NPTE-PT FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the NPTE-PT.
What's the difference between NPTE-PT and NPTE-PTA?
The NPTE-PT is the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapists, while the NPTE-PTA is the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants. These are two different exams, tailored to different roles with different licenses.
Physical therapists are responsible for diagnosing conditions and creating treatment plans for patients. Physical therapist assistants cannot create care plans for patients; however, they support patients by monitoring exercises and movements, providing massages, and conducting ice and heat treatments under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.
Although both exams cover roughly the same topics, the primary differences between the Physical Therapist (PT) exam and the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) exam are the test length and the scope of topics covered. The PT exam is an hour longer and has 45 more questions than the PTA test. It also delves deeper into assessments and diagnoses, while the PTA exam covers more of the applications and treatments of patients.
What is the NPTE-PT pass rate?
The NPTE is a pass/fail exam scored on a scale of 200 to 800. Achieving a score of 600 or above is considered a passing score. Those who have graduated from PT programs have an average pass rate of 86% on their first attempt.
What are the education requirements for becoming a physical therapist?
To sit for the NPTE-PT and earn your physical therapy license, you will need both a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) diploma. DPT programs typically last three years after graduating from college and are designed to prepare you for clinical practice and the NPTE certification exam.
Does passing the NPTE-PT automatically qualify you for a license?
No, passing the exam does not instantly lead to a physical therapy license. There are other steps involved in becoming a licensed PT, including registering with your state board and, in some cases, taking a jurisprudence exam in addition to the NPTE-PT.
When can you take the NPTE?
The NPTE-PT is distributed four times a year in January, April, July, and October, with two consecutive exam dates scheduled in each month. Before sitting for the test, you must register, pay the exam fee, and receive jurisdictional approval about a month before your exam date. For more information on test dates, please visit FSBPT's official website.
How many times can you take the NPTE-PT?
The maximum number of retakes allowed for the exam is three, and you are permitted a total of six attempts. If you score a 400 or below on more than two exams, you will not be able to register for another test.