OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Georgia Physical Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-GA · License preparation

655 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Physical Therapist License

License issued by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy to practice physical therapy in Georgia.

Licensing authority: Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

Licensure by examination: graduate of a CAPTE accredited physical therapist program
Attempt Limit
Board Policy #2(C) / #3(C): an applicant who has not passed the national examination or the Georgia Jurisprudence examination by the fourth attempt may not sit a fifth time without extensive further study or additional coursework required by the Board.
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
Education
Graduate of a physical therapist educational program accredited by CAPTE and approved by the Board; official proof of graduation sent directly by the institution (Rule 490-2-.02(1)(a)3.; O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(1)/43-33-13(1)). Board Policy #2(A) allows eligibility on proof of program completion while awaiting degree conferment.
National Exam Score
Passing score on the NPTE-PT (minimum scaled score 600, Rule 490-3-.01).
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Licensure by examination: graduate of a non CAPTE accredited or foreign physical therapist program
Attempt Limit
Board Policy #2(C) / #3(C): an applicant who has not passed the national examination or the Georgia Jurisprudence examination by the fourth attempt may not sit a fifth time without extensive further study or additional coursework required by the Board.
Capte Accredited Foreign Program
Graduates of a foreign program accredited by CAPTE and approved by the Board follow Rule 490-2-.02 without a credentials evaluation (Rule 490-2-.03(2)).
Credential Evaluation
Transcripts evaluated by a Board-approved credential evaluation agency using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tool (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(a)); Board Policy #14 names ICA, IERF and FCCPT and requires 60 general and 90 professional education hours.
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
English Proficiency
Applicants educated in a non-English speaking program must pass the iBT TOEFL with a total of 89 (writing 22, reading 22, listening 21, speaking 24) before sitting for the licensure examination; English-taught programs submit a school letter instead (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(d)-(e)).
Exam Timing
The national examination and the Georgia law examination must be passed after the application is on file and before the traineeship begins (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(f)).
Foreign Licensure
Proof of current licensure or eligibility to practice in the country of education and verification of all licensures held (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(b)-(c)).
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Traineeship
Board-approved traineeship of at least 480 hours completed within three months of permit issuance; the Board may waive it for an applicant with at least 5 years of continuous active practice and a license in good standing (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(g); O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(1)/43-33-13(1)).
Licensure by endorsement for military spouses and transitioning service members holding an out of state physical therapist license
Continued Competence
Active continued competence in the two preceding years, by employment verification or 26 hours of acceptable continuing education (Rule 490-2-.10(2)(a)3., (b)3.).
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
Education
CAPTE graduates: official transcript; non-CAPTE graduates: Board-approved credential evaluation meeting the FSBPT Coursework Tool in effect at graduation (Rule 490-2-.10(2)(a)4., (b)4.).
Eligibility
Military spouse or transitioning service member as defined in O.C.G.A. 43-1-34 holding a valid license in another state whose training, experience and testing substantially meet or exceed Georgia's requirements (Rule 490-2-.10(2)).
Out Of State License
Verification of an active license in good standing from another state; verification from all states of licensure within six months after issuance (Rule 490-2-.10(2)(a)1.-2., (b)1.-2.).
Licensure by reciprocity/endorsement of an out of state physical therapist license (O.C.G.A. 43 33 15)
Apply By Examination
Board Policy #3(B): endorsement applicants who passed the examination within one year of graduation may apply by examination instead.
Attempt Limit
Board Policy #3(C): an applicant who has not passed the Georgia Jurisprudence exam by the fourth attempt may not sit a fifth time without additional jurisprudence coursework required by the Board.
Board Discretion
The Board registers without re-examination in its discretion and may require additional education or training (O.C.G.A. 43-33-15; Rule 490-2-.09(1), (4)).
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
Education
