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2010 NPTE Candidate Handbook: F S B P T
2010 NPTE Candidate Handbook: F S B P T
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For a directory of licensing authorities; go to www.fsbpt.org and click on "Licensing Authorities."
ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE NPTE AND JURISPRUDENCE EXAMS
Visit http://www.fsbpt.org then click on the Shortcut for “Register for an Exam.” Online registration allows you to
register and pay online with one simple form.
STATUS OF YOUR NPTE REGISTRATION - FSBPT EXAMINATION SERVICES
Online • Check the status of your registration online at https://www.pt.fsbpt.net
Click on "Status of My Request."
Voice • 703-739-9420 Fax • 703-739-9421 E-mail • examregistration@fsbpt.org
ONLINE PEAT
To learn more about and order Online PEAT, the FSBPT's Practice Exam and Assessment Tool, visit our website,
www.fsbpt.org. Click on “For Candidates/Licensees” and then “PEAT.”
FSBPT SCORE TRANSFER APPLICATIONS
Online • Go to http://www.fsbpt.org then click on the Shortcut for “Transfer a Score.”
E-mail • scoretransfer@fsbpt.org
PROMETRIC
Online • Schedule your appointment or find a test center online at www.prometric.com
Voice • Prometric Registration Center, 1-800-796-9857 • Special Accommodations, 1-800-967-
1139 • Candidate Cares, 1-800-853-6769
FSBPT OFFICES: OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM ET
124 S. West Street, 3rd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314
Exam Services • Telephone 703-739-9420 • Fax 703-739-9421
Administrative Services • Telephone 703-299-3100 • Fax 703-299-3110
Web Site • www.fsbpt.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information ........................................................................................................... 4
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) ........................................... 4
Purpose of the Examination Program ............................................................................... 4
Examination Development............................................................................................... 4
Eligibility ......................................................................................................................... 5
Examination Administration ............................................................................................ 5
Examination Security ............................................................................................................ 6
Protect Your Reputation and Career ................................................................................ 6
Exam Security During Testing.......................................................................................... 6
Additional Security Information....................................................................................... 7
Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................. 8
Preparing for the Examination ......................................................................................... 8
Arranging To Take the NPTE........................................................................................... 8
Making a Testing Appointment............................................................................................... 9
Rescheduling, Canceling, No-Shows and Refunds............................................................ 10
Taking the Examination ................................................................................................... 11
Examination Results and Scoring ..................................................................................... 16
Retaking the Examination ................................................................................................ 16
Additional Questions ....................................................................................................... 17
Jurisprudence Exams.............................................................................................................. 18
Content Outlines................................................................................................................... 19
Sample Questions .................................................................................................................. 40
Additional Services ................................................................................................................ 43
Score Transfer Service....................................................................................................... 43
Performance Feedback ..................................................................................................... 43
Examination Score Verification ........................................................................................ 43
Online PEAT (Practice Exam and Assessment Tool) ......................................................... 43
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General Information
THE FEDERATION OF STATE BOARDS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
The mission of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is to protect the public by providing
service and leadership that promote safe and competent physical therapy practice.
Our Federation promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare of the public by identifying and promoting
desirable and reasonable uniformity in physical therapy regulatory standards and practices. We recommend
consistent regulatory practices through the Model Practice Act for Physical Therapy, address foreign education
equivalency and collect and disseminate information relevant to the regulation of physical therapy through our
Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide.
We develop, maintain and administer the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE) for Physical Therapists
(PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA). We continually research and use the best examination methodology
available.
We also provide educational programs for our Member Boards and other bodies interested in effective licensure,
regulation and enforcement in the practice of healthcare professions.
E XAMINATION D EVELOPMENT
The Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure Examinations are developed by physical
therapists and physical therapist assistants who serve on FSBPT committees; the Examination Development
Committee (EDC), the Item Bank Review Committee (IBRC) and the Item Writer Regional Coordinators.
The EDC determines which items are included on an examination based on an examination outline or blueprint.
