The NPTE Explained

The National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapists (NPTE-PT) is one of the final steps required to become a licensed physical therapist (PT) in the United States. Whether you’re nearing the end of your PT program or just starting, knowing the ins and outs of this exam is essential to your success. Dive into the details of the NPTE-PT exam with us, including the blueprint, format, dates, and information for exam day.

What is the NPTE-PT?

Administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), the NPTE-PT exam is one of the many processes used to evaluate your knowledge and competence to practice as a licensed PT in the United States. Passing the NPTE exam signifies that you meet the standards to provide adequate care.

What does the NPTE-PT cover?

The NPTE-PT separates content categories by body systems and nonsystems. 

Body systems:

1. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems: 22-27 total items 
2. Musculoskeletal System: 44-54 total items
3. Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems: 39-48 total items
4. Integumentary System: 8-11 total items
5. Metabolic & Endocrine Systems: 4-6 total items
6. Gastrointestinal System: 3-6 total items
7. Genitourinary System: 2-5 total items
8. Lymphatic System: 4-7 total items
9. System interactions: 8-10 total items

Each body system has a set range of items addressing the following three subcategories:

• Physical Therapy Examination: 38-50 total items
• Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis: 51-66 total items
• Interventions: 47-58 total items

Nonsystems:

1. Equipment, Devices, & Technologies: 5-6 total items
2. Therapeutic Modalities: 4-6 total items
3. Safety & Protection: 5-7 total items
4. Professional Responsibilities: 4-5 total items
5. Research & Evidence-Based Practice: 3-5 total items

View the full content outline for an in-depth breakdown of items by system and detailed descriptions of each category.

Dates and Deadlines to Know 

The NPTE-PT exam is offered four times throughout the year in January, April, July, and October.

Beyond exam dates, there are important deadlines for registration, payment, and jurisdiction approval. You must submit your registration and payment by the deadline. Then, your state board must notify FSBPT that you are eligible for the exam by the jurisdiction approval deadline. All deadlines are at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

If you plan to take the exam in 2025, bookmark these dates in your calendar. 

Not taking the exam in 2025? View the list of future dates and deadlines to plan accordingly.

What to Expect Before, On, and After Test Day

Explore the answers to the top burning questions PT students have. We’ll cover what you can expect on the exam, your exam day experience, and what happens after. 

Before Exam Day

Preparation is key for success on the NPTE. Review our NPTE study guide to start your exam prep on the right foot and learn what to expect on the exam below.

How long is the NPTE? The exam is 5 hours and 30 minutes long, including scheduled break times, the exam tutorial, and the post-exam survey. The actual testing time is 5 hours. 

How many questions are on the NPTE? There are a total of 225 questions (items), 45 are pretest items, and up to 40 are scenario-based.

How is the NPTE scored? The exam is pass/fail and utilizes a scaled scoring system ranging from 200 to 800. Even if you receive the highest reported score, it’s not considered perfect. The passing standard is 600 or above, proving you demonstrate competency to practice as an entry-level PT.

On & After Exam Day

What time should I arrive? Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam to allow plenty of time to check in with your Test Center Administrator.

What should I bring with me? Bring two forms of qualifying identification that match the first and last name on your Authorization to Test letter. Your belongings will be stored in an assigned locker. Only earplugs and water are allowed into the test room.

How long does it take to get NPTE results? Scores are reported to jurisdictions about two to three weeks after the exam. Free candidate reports become available online shortly after and are viewable for only 30 days. After 30 days, you must pay a standard fee for the report. 

What happens if you don’t pass the NPTE?

In 2023, the NPTE pass rate for first-time PT candidates was 80%. If you don’t pass you can retake it.

There is a six-time lifetime limit on NPTE attempts. How often you can take the exam varies by jurisdiction, but the FSBPT allows you to take the exam a maximum of three times within a year. That’s plenty of chances to get it right.

Before you retake the exam, be sure to review your performance report and re-evaluate your study routine with TrueLearn, a question bank trusted by PT students and programs nationwide. TrueLearn’s new SmartBank aligns with the recent NPTE exam changes, offering 1,800+ practice questions with scenario-based and video test items.

From custom quizzing to a personalized performance dashboard, TrueLearn can help you pass on your first try with a 90+ day subscription. Sign up today.