CAPTE graduates: official transcript showing graduation date (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(d)); non-CAPTE graduates: evaluation by a Board-approved credential evaluation organization meeting the FSBPT Coursework Tool in effect at graduation (Rule 490-2-.09(3)(d)).
Out Of State License
Active license in good standing from another state board, and verification of good standing from every state where the applicant has held a license (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(a)-(b), (3)(a)-(b)); the out-of-state license must have been issued after an examination the Board judges equivalent (O.C.G.A. 43-33-15).
Recent Practice
CAPTE graduates: active practice in the two years preceding application or 26 hours of acceptable continuing education (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(c)); non-CAPTE graduates: active practice in the two preceding years (Rule 490-2-.09(3)(c)).
Reinstatement of a lapsed or inactive Georgia physical therapist license by an applicant who last practiced between 2 and 5 years ago
Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module
Basis
Lapsed license revoked for failure to renew (Rule 490-4-.01(4)) or inactive license (Rule 490-4-.04(b)); application for reinstatement and fee.
Continuing Competence
Proof of continuing competence (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(b); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(2)).
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Supervised Practice
480 hours of continuous supervised practice under a Georgia-licensed physical therapist within 3 months under a training permit (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(b); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(2); Rule 490-2-.04(a)2.); the Board may exempt an applicant licensed in good standing in another state or employed by the U.S. Government (Rule 490-4-.04(c)).
Reinstatement of a lapsed or inactive Georgia physical therapist license by an applicant who has not practiced within the last 5 years
Basis
Lapsed license revoked for failure to renew (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(c)) or inactive license (Rule 490-4-.04(b)(3)); application for reinstatement and fee.
Inactive License Examination
Rule 490-4-.04(b)(3) names only the licensing examination for an inactive-license applicant ('shall be required to take and pass the next licensing examination prior to being allowed to work under the supervision'); Rule 490-2-.04(a)3. requires reinstatement applicants inactive over five years to have passed both the national licensing examination and the Georgia laws and rules examination before a training permit issues.
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Supervised Practice
1,000 hours of continuous supervised practice under a Georgia-licensed physical therapist completed in 6 months to 1 year under a training permit (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(c); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(3); Rule 490-2-.04(a)3.).
Reinstatement of a lapsed or inactive Georgia physical therapist license by an applicant who practiced within the last 2 years
Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module
Basis
Lapsed license revoked for failure to renew (Rule 490-4-.01(4)) or inactive license (Rule 490-4-.04(b)); application for reinstatement and fee.
Continuing Competence
Proof of continuing competence requirements (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(a); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(1)); the Board may exempt an applicant licensed in good standing in another state or employed by the U.S. Government (Rule 490-4-.01(5); Rule 490-4-.04(c)).
Jurisprudence Examination
The Georgia jurisprudence examination is required only where a lapsed-status applicant is found to have practiced without a current license: reinstatement is then considered upon a public consent agreement or reprimand requiring passage of the jurisprudence exam within 6 months, a $25 fine per day of unlicensed practice and reporting to employers (Board Policy #6). Otherwise no examination is named for this route.
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Biennial renewal of a Georgia physical therapist license
Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module
Continuing Competence
30 clock hours per licensure period, including at least 4 contact hours in Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence (Rule 490-4-.02(1)-(2)).
Jurisprudence Alternative
The 4-hour Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence requirement may be met by an approved course from a Georgia accredited PT program or PTAG-approved provider instead of passing the Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination (Rule 490-4-.02(2)(a); Board Policy #13(B)); an examination result already used for licensure or a Board order does not count (Rule 490-4-.02(2)(b); Board Policy #13(C)).
Renewal Cycle
Apply for renewal, submit proof of continuing competence and pay the renewal fee by December 31 of odd-numbered years; unrenewed licenses lapse after February 1 (Rule 490-4-.01(1)-(3)).

