
WHOM THE FSBPT HAS A REASONABLE SUSPICION OF SHARING OR SOLICITING INFORMATION ABOUT ANY NPTE QUESTION MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM
SITTING FOR THE NPTE UNLESS AND UNTIL THEY ARE DETERMINED AFTER A FULL INVESTIGATION NOT TO HAVE SHARED OR SOLICITED SUCH
INFORMATION.
If you give or receive assistance during the examination, you can be required to stop testing immediately and leave
the room. Your examination will not be scored. The performance of all candidates is monitored and may be analyzed
statistically for purposes of detecting and verifying cheating. If it is determined that a score has questionable validity,
the licensing authority will be notified and will decide whether the candidate's scores will be released.
For purposes of examination security, each candidate who wishes to take the NPTE is requested to enter into the
following agreement as part of the registration and examination-taking processes:
I hereby acknowledge and agree that the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is the exclusive property of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, and that the content of the NPTE is protected by trade secret, contract, copyright, and other laws. I further acknowledge and agree that no part of the NPTE may be copied, reproduced in part or whole by any means whatsoever, including memorization, note-taking, or electronic transmission, unless previously authorized in writing by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). I additionally acknowledge and agree that the theft or attempted theft of the contents of the NPTE is punishable as a felony and that the FSBPT is within its rights to aggressively protect the integrity of the National Physical Therapy Examination.
I further acknowledge and agree that FSBPT may terminate my participation, invalidate the results of my examination, or take other appropriate action if, in FSBPT’s sole judgment, there is a good faith basis to question the validity of my results for any reason, regardless of whether there is any evidence of my personal involvement in irregular activities. Irregularities occurring prior to, during, or after my taking of the NPTE include but are not limited to conduct such as soliciting, receiving or viewing reproduced or recalled NPTE test questions when preparing for the exam; taking or using notes during the exam; failure to comply with all Prometric Test Center security procedures; attempting to communicate in any way with fellow test-takers during the exam; or sharing recalled contents of the NPTE with others after the test administration. Evidence of invalid results may include, but is not limited to answer patterns or score increases determined by FSBPT, in its sole discretion, to be atypical, unusual or aberrant.
Lastly, I acknowledge and agree that the purpose of the NPTE is to protect the public from the licensure of and practice of physical therapy by persons who do not have the requisite knowledge to safely practice physical therapy and that the foregoing terms and conditions are important and reasonable measures for safeguarding the public welfare.
In order to safeguard the public welfare and the integrity of the NPTE, the FSBPT reserves the right
to prohibit any person from taking the NPTE who has not accepted the terms and conditions of the foregoing Security
Agreement.
After the administration of the examination, your examination will be scored by FSBPT. The
results will then be transmitted to the licensing authority. Inquiries concerning
examination results should be directed to the licensing authority to which you have
applied for licensure.
What are scale scores and what is the passing score?
The NPTE scale score is an arithmetic conversion of raw scores (the number of questions a candidate answers correctly) to a scale that ranges from 200 to 800. One reason for converting raw scores to scaled scores is that forms (versions) of the examinations may vary slightly in their level of difficulty. A given raw score on one form of the examination may not be comparable to the same raw score on another form of the examination. To ensure that scores on different forms of the examination have the same meaning, raw scores are converted to scaled scores that represent equivalent levels of achievement regardless of the examination form taken.
The NPTE minimum passing scaled score is 600. The number of questions that have to be answered correctly to achieve a score of 600 can change from form to form.
If a form of the examination is slightly easier than the form on which the passing score was set, more questions would have to be answered correctly to obtain a scale score of 600. If the form of the examination is slightly harder, fewer questions would have to be answered correctly to pass the examination. Thus, candidates are not unfairly rewarded because their examination was easier nor unfairly penalized because it was more difficult.
Effective July 1996, all jurisdiction licensing authorities adopted the same criterion-referenced passing score for the NPTE. Therefore, effective July 1996, a score at or above 600 is considered to be a passing score by all jurisdiction licensing authorities and a score below 600 is considered a failing score by all jurisdiction licensing authorities.
If a retake is necessary due to failure of an examination, you must register
with a jurisdiction licensing authority following the steps indicated in the section, Arranging To Take the NPTE.
How often can I take the examination?
This varies by jurisdiction. However, FSBPT will only allow you to take the examination a
maximum of three times in any 12-month period.
Do I need to wait a specified period of time between
examinations?
This varies by jurisdiction. It is estimated that given the need to reapply
to the licensing authority for each examination administration, there will normally be at
least one (1) month between administrations.
Whom can I call if I have additional questions about the NPTE
Program?
You may call FSBPT at 703-739-9420 to obtain general information about the NPTE program, the status of your registration, Authorization to Test letter, or the score report that is transmitted to your jurisdiction licensing authority.
Can I make comments on the examination?
If you wish to provide comments on the examination, you may do so by mailing or faxing your comments to FSBPT. You may also address comments to npte@fsbpt.org. The Examination Development Committee (EDC) reviews these comments for consideration in future examination development. However, submission of comments will not alter your examination score. Please direct comments to:
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
124 S. West Street, 3rd Floor
Alexandria, VA 22314
Is there a way to appeal a policy related to the National Physical Therapy
Examination?
The FSBPT Board of Directors routinely reviews the policies that govern the development and administration of the National Physical Therapy Examination. These policies are then shared with the licensing authority for each U.S. jurisdiction. Careful consideration is given when developing policies to ensure that they are in line with the Federation’s mission of public protection.
If you wish to appeal a specific policy related to the National Physical Therapy Examination the first step is to discuss the issue with a Federation staff person. The staff may be able to provide a better understanding of the policy and explain how the policy relates to the Federation mission. If you still choose to appeal a policy, you will need to submit a request in writing to the FSBPT Board of Directors. Requests for appeals must be submitted by the candidate within 60 days of his/her most recent examination. The request must include the rationale for the exception to the policy and any steps already taken to resolve this problem with FSBPT staff.
When reviewing appeals, the FSBPT Board of Directors will consider what effect granting the appeal would have on other candidates, the role of the exam in providing a measure of minimal entry-level competence, the security of the NPTE, and any impact the decision might create for the jurisdiction in which the candidate is applying or any other jurisdiction. Candidate appeals will be responded to in writing by the President of the FSBPT Board of Directors within 60 days.