This outline provides the committee with the content areas that must be on the examination and the number of
questions to be included from each content area. The outline is developed from a job analysis, which identifies the
activities and tasks that comprise the practice of physical therapy at the entry level. The job analysis is based on
survey data and expert judgments. Questions (items) for the examinations are solicited from physical therapists and
physical therapist assistants representing a broad range of practice settings in all parts of the country. Item writers
attend workshops and receive instruction to enable them to write high-quality, job-related examination items.
The involvement of a large, representative group of practicing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and
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other professionals at every stage of examination development ensures that the examinations are relevant to the
current practice of physical therapy.
E LIGIBILITY
Each licensing authority has established its own criteria for eligibility to sit for the PT and PTA examinations. You
should review the materials distributed by the licensing authority, to which you intend to apply for licensure or
certification, to determine if you have met that authority's eligibility requirements. A current examination may be
used only for administration to bona fide candidates for initial licensure or certification, relicensure or reactivation,
or to candidates who are not currently licensed in a jurisdiction and do not have a qualifying examination score
for that jurisdiction.
E XAMINATION A DMINISTRATION
The computer-based PT and PTA examinations are administered by FSBPT through Prometric. FSBPT scores your
examination and then transmits the score to the licensing authority. Individual licensing authorities make all
decisions regarding licensure or certification as well as licensure and certification procedures for their jurisdictions.
One commonality among U.S. licensing authorities is that, effective July 1996, all licensing authorities adopted
FSBPT's criterion-referenced passing point, so that the minimum passing score is now the same in all jurisdictions.
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Examination Security
PROTECT YOUR REPUTATION AND CAREER
Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a big step toward receiving your license to practice
Physical Therapy. Understandably, you want to take advantage of all available resources when preparing for this
important examination. In the past, when you have prepared for examinations at school, you considered fellow
students to be good resources for learning about questions that were on those tests. This is not the case when
preparing for the NPTE.
The NPTE is the property of the FSBPT and is protected by contract, trade secret, and federal copyright laws. It is a violation of
those laws, and thus illegal, to share any information whatsoever about any NPTE question. In particular, sharing information
about a NPTE question recalled from memory or asking someone who has taken the NPTE to share such information is illegal. It
is also unethical to share or solicit someone else to share information about a NPTE question.
Do You Mean It's Illegal to Recall Questions?
YES! The FSBPT aggressively protects the integrity of the NPTE. Such protection is important to
safeguarding the public from persons who do not have the requisite knowledge about physical therapy and
therefore are not qualified to practice physical therapy. Any person for whom the FSBPT has a reasonable
suspicion of sharing or soliciting information about any NPTE examination question may be prohibited from
sitting for the NPTE unless and until they are determined after full investigation not to have shared or solicited
such information.
I TEMS FROM THE E XAMINATION ARE N OT TO BE SHARED WITH ANY PERSON FOR A NY P URPOSE .
Why is it Unethical to Ask Someone Else for Recalled Questions?
Soliciting recalled questions from candidates who have previously taken the examination is unethical for several
reasons. The first is obvious; you are expected to pass the test based on your own merit without assistance. The
members of the public who will entrust you with their well-being expect that you are a trustworthy and
competent individual. Secondly, the purpose of the NPTE is to protect the public by ensuring that candidates
for licensure have achieved entry-level competence. By asking previous test takers to share questions with you, you
are committing an illegal act and are undermining the very purpose of the examination. Lastly, by soliciting
questions from previous test takers, you are encouraging such persons to commit illegal acts.
I TEMS FROM THE E XAMINATION ARE N OT TO BE S OLICITED FOR A NY P URPOSE .
What Happens If I Do Share or Solicit Recalled Questions?
Any person for whom the FSBPT has a reasonable suspicion of sharing or soliciting information about any NPTE
examination question MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM SITTING FOR THE NPTE unless and until they are
determined after full investigation not to have shared or solicited such information.
The FSBPT has and will continue to actively prosecute individuals to the full extent of the law who share or
solicit others to share any information whatsoever about any NPTE examination question.
The FSBPT will also report any incidents of students requesting questions or sharing questions to their licensing
jurisdiction.
Candidates who are determined to be guilty of soliciting or sharing questions will severely damage their chances
of ever being licensed in any jurisdiction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION
How can I prepare for the examination?