Physical Therapist Assistant License

License issued by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy to practice as a physical therapist assistant (designated P.T.A.) under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Licensing authority: Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

Licensure by examination: graduate of a CAPTE accredited physical therapist assistant program
Attempt Limit
Board Policy #2(C) / #3(C): an applicant who has not passed the national examination or the Georgia Jurisprudence examination by the fourth attempt may not sit a fifth time without extensive further study or additional coursework required by the Board.
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
Education
Graduate of a physical therapist assistant educational program accredited by CAPTE and approved by the Board; official proof of graduation sent directly by the institution (Rule 490-2-.02(1)(a)3.; O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(1)/43-33-13(1)). Board Policy #2(A) allows eligibility on proof of program completion while awaiting degree conferment.
National Exam Score
Passing score on the NPTE-PTA (minimum scaled score 600, Rule 490-3-.01).
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Licensure by examination: graduate of a non CAPTE accredited or foreign physical therapist assistant program
Attempt Limit
Board Policy #2(C) / #3(C): an applicant who has not passed the national examination or the Georgia Jurisprudence examination by the fourth attempt may not sit a fifth time without extensive further study or additional coursework required by the Board.
Capte Accredited Foreign Program
Graduates of a foreign program accredited by CAPTE and approved by the Board follow Rule 490-2-.02 without a credentials evaluation (Rule 490-2-.03(2)).
Credential Evaluation
Transcripts evaluated by a Board-approved credential evaluation agency using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tool (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(a)); Board Policy #14 names ICA, IERF and FCCPT and requires 60 general and 90 professional education hours.
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
English Proficiency
Applicants educated in a non-English speaking program must pass the iBT TOEFL with a total of 89 (writing 22, reading 22, listening 21, speaking 24) before sitting for the licensure examination; English-taught programs submit a school letter instead (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(d)-(e)).
Exam Timing
The national examination and the Georgia law examination must be passed after the application is on file and before the traineeship begins (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(f)).
Foreign Licensure
Proof of current licensure or eligibility to practice in the country of education and verification of all licensures held (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(b)-(c)).
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Traineeship
Board-approved traineeship of at least 480 hours completed within three months of permit issuance; the Board may waive it for an applicant with at least 5 years of continuous active practice and a license in good standing (Rule 490-2-.03(1)(g); O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(1)/43-33-13(1)).
Licensure by endorsement for military spouses and transitioning service members holding an out of state physical therapist assistant license
Continued Competence
Active continued competence in the two preceding years, by employment verification or 26 hours of acceptable continuing education (Rule 490-2-.10(2)(a)3., (b)3.).
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
Education
CAPTE graduates: official transcript; non-CAPTE graduates: Board-approved credential evaluation meeting the FSBPT Coursework Tool in effect at graduation (Rule 490-2-.10(2)(a)4., (b)4.).
Eligibility
Military spouse or transitioning service member as defined in O.C.G.A. 43-1-34 holding a valid license in another state whose training, experience and testing substantially meet or exceed Georgia's requirements (Rule 490-2-.10(2)).
Out Of State License
Verification of an active license in good standing from another state; verification from all states of licensure within six months after issuance (Rule 490-2-.10(2)(a)1.-2., (b)1.-2.).
Licensure by reciprocity/endorsement of an out of state physical therapist assistant license (O.C.G.A. 43 33 15)
Apply By Examination
Board Policy #3(B): endorsement applicants who passed the examination within one year of graduation may apply by examination instead.
Attempt Limit
Board Policy #3(C): an applicant who has not passed the Georgia Jurisprudence exam by the fourth attempt may not sit a fifth time without additional jurisprudence coursework required by the Board.
Board Discretion
The Board registers without re-examination in its discretion and may require additional education or training (O.C.G.A. 43-33-15; Rule 490-2-.09(1), (4)).
Disqualification
O.C.G.A. 43-33-12(3)/43-33-13(3) and Rule 490-2-.01(4): the applicant must not be disqualified under O.C.G.A. 43-33-18 or 43-1-19.
Education
