NPTE FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about the National Physical Therapy Exam.
What's the difference between NPTE-PT and NPTE-PTA?
The NPTE-PT is the National Physical Therapist Exam for Physical Therapists, while the NPTE-PTA is the National Physical Therapist Exam 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 through monitoring exercises and movements, providing massages, and conducting ice and heat treatments supervised by the Physical Therapist.
Though both exams cover roughly the same topics, the main difference between the Physical Therapist (PT) exam and the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) exam is the length of the test. The PT exam is an hour longer, with an additional 45 questions. It also delves deeper into assessments and diagnoses, while the PTA exam covers more of the applications and treatments of patients.
What is a passing score on the NPTE? What is the pass rate?
The NPTE is a pass/fail exam, scored from 200 to 800. Achieving a score of 600 or above is considered a passing score. Anything below 600 is considered failing.
The average pass rate is around 82%, while those who have graduated from PT programs have an average pass rate of 86% on the first try.
Does passing the NPTE automatically qualify you for a license?
No, passing the exam does not instantly lead to a license. There are several steps to obtaining a PT or PTA license, including graduating from an accredited program, applying for licensure, and, in some cases, taking a state or regional exam in addition to the NPTE. You can find more information on our blog post here.
When can you take the NPTE?
The NPTE is administered only four times a year: in January, April, July, and October.
It's important to understand the registration process so you can test in your preferred month; otherwise, you may have to wait until the next test date. You can find more information on test dates here.
What are the requirements to take the NPTE?
The requirements for taking the NPTE include the following:You can find more information on eligibility requirements here.
- Must be 18+ years of age
- Must have a degree from a CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) accredited PT program
- Must be approved by the licensing authority in the jurisdiction you intend to practice
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