Preparation should involve review of the specific content areas within the content outline. The content outline is
provided within this handbook. Since the examination is multiple choice and computerized, candidates should
make sure they are comfortable taking multiple-choice, computerized examinations.
Must I sit for the examination in the jurisdiction in which I am seeking licensure?
No. You may sit for the examination at any of the approximately 300 testing centers in the United States. You are
not required to sit for the examination within the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure.
May I register to take the examination with more than one jurisdiction at the same time?
No. You may not register to take the examination through more than one jurisdiction at the same time. If you
submit registration forms for more than one jurisdiction, FSBPT will process only the first registration form
received and register you to take the examination for licensure in that jurisdiction. Once you are registered in one
jurisdiction, if you attempt to register with another jurisdiction at the same time, examination registration fees
that you submit to FSBPT will not be refunded.
If you do not pass the examination, you may register with the same jurisdiction or a different jurisdiction.
However, as before, you may register through only one jurisdiction to retake the examination.
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What are my licensure and examination registration fees?
To determine licensure fees you will need to consult the materials provided by the licensing authority, as fees vary
from state to state. The fee for the NPTE is $370 as of January 1, 2010.
The NPTE registration form asks for a Social Security Number and I do not have one. What do I do?
We require a unique identification number in order for you to sit for the examination. This should be your Social
Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can obtain one from the Social Security
Administration at http://www.ssa.gov/or call 1-800-772-1213.
In rare cases where a candidate cannot obtain a Social Security Number, an "Alternate Identification Number"
(AIN) may be obtained from FSBPT by application. You may print an application for an Alternate
Identification Number from the FSBPT Web site, www.fsbpt.org, by clicking on "For Candidates/Licensees,"
then "NPTE," and then “Exam Reports and Services.” Your registration will not be processed without either a
Social Security Number or an Alternate Identification Number.
The issuance of an AIN is solely for the purpose of registering for examinations or services through the FSBPT
when a candidate cannot obtain a Social Security Number. The AIN is not a substitute for a Social Security
Number for any other purpose.
Applicants should retain their AIN and utilize it concerning all correspondence, inquiries, or requests relating to
their licensure examination. AIN applications will be processed within eight business days of receipt. Candidates
will be notified of their assigned number by mail upon issuance.
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• Your name
• Social Security Number or Alternate Identification Number
• Daytime telephone number
• Type of payment: credit card or direct debit
Prometric will always endeavor to accommodate your scheduling preferences as closely as possible. Please keep in
mind that it is in your best interest to schedule and test early in your eligibility period.
What are the acceptable forms of payment for the Prometric test center fee?
Payment for the Prometric test center fee may be made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by direct debit to
a checking account. Payment information must be provided at the time you schedule your examination. It is not
possible to pay at the testing center.
To pay by credit card, you will be asked to provide a valid credit card number and expiration date. To pay by
direct debit to a checking account, you will be asked to provide bank information and a checking account
number. This information can be found on one of your blank checks. Your credit card will be charged or your
account debited on the day of your examination. The Prometric testing fee is payable to Prometric and therefore
can only be refunded by Prometric.
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reschedule fee of $25 by Prometric.
If you cancel or reschedule your exam within 2 days of your appointment, fail to appear for your scheduled exam,
or arrive late and are refused admission, you will forfeit the entire Prometric sitting fee.
If I apply for the examination, but do not take it, will I receive a refund?
You will receive a refund only if you withdraw your registration, from the FSBPT, before the end of your 60-day
eligibility period. The refund will be less a processing fee.
If you fail to sit for the examination or fail to withdraw your registration within your eligibility period, you will forfeit
your examination fee and will be required to register and pay again if you would like another 60-day eligibility period.
What happens if I have sent my examination registration fee to FSBPT but the licensing authority
does not approve my registration?
In cases where you are deemed ineligible by a jurisdiction licensing authority or voluntarily withdraw a
registration, and FSBPT has already received the examination fee, FSBPT will refund its portion of the
examination fee, less a processing fee.
NOTE: The total amount you pay to apply for licensure with your jurisdiction may include fees not related to
testing. Individual licensing authorities establish these additional fees. FSBPT does not receive these fees and thus
cannot refund them. FSBPT also cannot refund any fees paid to Prometric.
