NPTE 2026 at a Glance
If you are planning for PT licensure in 2026, start with the official NPTE structure from FSBPT:
- 225 total questions
- 5 sections of 45 questions each
- 5 hours total test time
- Passing score: 600 (scaled, 200-800 range)
The exam remains computer-based at Prometric centers.
NPTE 2026 Test Dates and Deadlines
Use your test window first, then work backward to build your study plan.
| NPTE 2026 Window | Registration Deadline (11:59 PM ET) |
|---|---|
| Jan 28-29, 2026 | Jan 5, 2026 |
| Apr 29-30, 2026 | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Jul 29-30, 2026 | Jul 6, 2026 |
| Oct 28-29, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 |
These dates are from FSBPT's official test-window schedule.
NPTE Fees in 2026
Current listed fees are:
- $485 NPTE registration fee (FSBPT)
- $112 Prometric testing appointment fee
Total expected base exam cost: $597 before any jurisdiction-specific licensing fees.
NPTE Domains (2024 Content Outline Used for 2026)
FSBPT's content outline ranges are:
| Domain | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal System | 24-29% |
| Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems | 17-23% |
| Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems | 10-14% |
| Integumentary System | 4-7% |
| Metabolic/Endocrine/GI/GU/System Interactions | 5-9% |
| Equipment, Devices, and Therapeutic Modalities | 12-16% |
| Safety, Professional Responsibilities, and Research | 8-14% |
What this means for study time
- Put the largest block of time into Musculoskeletal.
- Do not neglect modalities/equipment and professional responsibilities, which are high enough to swing your score.
- Use Integumentary as a precision domain: fewer questions, but details matter.
10-Week NPTE Study Plan
This is a practical baseline for most candidates. Adjust by your rotation schedule and weaknesses.
Weeks 1-2: Diagnostic + Foundation
- Take a timed baseline exam.
- Build a weak-area tracker by domain.
- Refresh biomechanics, neuro localization, and cardiopulmonary safety thresholds.
- Set your weekly target question volume.
Weeks 3-4: Musculoskeletal Depth
- Focus on exam measures, differential diagnosis, and intervention progression.
- Drill gait deviations, post-op precautions, and tissue-healing-based dosing.
- Add mixed sets every third session to avoid narrow-only prep.
Weeks 5-6: Neuro + Cardio/Pulm
- Prioritize UMN/LMN patterns, SCI/stroke functional reasoning, vestibular decision trees.
- Drill exercise response interpretation and stop/modify criteria.
- Run at least one full mixed timed exam by end of Week 6.
Week 7: Integumentary + Other Systems
- Focus on wound staging, dressing logic, pressure management, and vascular ulcer patterns.
- Cover lymphedema, diabetes exercise safety, oncology precautions, and pediatrics.
- Tighten red-flag and referral judgment.
Week 8: Equipment + Modalities + Professional Content
- Drill assistive-device fitting and gait pattern selection.
- Review modality indications/contraindications with scenario-based questions.
- Hit documentation, ethics, legal boundaries, and research interpretation.
Week 9: Full Simulation Week
- Complete 2 full-length timed exams.
- Review all missed and guessed questions.
- Convert misses into short "trigger rules" (what should have alerted you).
Week 10: Final Consolidation
- Reduce new content intake.
- Review weak-domain notes daily.
- Practice section pacing for 45-question blocks.
- Finalize test-day logistics and sleep schedule.
Daily and Weekly Targets That Work
- Weekday sessions (90-120 min):
- 30-40 timed questions
- Rationale review and error log updates
- Weekend block (3-4 hours):
- Mixed-domain set
- Deep review of weakest domain
Consistency is more important than occasional long cramming sessions.
Retake Policy You Should Know Before Scheduling
FSBPT retake rules include:
- 60-day wait between attempts
- Maximum 3 attempts in a 12-month period
- Maximum 6 lifetime attempts
Because of this, a rushed attempt can significantly slow your licensure timeline.
Free NPTE Resources on This Site
- Practice: NPTE Practice Questions
- Guide: NPTE Study Guide
- Flashcards: NPTE Flashcards
Use all three together for best results: questions for test logic, guide for depth, flashcards for retention.