CAPTE graduates: official transcript showing graduation date (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(d)); non-CAPTE graduates: evaluation by a Board-approved credential evaluation organization meeting the FSBPT Coursework Tool in effect at graduation (Rule 490-2-.09(3)(d)).
Out Of State License
Active license in good standing from another state board, and verification of good standing from every state where the applicant has held a license (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(a)-(b), (3)(a)-(b)); the out-of-state license must have been issued after an examination the Board judges equivalent (O.C.G.A. 43-33-15).
Recent Practice
CAPTE graduates: active practice in the two years preceding application or 26 hours of acceptable continuing education (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(c)); non-CAPTE graduates: active practice in the two preceding years (Rule 490-2-.09(3)(c)).
Reinstatement of a lapsed or inactive Georgia physical therapist assistant license by an applicant who last practiced between 2 and 5 years ago
Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module
Basis
Lapsed license revoked for failure to renew (Rule 490-4-.01(4)) or inactive license (Rule 490-4-.04(b)); application for reinstatement and fee.
Continuing Competence
Proof of continuing competence (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(b); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(2)).
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Supervised Practice
480 hours of continuous supervised practice under a Georgia-licensed physical therapist within 3 months under a training permit (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(b); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(2); Rule 490-2-.04(a)2.); the Board may exempt an applicant licensed in good standing in another state or employed by the U.S. Government (Rule 490-4-.04(c)).
Reinstatement of a lapsed or inactive Georgia physical therapist assistant license by an applicant who has not practiced within the last 5 years
Basis
Lapsed license revoked for failure to renew (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(c)) or inactive license (Rule 490-4-.04(b)(3)); application for reinstatement and fee.
Inactive License Examination
Rule 490-4-.04(b)(3) names only the licensing examination for an inactive-license applicant ('shall be required to take and pass the next licensing examination prior to being allowed to work under the supervision'); Rule 490-2-.04(a)3. requires reinstatement applicants inactive over five years to have passed both the national licensing examination and the Georgia laws and rules examination before a training permit issues.
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Supervised Practice
1,000 hours of continuous supervised practice under a Georgia-licensed physical therapist completed in 6 months to 1 year under a training permit (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(c); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(3); Rule 490-2-.04(a)3.).
Reinstatement of a lapsed or inactive Georgia physical therapist assistant license by an applicant who practiced within the last 2 years
Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module
Basis
Lapsed license revoked for failure to renew (Rule 490-4-.01(4)) or inactive license (Rule 490-4-.04(b)); application for reinstatement and fee.
Continuing Competence
Proof of continuing competence requirements (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(a); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(1)); the Board may exempt an applicant licensed in good standing in another state or employed by the U.S. Government (Rule 490-4-.01(5); Rule 490-4-.04(c)).
Jurisprudence Examination
The Georgia jurisprudence examination is required only where a lapsed-status applicant is found to have practiced without a current license: reinstatement is then considered upon a public consent agreement or reprimand requiring passage of the jurisprudence exam within 6 months, a $25 fine per day of unlicensed practice and reporting to employers (Board Policy #6). Otherwise no examination is named for this route.
Practical Or Oral Examination
Rule 490-2-.08: in addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board may require a practical and/or oral examination where it deems it necessary to establish the applicant's qualifications; no specific examination is identified.
Biennial renewal of a Georgia physical therapist assistant license
Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module
Continuing Competence
30 clock hours per licensure period, including at least 4 contact hours in Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence (Rule 490-4-.02(1)-(2)).
Jurisprudence Alternative
The 4-hour Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence requirement may be met by an approved course from a Georgia accredited PT program or PTAG-approved provider instead of passing the Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination (Rule 490-4-.02(2)(a); Board Policy #13(B)); an examination result already used for licensure or a Board order does not count (Rule 490-4-.02(2)(b); Board Policy #13(C)).
Renewal Cycle
Apply for renewal, submit proof of continuing competence and pay the renewal fee by December 31 of odd-numbered years; unrenewed licenses lapse after February 1 (Rule 490-4-.01(1)-(3)).

