Exam Registration and Scheduling
Your Journey Map
This section details the major milestones you will come across when you register to take the NPTE, but your steps through the NPTE registration process may differ depending on your educational background and jurisdiction. To help you navigate the process, FSBPT has created a tool that allows you to generate your own, customized journey map based on your PT/PTA program and the state you want to practice in.
FSBPT Account Creation
If you are graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program, your school will create your FSBPT profile for you. You will receive an email confirming your account creation and requesting that you complete your FSBPT profile. You must complete your profile before you will be able to access FSBPT exams and services.
If you graduated from a program that is not accredited by CAPTE, you will need to request that an FSBPT profile be created on your behalf. To do so, visit https://pt.fsbpt.net/account/login and complete the survey linked on the right side of the page. If you do not have a Social Security Number, an Alternate ID number will be assigned to you after you complete the survey. Allow three business days for creation of your account.
Validating Graduation (CAPTE-Accredited Programs Only)
Your school will validate your graduation prior to your graduation date. You will not be able to register for the NPTE prior to having your graduation validated by your school. FSBPT allows candidates to sit for the NPTE up to ninety days prior to their validated graduation date; however, jurisdictions may have more restrictive policies. For more information, contact your jurisdiction directly. You can also consult FSBPT’s Licensure Reference Guide.
Validating Graduation (CAPTE-Accredited Programs Only)
Your school will validate your graduation prior to your graduation date. You will not be able to register for the NPTE prior to having your graduation validated by your school. FSBPT allows candidates to sit for the NPTE up to ninety days prior to their validated graduation date; however, jurisdictions may have more restrictive policies. For more information, contact your jurisdiction directly. You can also consult FSBPT’s Licensure Reference Guide.
Registering for the NPTE
Register for the NPTE by logging in to your FSBPT profile and clicking the “NPTE” button in the green “Services” area of the screen. Carefully read the information on each screen before continuing. On the final screen, you will be asked to pay the $485 registration fee using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit or debit card.
When registering for the NPTE, pay close attention to all applicable registration deadlines, which are firm. You must register and pay the exam fee in full no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the day of the registration deadline, or you will not be permitted to register for that exam. Deadlines are posted on the FSBPT website.
Exam Eligibility
Once you register for the NPTE, your jurisdiction will need to make you eligible for the exam. This process differs by state, so it is important to understand your jurisdiction’s policies and licensing requirements. Jurisdictions often require a licensure application, supporting academic records, an application fee, or other documentation before they make their candidates eligible for the NPTE. It is your responsibility to ensure that your jurisdiction has all necessary information to make you eligible for the exam.
You must be made eligible for the exam prior to the Jurisdiction Approval Deadline, which is seven days after the registration and payment deadline. If you are not made eligible by this deadline, your registration will be closed and your exam fee will be refunded minus a $50 processing fee. Deadlines are posted on the NPTE website.
Important Note: If you have registered for the NPTE but have not yet been made eligible for the exam, contact your licensing jurisdiction directly to determine what additional information is necessary to be made eligible.
Testing Accommodations
FSBPT offers reasonable testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to candidates who have a recognized disability or impairment and who demonstrate that accommodations are necessary to access the NPTE. To request testing accommodations, make sure to indicate that you have a disability covered by the ADA when you register for the NPTE.
The process for submitting an application for testing accommodations depends on where you are seeking licensure. For more information on applying for accommodations, see the FSBPT Testing Accommodations website.
Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter
Once you have been made eligible for the NPTE and your request for accommodations has been reviewed (if applicable), you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter via email. You can also access this letter within your FSBPT account by clicking on the “Status of my Request” link in the Services menu.
When you receive your ATT letter, take a few minutes to review it carefully. The ATT letter includes instructions on how to schedule your testing appointment, the exam fee you will pay to Prometric, and your name as it exists in Prometric’s registration system. Make sure your first and last names exactly match your name on the ID you will be presenting on test day. If the names do not match, update your name in your FSBPT profile. If you have any doubts about the information contained in your ATT letter, contact FSBPT Exam Services well in advance of test day.
Scheduling your Exam
You can schedule your exam appointment with Prometric online or over the phone. Both the website and phone number can be found on your ATT letter. Prometric’s exam fees are due when you schedule your appointment and are payable with a Visa or MasterCard or by direct debit to a checking account.
Prometric testing centers fill up quickly, so it is critical to schedule as soon as possible after receiving your ATT letter. If your preferred testing center is not available on your exam date, you may need to schedule your exam at a different location. You can continue to check Prometric’s real-time seating availability using their website in case a seat in a more convenient location becomes available, but there is no guarantee this will be the case.
In very rare instances, candidates may not be able to find a seat within 250 miles of their location. If you are unable to find a seat within this radius, please contact FSBPT Exam Services for additional assistance. If an Exam Services agent cannot find you a seat within this radius and you decide to withdraw from your exam, FSBPT will waive the standard processing fee. (See Section 7 for more information on withdrawing from an exam.)