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You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with two forms of acceptable identification.
Acceptable ID is a currently valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.), and another piece
of identification pre-printed with your name and containing your signature such as a credit card. On both forms
of ID your signature must match your pre-printed name. A Social Security card is not an acceptable form of
identification. As part of your identification processing, the driver’s license/passport will be swiped in order to
retain scanned information.
Your first and last name on both forms of ID must exactly match the first and last name on your Author-
ization to Test letter issued by FSBPT. If you are denied admittance to the examination due to any problem with
your identification you will forfeit your Prometric fee and will be required to schedule another testing appointment
within your eligibility period.
What is a section?
The exam is delivered in sections or blocks of 50 questions. Each section is a “mini exam” in that it will follow
the same basic content outline as the larger exam and contain both scored and pretest items. The PT exam has 5
sections. The PTA exam has 4 sections. Once you have completed a section you cannot return to the section to
review or change your answers.
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each question carefully and select the correct or best one. There is only one correct or best answer to each question.
Because there is no additional penalty for incorrect answers, it is to your advantage to answer every question,
even when you are unsure of the correct or best answer.
While taking the examination, can I move back and forth between questions?
Yes. While taking the computerized examination, you can skip forward or backward through the section you are
currently in and review questions, whether the questions are "marked" or "unmarked."
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Can I use "scratch paper" when taking the examination?
Yes. You are allowed to use "scratch paper" that is supplied at the testing center. The "scratch paper" will be an
erasable note board. You are not allowed to bring in your own scratch paper. Testing center staff will collect the
erasable note board at the completion of the examination.
What happens if there is a fire drill, evacuation, or another unexpected event, during my
examination?
If the disruption lasts for less than 30 minutes, you will be expected to complete your examination. If the
disruption is longer than 30 minutes, you have the right to request rescheduling of the examination on another
day within your 60-day eligibility period at no additional cost.
What should I do if I experience other disruptions not covered here while taking my examination?
You should alert Prometric staff immediately to disruptions occurring within the testing room. The sooner the
testing center staff is aware of a problem, the sooner steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate the disruption.
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Can I make comments concerning the examination administration?
Yes. You are given the opportunity to complete a survey after finishing your examination. The survey is presented
on the computer and consists of questions about the examination administration.
I further acknowledge and agree that FSBPT may terminate my participation, invalidate the results of my
examination, or take other appropriate action if, in FSBPT’s sole judgment, there is a good faith basis to
question the validity of my results for any reason, regardless of whether there is any evidence of my
personal involvement in irregular activities. Irregularities occurring prior to, during, or after my taking of
the NPTE include but are not limited to conduct such as soliciting, receiving, or viewing reproduced or
recalled NPTE test questions when preparing for the exam; taking or using notes during the exam; failure
to comply with all Prometric Test Center security procedures; attempting to communicate in any way with
fellow test-takers during the exam; or sharing recalled contents of the NPTE with others after the test
administration. Evidence of invalid results may include, but is not limited to answer patterns or score
increases determined by FSBPT, in its sole discretion, to be atypical, unusual, or aberrant.
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Lastly, I acknowledge and agree that the purpose of the NPTE is to protect the public from the licensure of
and practice of physical therapy by persons who do not have the requisite knowledge to safely practice
physical therapy and that the foregoing terms and conditions are important and reasonable measures for
safeguarding the public welfare.
In order to safeguard the public welfare and the integrity of the NPTE, FSBPT reserves the right to prohibit
any person from taking the NPTE who has not accepted the terms and conditions of the foregoing Security
Agreement.
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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
What services are available online?
The following services are available at http://www.fsbpt.org:
• Register for examinations.
• Check the status of your registration
• Update your profile
• Add a payment to a requested service
• Apply for a score transfer
• Contact information for Licensing Authorities
• Listing of school codes
Whom can I call if I have additional questions about the NPTE Program?
You may call FSBPT at 703-739-9420 to obtain general information about the NPTE program, the status of your
registration, Authorization to Test letter, or the score report that is transmitted to your jurisdiction licensing
authority.