Training Permit

Certificate of registration authorizing practice through a Board-approved traineeship under direct supervision of a Georgia-licensed physical therapist (O.C.G.A. 43-33-3(11); Rule 490-2-.04).

Licensing authority: Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

Training permit for a physical therapist endorsement applicant who has not practiced for more than 2 years
Eligibility
Endorsement applicant under O.C.G.A. 43-33-15 / Rule 490-2-.09 who has not practiced for 2 to 5 years (Rule 490-2-.04(a)4.) or for more than 5 years (Rule 490-2-.04(a)5.).
Examination Timing
An endorsement applicant who has not practiced for more than 5 years must have successfully taken and passed the national licensing examination and the Georgia laws and rules examination (Rule 490-2-.04(a)5.); every endorsement applicant must present passing scores from both (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(e)-(f), (3)(e)-(f); Board Policy #3(C)).
Supervision
Direct, continuous, on-site supervision by a qualified Georgia-licensed physical therapist (Rule 490-2-.04(e)).
Traineeship
480-hour traineeship within three months, or 1,000-hour traineeship in 6 months to 1 year (Rule 490-2-.04(d)(iii)).
Training permit for a physical therapist assistant endorsement applicant who has not practiced for more than 2 years
Eligibility
Endorsement applicant under O.C.G.A. 43-33-15 / Rule 490-2-.09 who has not practiced for 2 to 5 years (Rule 490-2-.04(a)4.) or for more than 5 years (Rule 490-2-.04(a)5.).
Examination Timing
An endorsement applicant who has not practiced for more than 5 years must have successfully taken and passed the national licensing examination and the Georgia laws and rules examination (Rule 490-2-.04(a)5.); every endorsement applicant must present passing scores from both (Rule 490-2-.09(2)(e)-(f), (3)(e)-(f); Board Policy #3(C)).
Supervision
Direct, continuous, on-site supervision by a qualified Georgia-licensed physical therapist (Rule 490-2-.04(e)).
Traineeship
480-hour traineeship within three months, or 1,000-hour traineeship in 6 months to 1 year (Rule 490-2-.04(d)(iii)).
Training permit for a graduate of an entry level physical therapist program (CAPTE or non CAPTE)
Application
Board-approved application; notarized training permit application submitted by the primary supervisor naming supervisors, sites, dates and facility type (Rule 490-2-.04(b)).
Supervision
Direct, continuous, on-site supervision by a Georgia-licensed physical therapist with at least one continuous year of full-time practice; no more than two trainees per supervisor (Rule 490-2-.04(e)).
Validity
Initiated within three months of issuance; a 480-hour traineeship completed within three months of initiation; renewable once for up to six months for good and exceptional reason (Rule 490-2-.04(c)-(d)).
Training permit for a graduate of an entry level physical therapist assistant program (CAPTE or non CAPTE)
Application
Board-approved application; notarized training permit application submitted by the primary supervisor naming supervisors, sites, dates and facility type (Rule 490-2-.04(b)).
Supervision
Direct, continuous, on-site supervision by a Georgia-licensed physical therapist with at least one continuous year of full-time practice; no more than two trainees per supervisor (Rule 490-2-.04(e)).
Validity
Initiated within three months of issuance; a 480-hour traineeship completed within three months of initiation; renewable once for up to six months for good and exceptional reason (Rule 490-2-.04(c)-(d)).
Training permit for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant reinstatement applicant who has not practiced for 2 to 5 years
Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module
Eligibility
Reinstatement applicant who has not practiced for two and up to five years (Rule 490-2-.04(a)2.).
Supervision
Direct, continuous, on-site supervision by a qualified Georgia-licensed physical therapist (Rule 490-2-.04(e)).
Traineeship
480 hours of continuous supervised practice within 3 months (Rule 490-4-.01(4)(b); Rule 490-4-.04(b)(2); Rule 490-2-.04(d)(iii)).
Training permit for a physical therapist reinstatement applicant who has not practiced for more than 5 years
Application
Board-approved reinstatement application and notarized training permit application (Rule 490-2-.04(b)).
Supervision
Direct, continuous, on-site supervision by a qualified Georgia-licensed physical therapist (Rule 490-2-.04(e)).
Traineeship
1,000-hour traineeship completed in no less than 6 months and no more than 1 year if approved by the Board (Rule 490-2-.04(d)(iii)).
Training permit for a physical therapist assistant reinstatement applicant who has not practiced for more than 5 years
Application
Board-approved reinstatement application and notarized training permit application (Rule 490-2-.04(b)).
Supervision
Direct, continuous, on-site supervision by a qualified Georgia-licensed physical therapist (Rule 490-2-.04(e)).
Traineeship
1,000-hour traineeship completed in no less than 6 months and no more than 1 year if approved by the Board (Rule 490-2-.04(d)(iii)).

Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module

Provider
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
Format
Online and on-demand
Exam questions
50
Time limit
90 minutes
Passing score
80% of questions answered correctly
Exam fee
$65.00 plus a 1.6% processing fee
Examination outline
  • Legislative Intent & Definitions (4%)
    • Definition of Physical Therapy
    • Definition of Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Board of Physical Therapy Powers & Duties (4%)
    • Powers and Duties
  • Licensure & Examination (32%)
    • Qualifications; Requirements; Exceptions
    • Examination and Application
    • Foreign Educated Licensure
    • Licensure by Reciprocity / Endorsement
    • Training Permit
    • License Expiration, Renewal, and Reinstatement; Inactive License
    • Continuing Education
  • Patient Care Management (30%)
    • Lawful Practice; Use of Titles
    • Supervision and Delegation
    • Ethical Considerations
    • Referral
  • Disciplinary Actions and Unlawful Practice (28%)
    • Grounds for Disciplinary Action; Unlicensed Practice
    • Disciplinary Violation Action and Proceedings
    • Reporting Violations & Filing of Current Address
  • Consumer Advocacy (2%)
    • Advertising and Solicitation Practices
    • Disclosure; Communication/Identification
Examination sources

