Navigating The Changes In The 2024 NPTE® Exam Format

Every five years, the Federation of State Boards of Physical (FSBPT) will evaluate the NPTE exam format for improvements and make updates as needed to continue to provide a fair examination. In the 2024 exam-cycle, they made some changes to the exam format, such as to the question count and adding scenario-based and video test items. 

As a previous FSBPT item writer and current Director of Physical Therapy for TrueLearn, Dr. Jill Horbacewicz explains the recent format changes, defines the system and content areas, and breaks down how to answer scenario-based and video test questions through examples in this blog. 

Just like preparing for a marathon, knowing the terrain and course gives you the competitive advantage. Practicing in a similar setting and understanding the exam content outline will only help boost your confidence for the real thing.

NPTE Exam Overview 

After graduating from an accredited program, physical therapy students will be expected to complete the National Physical Therapy Examination to assess their knowledge and skill that ensures that they will be a safe and effective physical therapist. This can relate to

• Lab values
• Signs and symptoms of an emergency
• Guarding
• Positioning
• Abnormal exam findings 
• Proper technique for an intervention

Passing this exam is a necessary step in the process of becoming a licensed physical therapist.

When is the Exam Taken

The NPTE is computer-based and can be completed  at any Prometric testing center in the United States, regardless of where a candidate is seeking licensure. NPTE exam dates run four times a year, typically in January, April, July, and October.

How Long is the NPTE

The NPTE exam is administered in 5 sections timed at 5 hours each with a 15-minute break in the second section. 

How is the NPTE Scored

The NPTE is a pass/fail examination with scores ranging from  200 to 800. This is because the exam is designed to gauge whether or not a student has at least the minimum level of competence to practice as a certified physical therapist. In order to successfully pass the exam, students must receive a score of at least 600. There are 180 scored items with only one correct answer for each question.

What’s New to the NPTE Format

To provide an equal opportunity for every candidate to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, the FSBPT reviews feedback and practice analysis data over a five-year span to make informed changes to the exam blueprint. Come January 2024, students will begin testing with the revised format of the NPTE. 

1. NPTE Video Items: Video items will help to better test a candidate’s clinical decision-making abilities through the visual assessment of a patient’s condition. Videos will be no longer than 10 seconds and you can replay them as many times as you like. 

2. Scenario-Based Questions: In scenario questions, students are given a patient case and are asked questions about the patient. This structure allows students  to test their ability on managing cases and making clinical decisions. There will be up to 40 scenario-based questions on the exam.

3. Content Outline: With the overall question count decreasing from 250 to 225, the number of items per body system is shifting slightly. There are 8 systems and a system interaction category (9 systems overall). These include: 

• Musculoskeletal System (27.5%)
• Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (24.5%)
• Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems (13.6%)
• Integument (5.3%)
• Lymphatic Systems (3%)
• Other Systems  = Metabolic & Endocrine (2.8%), GI (2.3%), GU (2.4%) and System Interactions (4.9%)

Students will want to familiarize themselves with the latest blueprint.

*Understanding the NPTE | FSBPT. (n.d.). [Photo]. Retrieved 26 October. 2023, from https://fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/NPTE-Candidate-Handbook/Understanding-the-NPTE.

Studying in accordance with these changes will have a significant impact on exam performance. TrueLearn has updated the Physical Therapy SmartBank in order to offer students a resource that effectively prepares them for the NPTE while reflecting the evolving landscape of the exam.  

Adapting to the Format Changes

While change can feel like an almost imperceptible process, embracing it can also lead us down the path of personal and professional growth. And when it comes to preparing for the new NPTE format, the right tools can make all the difference.

TrueLearn’s recent enhancements will ensure you have the resources and support necessary to excel in the new NPTE format, from scenario-based questions to video based items, the NPTE SmartBank aligns with the newest blueprint to simulate the real thing. For a more in depth look at all of the updates as well as an exclusive code for 15% 90-day or longer subscriptions to start your preparations, download our flier today!

NPTE® is a trademark of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT®). This content is not endorsed or approved by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT®).