Is there a way to appeal a policy related to the National Physical Therapy Examination?
The FSBPT Board of Directors routinely reviews the policies that govern the development and administration of the
National Physical Therapy Examination. These policies are then shared with the licensing authority for each U.S.
jurisdiction. Careful consideration is given when developing policies to ensure that they are in line with the
Federation’s mission of public protection.
If you wish to appeal a specific policy related to the National Physical Therapy Examination the first step is to
discuss the issue with a Federation staff person. The staff may be able to provide a better understanding of the
policy and explain how the policy relates to the Federation mission. If you still choose to appeal a policy, you will
need to submit a request in writing to the FSBPT Board of Directors. Requests for appeals must be submitted by the
candidate within 60 days of his/her most recent examination. The request must include the rationale for the
exception to the policy and any steps already taken to resolve this problem with FSBPT staff.
When reviewing appeals, the FSBPT Board of Directors will consider what effect granting the appeal would have
on other candidates, the role of the exam in providing a measure of minimal entry-level competence, the security of
the NPTE, and any impact the decision might create for the jurisdiction in which the candidate is applying or any
other jurisdiction. Candidate appeals will be responded to in writing by the President of the FSBPT Board of
Directors within 60 days.
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Jurisprudence Exams
Your jurisdiction may require that you take a jurisprudence exam that is administered by the FSBPT. If your
jurisdiction does require that you take the jurisprudence exam through the FSBPT, the policies and procedures for
the jurisprudence exam are the same as those for the NPTE. To register online for a jurisprudence exam, go to
http://www.fsbpt.org.
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Content Outlines
The examinations consist of objective, multiple-choice questions covering the major areas of physical therapy. The
PT examination consists of 250 items and the PTA examination consists of 200 items. The outlines beginning on
the next page delineate the major content areas of the examinations.
These examinations were developed to measure knowledge and abilities required of entry-level physical therapists
and physical therapist assistants. A committee composed of physical therapist and physical therapist assistants
developed them. Based on national analyses of the tasks that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants
perform, the following examination content outlines were developed.
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National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Test Content Outline – Physical Therapist
This test is designed to measure whether or not an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills required
of entry-level physical therapist practitioners. The focus is on the clinical application of knowledge, concepts
and principles necessary for the provision of safe and effective patient care. Provision of safe patient care
includes consideration of current best evidence from clinically relevant research regarding the safety and
efficacy of therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive physical therapy services.
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Cardiac, Vascular, & Pulmonary Systems
Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principles
that serve as the foundation for understanding the involvement of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary
systems in the treatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.
• Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems
• Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
• Pharmacology as related to the cardiovascular/pulmonary system
• Physiological response to environmental factors and characteristics (e.g., air temperature,
humidity, water temperature, water depth, buoyancy, altitude)
• Effects of activity and exercise on the cardiovascular/pulmonary system (including the
physiological response of the cardiovascular/pulmonary system to various types of
test/measures and interventions)
Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of cardiac, vascular, and
pulmonary systems tests and measures and their relevance to information collected from the history and
systems review. The category includes the reaction of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems to
tests and measures, and the mechanics of body movement as related to the cardiac, vascular, and
pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client
management across the lifespan.
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
interpretation of knowledge about the diseases and conditions of cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary
systems in order to ensure the appropriate and effective patient/client treatment and management
decisions across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems interventions
(including types, applications, responses, and potential complications) as well as the impact on the
cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support
patient/client management across the lifespan.
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Musculoskeletal System
Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principles
that serve as the foundation for understanding musculoskeletal system involvement in the treatment of
patients/clients across the lifespan.
Examination: This category refers to the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests and
measures and their relevance to information collected during history and systems review. The category
also includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests and measures, and the mechanics of
body movement as related to the musculoskeletal system. Information covered in these areas supports
appropriate and effective patient/client management across the lifespan.
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
diseases and conditions of musculoskeletal system in order to ensure the appropriate and effective
patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of musculoskeletal system interventions as well as the impact on the musculoskeletal
system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across
the lifespan.
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Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principles
that serve as the foundation for understanding neuromuscular/nervous system involvement in the
treatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.
Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of neuromuscular/nervous
system tests and measures and their relevance to information collected during history and systems
review. The category also includes the reaction of the neuromuscular/nervous system to tests and
measures, and the mechanics of body movement as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system.
Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management across
the lifespan.
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
diseases and conditions of neuromuscular/nervous system in order to ensure the appropriate and
effective patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of neuromuscular/nervous system interventions as well as the impact on the
neuromuscular/nervous system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support
patient/client management across the lifespan.
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• Motor control as related to neuromuscular/nervous system interventions
• Motor learning as related to neuromuscular/nervous system interventions
Integumentary System
Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principles
that serve as the foundation for understanding integumentary system involvement in the treatment of
patients/clients across the lifespan.
Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of integumentary system
tests and measures and their relevance to information collected during history and systems review. The
category also includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests and measures. Information
covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management across the lifespan.
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
diseases and conditions of integumentary system in order to ensure the appropriate and effective
patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of integumentary system interventions as well as the impact on the integumentary system
of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across the
lifespan.
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Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principles
that serve as the foundation for understanding metabolic and endocrine systems’ involvement in the
treatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.
Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of metabolic and
endocrine tests and measures and their relevance to information collected during history and systems
review. The category also includes the reaction of the metabolic and endocrine systems to tests and
measures. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client
management across the lifespan.
• Appropriate types of metabolic and endocrine systems tests/measures and their applications
• Physiological response of the metabolic and endocrine systems to various types of
tests/measures
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
diseases and conditions of metabolic and endocrine systems in order to ensure the appropriate and
effective patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of metabolic and endocrine systems interventions as well as the impact on the metabolic
and endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client
management across the lifespan.
• Appropriate types of metabolic and endocrine systems interventions and their applications
• Physiological response of the metabolic and endocrine systems to various types of
interventions
• Secondary effects or complications from interventions on metabolic and endocrine systems
• Secondary effects or complications on metabolic and endocrine systems from interventions
used on other systems
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Gastrointestinal System
Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principles
that serve as the foundation for understanding gastrointestinal system involvement in the treatment of
patients/clients across the lifespan.
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
interpretation of knowledge of diseases and conditions of gastrointestinal system in order to ensure the
appropriate and effective patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of gastrointestinal system interventions and their relevance to information collected during
history and systems review and examination. It also includes the impact on the gastrointestinal system of
interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across the
lifespan.
Genitourinary System
Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principles
that serve as the foundation for understanding genitourinary system involvement in the treatment of
patients/clients across the lifespan.
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
diseases and conditions of genitourinary system in order to ensure the appropriate and effective
patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, and potential complications)
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of genitourinary system interventions as well as the impact on the genitourinary system of interventions
performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across the lifespan.
Multi-System
Clinical Applications of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific
principles that serve as the foundation for understanding multi-system involvement in the treatment of
patients/clients across the lifespan.
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to the
interpretation of knowledge of multiple system involvement in order to ensure the appropriate and
effective patient/client treatment and management decisions.
This category refers to the different types of equipment and devices, use requirements and/or contextual
determinants, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the selection and application of
equipment and devices in order to support patient/client treatment and management decisions across the
lifespan.
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Therapeutic Modalities
This category refers to the underlying principles for the use of therapeutic modalities as well as the
justification for the selection and use of the variety of types of therapeutic modalities employed to support
patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.
This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and the
responsibilities of healthcare providers to ensure that patient/client management and healthcare decisions
take place in a secure and trustworthy environment.
• Factors influencing patient/client safety (e.g., fall risk, use of restraints, use of equipment,
environmental factors)
• Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)
• Proper body mechanics
• Injury prevention
• Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions)
• Legal obligations for reporting abuse and neglect
• Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA)
• Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)
• Standards of documentation
• Risk guidelines (e.g., documentation, policies and procedures, incident reports)
• Roles and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals and support staff
This category refers to the principles and theories of teaching and learning required to create a learning
environment in which information is effectively communicated to patients/clients to ensure that they
receive appropriate instruction designed to support patient/client management decisions.