Physical Therapist Licensure Examination

Provider
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; delivered at Prometric testing centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination in five sections
Exam questions
225 total items: 180 scored items and 45 pretest items
Time limit
5 hours testing time; 5 hours 30 minutes total appointment time
Passing score
Scaled score of 600
Examination outline
  • CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 7-8; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 7-9; Interventions 8-10; total per system 22-27 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to cardiovascular & pulmonary systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., rib cage excursion, breathing pattern)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the cardiovascular & pulmonary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems
    • Interventions — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 14-18; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 15-18; Interventions 15-18; total per system 44-54 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests/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 for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the musculoskeletal system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to musculoskeletal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the musculoskeletal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the musculoskeletal system
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Joint biomechanics and their applications
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Musculoskeletal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the musculoskeletal system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the musculoskeletal system
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of regenerative medicine (e.g., platelet rich plasma, stem cells) on physical therapy prognosis and interventions related to musculoskeletal diseases/conditions
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Connective tissue diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the connective tissue
    • Interventions — Musculoskeletal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • NEUROMUSCULAR & NERVOUS SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 13-16; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 13-16; Interventions 13-16; total per system 39-48 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the neuromuscular & nervous systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to neuromuscular & nervous systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the neuromuscular & nervous systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS) diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the neuromuscular and nervous systems on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of regenerative medicine (e.g., platelet rich plasma, stem cells) on physical therapy prognosis and interventions related to the neuromuscular and nervous systems
    • Interventions — Neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
    • Interventions — Motor control as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Motor learning as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
  • INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 2-3; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 3-4; Interventions 3-4; total per system 8-11 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the integumentary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the integumentary system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to integumentary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the integumentary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the integumentary system (e.g., friction, shear, pressure, and scar mobility)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Integumentary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the integumentary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the integumentary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the integumentary system
    • Interventions — Integumentary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy and medical/surgical interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • METABOLIC & ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination not allocated; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 2-3; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-6 — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to metabolic & endocrine systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the metabolic & endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Metabolic & endocrine systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the metabolic & endocrine systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the metabolic and endocrine systems on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems
    • Interventions — Metabolic & endocrine systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the metabolic & endocrine systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 1-2; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 3-6 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of gastrointestinal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the gastrointestinal system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the gastrointestinal system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the gastrointestinal system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to gastrointestinal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the gastrointestinal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Gastrointestinal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence (e.g., bowel dysfunction impact questionnaires, Murphy test, Rovsing test, McBurney point sign)
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the gastrointestinal system (e.g., effects of muscular tension or trigger points, positioning for bowel movement)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Gastrointestinal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the gastrointestinal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the gastrointestinal system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the gastrointestinal system
    • Interventions — Gastrointestinal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., positioning for reflux prevention, bowel programs)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GENITOURINARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 0-1; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 2-5 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of genitourinary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the genitourinary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the genitourinary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the genitourinary system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to genitourinary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the genitourinary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Genitourinary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to tests/measures
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Genitourinary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the genitourinary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the genitourinary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the genitourinary system
