National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy develops and administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in 53 jurisdictions. It is five and a half (5 1/2) hours long for 250 items exam. Each examinee is given a different set of exam even if you take the exam at the same time.

NPTE is required for all physical therapists, no matter where they are trained, to work in the U.S. It is a national exam, and the results are accepted in all fifty states, and never has to be taken again. It requires an authorization to test (ATT). You will get an ATT when you have been accepted by the state.

Content Outlines In Effect March 1, 2008
PT Content Outline

http://www.fsbpt.org/download/ContentOutline_2008PTT_20070302.pdf

Physical Therapist Examination

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?

1. Isometric strengthening of the deltoid
2. Lumbar extension exercises in prone
3. Instruction in correct postural alignment in sitting
4. Instruction in shoulder active range of motion exercises

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?

1. Rise in blood pressure and no change in heart rate
2. Drop in blood pressure and no change in heart rate
3. Rise in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate
4. Drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate

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?

1. Plantar fasciitis
2. Fibular (peroneal) nerve palsy
3. Heel cord tightness
4. Hammer toe

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS: 1.c; 2.b; 3.c

Reference:

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
124 West Street South • Third Floor • Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-299-3100 • fax: 703-299-3110

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