• Teaching and learning strategies, theories, and techniques (e.g., cognitive, motor, models of
education)
• Health behavior change models
• Communication skills
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Research & Evidence-Based Practice
This category refers to the application of measurement principles and research methodology to make
reasoned and appropriate assessment and interpretation of information sources and practice research to
support patient/client management decisions fundamental to evidence-based practice.
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System Specific Specifications - Physical Therapy
System Percent of the Examination
Musculoskeletal 18%
Neuromuscular 17%
Cardiovascular/pulmonary 11.5%
Integumentary 7%
Other Systems 16%
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National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Test Content Outline – Physical Therapist
Assistant
This test is designed to measure whether or not an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills
required of entry-level physical therapist assistants working under the supervision of a physical therapist.
The focus is on the clinical application of knowledge, concepts and principles necessary for the
provision of safe and effective patient care consistent with the principles of best practice.
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Cardiac, Vascular, & Pulmonary Systems
Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refers
to the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation for
understanding the involvement of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems in the treatment of
patients/clients across the lifespan.
• Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems
• Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
• Diseases/conditions of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems
• Diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system
• Diseases or conditions of cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems in order to provide
effective treatments
• Diseases or conditions of the lymphatic system in order to provide effective treatments
• Medical management of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems (e.g., medical tests,
medications, surgical procedures)
• Physiological response to environmental factors and characteristics (e.g., air temperature,
humidity, water temperature, water depth, buoyancy, altitude)
• Effects of activity and exercise on the cardiovascular/pulmonary system (including the
physiological response of the cardiovascular/pulmonary system to various types of
test/measures and interventions)
Data Collection: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of cardiac, vascular,
and pulmonary systems tests and measures. The category includes the reaction of the cardiac, vascular,
and pulmonary systems to tests and measures, and the mechanics of body movement as related to the
cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and
effective patient/client management across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems interventions
(including types, applications, responses, and potential complications) as well as the impact on the
cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support
patient/client management across the lifespan.
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Musculoskeletal System
Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refers
to the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation for
understanding musculoskeletal system involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across the
lifespan.
Data Collection: This category refers to the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests and
measures. The category also includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests and measures,
and the mechanics of body movement as related to the musculoskeletal system. Information covered in
these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of musculoskeletal system interventions as well as the impact on the musculoskeletal
system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across
the lifespan.
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Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refers
to the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation for
understanding neuromuscular/nervous system involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across the
lifespan.
Data Collection: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of
neuromuscular/nervous system tests and measures. The category also includes the reaction of the
neuromuscular/nervous system to tests and measures, and the mechanics of body movement as related
to the neuromuscular/nervous system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and
effective patient/client management across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of neuromuscular/nervous system interventions as well as the impact on the
neuromuscular/nervous system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support
patient/client management across the lifespan.
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Integumentary System
Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refers
to the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation for
understanding integumentary system involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.
Data Collection: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of integumentary
system tests and measures. The category also includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests
and measures. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client
management across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of integumentary system interventions as well as the impact on the integumentary system
of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across the
lifespan.
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Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refers
to the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation for
understanding metabolic and endocrine systems’ involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across
the lifespan.
Data Collection: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of metabolic and
endocrine tests and measures. The category also includes the reaction of the metabolic and endocrine
systems to tests and measures. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective
patient/client management across the lifespan.
Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potential
complications) of metabolic and endocrine systems interventions as well as the impact on the metabolic
and endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client
management across the lifespan.
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Gastrointestinal System
Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refers
to the awareness of diseases or conditions that serve as the foundation for understanding gastrointestinal
system involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.
Multi-System
Clinical Applications of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category
refers to the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the
foundation for understanding multi-system involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across the
lifespan.
This category refers to the different types of equipment and devices, use requirements and/or contextual
determinants, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the application of equipment and
devices in order to support patient/client treatment and management across the lifespan.
Therapeutic Modalities
This category refers to the underlying principles for the use of therapeutic modalities as well as the
justification for the use of the variety of types of therapeutic modalities employed to support patient/client
treatment and management across the lifespan.