    • Interventions — Genitourinary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., bladder programs, biofeedback, pelvic floor retraining)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • LYMPHATIC SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 1-2; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-7 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the lymphatic system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the lymphatic system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to lymphatic system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the lymphatic system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the lymphatic system (e.g., compensatory movement, extremity range of motion)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Lymphatic system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the lymphatic system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system
    • Interventions — Lymphatic system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • SYSTEM INTERACTIONS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination not allocated; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 8-10; Interventions not allocated; total per system 8-10 — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions involving system interactions according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system (e.g., cancer, multitrauma, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy) to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of multiple systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat multiple systems, including polypharmacy, on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Impact of comorbidities/coexisting conditions on patient/client management (e.g., diabetes and hypertension; obesity and arthritis; dementia and hip fracture)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Psychological and psychiatric conditions that impact patient/client management (e.g., grief, depression, schizophrenia)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Dimensions of pain (acute or persistent) that impact patient/client management (e.g., psychological, social, physiological, neurological, mechanical)
  • EQUIPMENT, DEVICES, & TECHNOLOGIES — published total per nonsystem 5-6 items — This category refers to the different types of equipment, devices, & technologies, use requirements, and/or contextual determinants, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the selection and application of equipment, devices, & technologies, including consideration of current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of assistive and adaptive devices/technologies (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and positioning devices, mechanical lifts)
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of prosthetic devices/technologies (e.g., lower-extremity and upper-extremity prostheses, microprocessor-controlled prosthetic devices)
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of protective, supportive, and orthotic devices/technologies (e.g., braces, helmets, taping, compression garments, serial casts, shoe inserts, splints)
  • THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES — published total per nonsystem 4-6 items — This category refers to the underlying principles for the use of therapeutic modalities as well as the justification for the selection and use of various types of therapeutic modalities, including consideration of current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of thermal modalities
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of iontophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of electrotherapy modalities, excluding iontophoresis (e.g., neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), interferential therapy, high-voltage pulsed current)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of ultrasound modalities, excluding phonophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of mechanical modalities (e.g., mechanical motion devices, traction devices)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of biofeedback
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of intermittent compression
  • SAFETY & PROTECTION — published total per nonsystem 5-7 items — This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a secure environment.
    • Factors influencing safety and injury prevention (e.g., safe patient handling, fall prevention, equipment maintenance, environmental safety)
    • Function, implications, and related precautions of lines, tubes, catheters, monitoring devices, and mechanical ventilators/oxygen delivery devices
    • Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)
    • Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions, isolation techniques, sterile technique)
    • Signs/symptoms of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect
  • PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES — published total per nonsystem 4-5 items — This category refers to the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a trustworthy environment.
    • Standards of documentation
    • Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA, patient bill of rights)
    • Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)
    • Roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, other health-care professionals, and support staff
    • Standards of professional ethics
    • Standards of billing, coding, and reimbursement
    • Obligations for reporting illegal, unethical, or unprofessional behaviors (e.g., fraud, abuse, neglect)
    • State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and industry standards set by state and accrediting bodies (e.g., state licensing entities, Joint Commission, CARF, CMS)
    • Risk management and quality assurance (e.g., policies and procedures, incident reports, peer chart review)
    • Cultural factors and/or characteristics that affect patient/client management (e.g., language differences, disability, ethnicity, customs, demographics, religion)
    • Socioeconomic factors that affect patient/client management
    • Applications and utilization of health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records)
    • The provision and utilization of telehealth (i.e., the use of telecommunication technologies to provide health care information and services)
  • RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE — published total per nonsystem 3-5 items — This category refers to the application of measurement principles and research methods to make reasoned and appropriate assessment and to the interpretation of information sources and practice research to support patient/client management decisions fundamental to evidence-based practice.
    • Research methodology and interpretation (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, levels of evidence)
    • Data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, direct observation)
    • Measurement science (e.g., reliability, validity)
    • Techniques for accessing evidence (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, scientific proceedings, guidelines, clinical prediction rules)
    • Statistics (e.g., t-test, chi-square, correlation coefficient, ANOVA, likelihood ratio, effect size, confidence interval)
Examination sources

