NPTE
National Physical Therapy Examination
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ExploreAbout this exam
The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is the licensing examination used by physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) candidates who are nearing graduation and preparing to move from student to licensee. It is administered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and passing it is one component of the licensure process rather than the whole of it.
Eligibility to sit is set at the state level. Each state licensing authority has its own criteria for licensure and for taking the NPTE, so the state where you intend to practice determines what you must submit and when you are approved to test. FSBPT issues the Authorization to Test (ATT) letter by email only after that state approval is in place, and statuses such as "Awaiting Eligibility" reflect that waiting period.
Preparation resources published by FSBPT include the Candidate Handbook, the Prepare for Exam page, the NPTE Demonstration Exam, and the Practice Exam & Assessment Tool (PEAT), a timed practice exam. Registration follows a customized Journey Map that lists each step in the process and who is responsible for it. Candidates can also request a score transfer to another jurisdiction or withdraw a registration.
This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FSBPT or any licensing authority.
What you'll study
About NPTE preparation
Who is the NPTE for?
It is aimed at candidates nearing graduation who are ready to become a licensed physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA). Because each state licensing authority sets its own eligibility criteria for licensure and for taking the NPTE, confirm your state's requirements before you begin the registration process.
What is the step-by-step registration process?
FSBPT directs candidates to a Journey Map at pt.fsbpt.net/UserJourneyMap. You enter your school and the state where you want to practice, and the system generates a map outlining the steps in the NPTE registration process plus who is responsible for each step. That map is the authoritative sequence for your situation.
What does an "Awaiting Eligibility" status mean?
It means FSBPT is waiting for the state where you applied for licensure to approve you to sit for the exam. If you have already submitted everything the state requires, no further action is needed on your part. If you are unsure, contact your licensing authority to check whether anything is outstanding.
When will I receive my Authorization to Test (ATT) letter?
FSBPT emails the ATT letter immediately after you are made eligible to sit, which follows state approval; the day after the state approves you, the letter arrives by email. It is also available from your Customer Dashboard under "Status of My Request" in the Services section.
How should I prepare for the exam?
FSBPT points candidates to its Prepare for Exam page for tools and tips, and offers the Practice Exam & Assessment Tool (PEAT), described as a timed practice exam. The Candidate Handbook and the NPTE Demonstration Exam are additional official resources worth reviewing before you build a study schedule.
How long is the exam, how many questions are there, and what does it cost?
Those details are not stated on the FSBPT exam information page summarized here, so this page does not report figures for length, item count, or fee. The Candidate Handbook is the appropriate place to confirm current exam-day format and cost information before you register.
Can I move my score to another state?
Yes. FSBPT lists a Score Transfer Service that transfers your NPTE score to another jurisdiction. This is distinct from initial licensure, which is handled by the state licensing authority where you apply, so confirm any additional requirements with the receiving jurisdiction.
What if I need to cancel or move my test date?
FSBPT provides an Exam Withdrawal Request service for withdrawing your NPTE registration. The specific refund, rescheduling, and retake rules are not detailed on the exam information page used for this summary, so review the Candidate Handbook or contact FSBPT directly for the terms that apply to you.
How do I know whether the exam is difficult or how candidates perform?
FSBPT publishes NPTE Pass Rate Reports that compare pass rates of candidates in three ways. Those reports are the best source for judging difficulty and outcomes rather than anecdotes, and reviewing them can help you set realistic expectations for your own preparation timeline.
I forgot my FSBPT ID or password. What now?
Recovery links for your FSBPT ID and password are on the customer login page. ID recovery requires your name, date of birth, and email address, and those fields must match FSBPT's records. To change the email address on file, write to [email protected].