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• Physical agents (e.g., athermal agents, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, light agents, sound
agents, thermotherapy)
• Mechanical modalities (e.g., compression therapies, mechanical motion devices, traction
devices)
• Electrotherapeutic delivery of medications (e.g., iontophoresis)
• Electrical stimulation (e.g., Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), High Voltage Pulsed
Current (HVPC), Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NES), TENS)
This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and the
responsibilities of healthcare providers to ensure that patient/client management and healthcare decisions
take place in a secure and trustworthy environment.
• Factors influencing patient/client safety (e.g., fall risk, use of restraints, use of equipment,
environmental factors)
• Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)
• Proper body mechanics
• Injury prevention
• Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions)
• Legal obligations for reporting abuse and neglect
• Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA)
• Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)
• Standards of documentation
• Risk guidelines (e.g., documentation, policies and procedures, incident reports)
• Roles and responsibilities of PTA in relation to PT and other healthcare professionals
• Roles and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals and support staff
This category refers to the principles and theories of teaching and learning required to create a learning
environment in which information is effectively communicated to patients/clients to ensure that they
receive appropriate instruction designed to support patient/client management decisions.
• Teaching and learning strategies, theories, and techniques (e.g., cognitive, motor, motor)
• Communication skills (e.g., styles, verbal and noverbal modes)
Evidence-Based Practice
This category refers to the knowledge of basic research methodology and data collection techniques
necessary for interpretation of information sources and practice research to support patient/client
management fundamental to evidence-based practice.
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System Specific Specifications – Physical Therapist Assistant
System Percent of the Examination
Musculoskeletal 21.33%
Neuromuscular 20%
Cardiovascular/pulmonary 12.67%
Integumentary 6%
Other Systems 12.67%
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Sample Questions
The sample questions that follow are illustrative of the type found on the Physical Therapist and Physical
Therapist Assistant examinations.
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST EXAMINTION
1. After sitting at a computer station for 2-3 hours, an individual reports experiencing a sharp, localized
pain in the left arm. When asked to show the location of the pain, the individual points to the area of the
insertion of the deltoid. The pain disappears when the individual stands up and walks around briefly.
Which of the following interventions is MOST likely to correct the problem?
2. A patient with a medullary level vascular lesion has increased vagal nerve activity. Which of the
following descriptions BEST represents the cardiovascular effects that occur when the patient transitions
from supine to standing?
3. A patient has used crutches with a partial weight-bearing toe touch gait for the past 3 months. When
progressed to full weight bearing, the patient is unable to demonstrate a heel-toe gait sequence with the
involved extremity. Which of the following disorders is the MOST likely origin of the gait abnormality?
a. Plantar fasciitis
b. Fibular (peroneal) nerve palsy
c. Heel cord tightness
d. Hammer toe
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT EXAMINATION
1. During a physical therapy evaluation, a patient with a sprain of the deltoid ligament of the ankle
reported pain with palpation of the affected area and with ankle motion that stresses the ligament. To
determine any change in the patient’s pain level during subsequent treatments, a physical therapist
assistant should perform which of the following actions?
a. Palpate anterior to the lateral malleolus, and passively plantar flex the ankle.
b. Palpate inferior to the medial malleolus, and passively evert the ankle.
c. Palpate over the sinus tarsi, and passively invert the ankle.
d. Palpate deep to the Achilles tendon, and passively dorsiflex the ankle.
2. Which of the following instructions would be MOST appropriate to give a patient who is learning
pursed-lip breathing?
3. A patient with impaired kinesthesia who is performing active range of motion exercises of the upper
extremities will MOST likely require which of the following supplemental interventions?
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Additional Services
Any fees noted below are subject to change without notice. Please check online at www.fsbpt.org for current prices.
P ERFORMANCE F EEDBACK
You may wish to purchase a detailed Performance Feedback Report from FSBPT which is a descriptive diagnostic
score report available to all PT and PTA candidates. You will be provided with two reports.
One will be based on all the areas within the Content Outline that have set specifications. You will get a scaled
score in each of these areas. You will also get a scaled score in each of the five system specific areas described in the
System Specific Specification summary. This service is only available for candidates who tested after June 1, 2000.
Requests can be submitted online by going to www.fsbpt.org or offline by submitting a Performance Feedback
Request form to FSBPT. The fee for this service is $90.00.
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