npte-pta

Provider
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; delivered at Prometric testing centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination in four sections
Exam questions
180 total items: 140 scored items and 40 pretest items
Time limit
4 hours testing time; 4 hours 30 minutes total appointment time
Passing score
Scaled score of 600
Examination outline
  • CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 5-8; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 7-9; Interventions 8-10; total per system 20-27 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to cardiovascular & pulmonary systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., rib cage excursion, breathing pattern)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the cardiovascular & pulmonary system on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 9-12; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 10-13; Interventions 12-15; total per system 31-40 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests/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 for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the musculoskeletal system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to musculoskeletal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the musculoskeletal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the musculoskeletal system
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Joint biomechanics and their applications
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Musculoskeletal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the musculoskeletal system on physical therapy management
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Connective tissue diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Interventions — Musculoskeletal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • NEUROMUSCULAR & NERVOUS SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 8-10; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 9-12; Interventions 10-13; total per system 27-35 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the neuromuscular & nervous systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to neuromuscular & nervous systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the neuromuscular & nervous systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS) diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the neuromuscular and nervous systems on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
    • Interventions — Motor control as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Motor learning as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
  • INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 1-2; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 1-3; Interventions 1-3; total per system 3-8 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the integumentary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the integumentary system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to integumentary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the integumentary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the integumentary system (e.g., friction, shear, pressure, and scar mobility)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Integumentary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the integumentary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the integumentary system on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Integumentary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy and medical/surgical interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • METABOLIC & ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 2-3; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-6 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to metabolic & endocrine systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the metabolic & endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Metabolic & endocrine systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the metabolic & endocrine systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the metabolic and endocrine systems on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Metabolic & endocrine systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the metabolic & endocrine systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 0-2; Interventions 0-2; total per system 0-4 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to gastrointestinal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the gastrointestinal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Gastrointestinal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the gastrointestinal system (e.g., surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests)
    • Interventions — Gastrointestinal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., positioning for reflux prevention, bowel programs)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GENITOURINARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 0-2; Interventions 0-2; total per system 0-4 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the genitourinary system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to genitourinary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the genitourinary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Genitourinary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the genitourinary system (e.g., surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests)
    • Interventions — Genitourinary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., bladder programs, biofeedback, pelvic floor retraining)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • LYMPHATIC SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 0-2; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 2-6 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the lymphatic system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the lymphatic system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the lymphatic system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to lymphatic system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the lymphatic system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the lymphatic system (e.g., compensatory movement, extremity range of motion)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Lymphatic system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Interventions — Lymphatic system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • SYSTEM INTERACTIONS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 5-7; Interventions not allocated; total per system 5-7 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions involving system interactions to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system (e.g., cancer, multitrauma, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy) to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of multiple systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat multiple systems, including polypharmacy, on physical therapy management
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Impact of comorbidities/coexisting conditions on patient/client management (e.g., diabetes and hypertension; obesity and arthritis; dementia and hip fracture)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Psychological and psychiatric conditions that impact patient/client management (e.g., grief, depression, schizophrenia)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Dimensions of pain (acute or persistent) that impact patient/client management (e.g., psychological, social, physiological, neurological, mechanical)
  • EQUIPMENT, DEVICES, & TECHNOLOGIES — published total per nonsystem 8-10 items — This category refers to the different types of equipment, devices, & technologies, use requirements, and/or contextual determinants, according to current best evidence, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the application of equipment, devices, & technologies, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Application and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of assistive and adaptive devices/technologies (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and positioning devices, mechanical lifts)
    • Application and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of prosthetic devices/technologies (e.g., lower-extremity and upper-extremity prostheses)
    • Application and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of protective, supportive, and orthotic devices/technologies (e.g., braces, helmets, compression garments, shoe inserts, splints)
  • THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES — published total per nonsystem 5-7 items — This category refers to the different types of therapeutic modalities, use requirements, and/or contextual determinants, according to current best evidence, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the application of therapeutic modalities, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of thermal modalities
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of iontophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of electrotherapy modalities, excluding iontophoresis (e.g., neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), interferential therapy, high-voltage pulsed current)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of ultrasound modalities
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of mechanical modalities (e.g., mechanical motion devices, traction devices)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of biofeedback
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of intermittent pneumatic compression
  • SAFETY & PROTECTION — published total per nonsystem 6-8 items — This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a secure environment.
    • Factors influencing safety and injury prevention (e.g., safe patient handling, fall prevention, equipment maintenance, environmental safety)
    • Function, implications, and related precautions of intravenous lines, tubes, catheters, monitoring devices, and mechanical ventilators/oxygen delivery devices
    • Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)
    • Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions, isolation techniques, sterile technique)
    • Signs/symptoms of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect
  • PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES — published total per nonsystem 2-4 items — This category refers to the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a trustworthy environment.
    • Standards of documentation
    • Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA, patient bill of rights)
    • Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)
    • Roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, other health-care professionals, and support staff
    • Standards of professional ethics
    • Standards of billing, coding, and reimbursement
    • Obligations for reporting illegal, unethical, or unprofessional behaviors (e.g., fraud, abuse, neglect)
    • State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and industry standards set by state and accrediting bodies (e.g., state licensing entities, Joint Commission, CARF, CMS)
    • Risk management and quality assurance (e.g., policies and procedures, incident reports, peer chart review)
    • Cultural factors and/or characteristics that affect patient/client management (e.g., language differences, disability, ethnicity, customs, demographics, religion, health literacy)
    • Socioeconomic factors that affect patient/client management (e.g., social determinants of health)
    • Applications and utilization of health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records)
  • RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE — published total per nonsystem 1-3 items — This category refers to the knowledge of basic research methods and data collection techniques necessary for interpretation of information sources and practice research to support patient/client management decisions fundamental to evidence-based practice.
    • Research methodology and interpretation (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, levels of evidence)
    • Data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, direct observation)
    • Measurement science (e.g., reliability, validity)
    • Techniques for accessing evidence (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, scientific proceedings, guidelines, clinical prediction rules)
Examination sources