NPTE-PT Exam info
What it is, what's tested, and how it's scored.
NPTE-PT exam details
The NPTE-PT (National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapists) is one of two physical therapy licensing exams administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The exam certifies that candidates possess the practical knowledge of physical therapy necessary to provide patient care as an entry-level professional.
The content of the PT exam encompasses bodily systems, human anatomy, and mobility, as well as non-system domains, including equipment use and professional responsibilities.
The NPTE-PT exam is hosted by FSBPT and costs $485 to register. Participants have 5 hours to answer 225 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 600+.
The NPTE-PT exam consists of five sections, each with 45 multiple-choice questions. The test includes 45 pretest items, which are randomly distributed throughout, totaling 225 questions on the exam. A 15-minute break is allowed after completing two sections.
Many questions follow a scenario format, where examinees are asked about patient characteristics, treatment, and diagnoses based on various hypothetical factors. Other test questions will include graphics or diagrams for analysis.
The exam is scored on a scale between 200 and 800. A 600 is required to pass and advance in the certification process.
To take the NPTE-PT exam, you must fulfill the following prerequisites:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
Register online and pay the exam fee
Be approved by the state licensing authority where you intend to practice
You can find more information on eligibility requirements at FSBPT's official website.
NPTE's NPTE-PT exam summary
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems
12-15%
22-27 questions
Focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Explores topics such as disease prevention, diagnoses, movement analysis, complications, and adverse effects within these systems.
Musculoskeletal System
24-30%
44-54 questions
Covers the anatomy and physiology of muscles, joints, bones, and tendons. Explores topics such as joint biomechanics, movement analysis, connective tissue diseases, and diagnoses. Strength exercises, joint mobility strategies, and flexibility methods are also examined.
Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems
22-27%
39-48 questions
Assesses knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of nerves, motor neurons, and muscle fibers. Covers topics such as motor control and learning, the impact of regenerative medicine, and methods for balance and coordination.
Other Systems
12-19%
21-35 questions
The remaining bodily systems on the NPTE include the Integumentary System (skin, hair, and nails), Metabolic and Endocrine Systems (metabolism, thyroids, and hormones), Gastrointestinal System (GI tract and digestive organs), Genitourinary System (urinary organs, bladder, kidneys, and genitals), and Lymphatic Systems (lymphatic vessels, nodes, organs, and tissues).
System Interactions
4-6%
8-10 questions
Combines several categories to include diseases and conditions involving multiple systems, dimensions of pain, indications and precautions, and treatment applications and adjustments.
Non-system Domains
12-16%
21-29 questions
This section covers a broad range of topics on physical therapy practice, which can be divided into two main content domains: Therapeutic Modalities and Professional Responsibilities.
Therapeutic Modalities: Focuses on the use of equipment, devices, and modalities, including thermal, electrical, and nerve stimulation, mechanical motion devices, infection control, signs of abuse, injury prevention, and biofeedback.
Professional Responsibilities: Focuses on safety and protection standards, patient/client rights, professional ethics, state and federal laws, socioeconomic factors, risk management, utilization of health records, and billing standards.
Achievable NPTE-PT content outline
1
Cardiovascular System
Covers anatomy and physiology of the heart and vascular structures, including cardiac output, blood flow regulation, hemodynamic principles, and irregularities. Emphasizes examination techniques, medical and surgical management, and physical therapy interventions for cardiovascular dysfunction.
2
Pulmonary System
Examines respiratory anatomy, mechanics of breathing, gas exchange, oxygen transport, and pulmonary pathologies. Includes assessment procedures such as auscultation and spirometry, airway clearance techniques, breathing exercises, and pulmonary rehabilitation strategies.
3
Neurological System
Focuses on neuroanatomy, motor control, sensory integration, and neuroplasticity, as well as related conditions. Includes examination components (tone, coordination, balance), outcome measures, and therapeutic interventions to improve function and neurorecovery.
4
Musculoskeletal System
Reviews bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament anatomy and physiology. Explores biomechanics, posture, and movement analysis, as well as fractures, arthritis, sprains, and overuse injuries. Emphasizes examination procedures (ROM, MMT, special tests), differential diagnosis, and evidence-based physical therapy management for upper and lower extremity and spine disorders.
5
Other Systems
Includes integumentary, metabolic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and lymphatic systems. Covers wound healing, burns, disease and abnormalities, thyroid dysfunction, and lymphedema. Reviews examination techniques, laboratory values, and treatment strategies relevant to these systems.
6
Non-Systems
Addresses topics that apply across all body systems, including safety, assistive devices, therapeutic modalities, and interventions. Covers research and evidence-based practice, documentation, ethics, and professional responsibilities. Also includes sections on equipment management, ergonomics, and emergency response procedures.