NPTE Exam Flashcards

Q: What are the NPTE test dates in 2026?

FSBPT lists NPTE-PT windows on Jan 28-29, Apr 29-30, Jul 29-30, and Oct 28-29, 2026. Each administration has a separate registration deadline in January, April, July, and October.

Q: How many questions are on the NPTE?

The NPTE-PT has 225 total multiple-choice questions in 5 sections of 45 questions. The current outline includes 180 scored items and 45 pretest items.

Q: What is the passing score for NPTE?

Passing requires a scaled score of 600 on the NPTE scoring scale of 200-800.

Q: How much does the NPTE cost in 2026?

Current listed fees are $485 for NPTE registration through FSBPT plus a $112 Prometric testing appointment fee.

Q: How soon can I retake NPTE after failing?

The standard NPTE retake waiting period is 60 days. FSBPT policy also limits attempts to 3 in any 12-month period and 6 lifetime attempts.

Q: What topics are most heavily tested on NPTE?

Per FSBPT 2024 content outline ranges, the largest domain is Musculoskeletal System (24-29%), followed by Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems (17-23%), then Equipment/Devices/Therapeutic Modalities (12-16%), Cardiovascular/Pulmonary (10-14%), Safety/Professional Responsibilities/Research (8-14%), Other Systems (5-9%), and Integumentary (4-7%).

Question 1

NPTE-PT Exam Structure (FSBPT)

Accepted Answer

The NPTE for physical therapists is 225 multiple-choice questions delivered in 5 sections of 45 questions. Total exam time is 5 hours.

Question 2

NPTE Scored vs. Unscored Questions

Accepted Answer

The NPTE blueprint uses 180 operational (scored) items and 45 pretest items. Pretest items are mixed in, so answer every question.

Question 3

NPTE Passing Score

Accepted Answer

Passing requires a scaled score of 600. FSBPT scoring scale runs from 200 to 800.

Question 4

NPTE 2026 Test Windows

Accepted Answer

2026 test windows are Jan 28-29, Apr 29-30, Jul 29-30, and Oct 28-29 (local time at Prometric centers).

Question 5

NPTE 2026 Registration Deadlines

Accepted Answer

2026 registration deadlines are Jan 5, Apr 6, Jul 6, and Oct 5. Deadlines close at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Question 6

NPTE 2026 Fees

Accepted Answer

Current NPTE fees are $485 paid to FSBPT plus a $112 Prometric testing appointment fee.

Question 7

NPTE Retake Policy

Accepted Answer

Standard NPTE retake wait is 60 days. FSBPT policy also limits attempts to 3 in any 12-month period and 6 lifetime attempts.

Question 8

NPTE 2024 Content Outline Weights

Accepted Answer

FSBPT 2024 outline ranges: Musculoskeletal 24-29%, Neuromuscular/Nervous 17-23%, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary 10-14%, Integumentary 4-7%, Other Systems 5-9%, Equipment/Devices/Modalities 12-16%, Safety/Professional Responsibilities/Research 8-14%.

Question 9

Osteokinematics vs. Arthrokinematics

Accepted Answer

Osteokinematics is gross bone motion (flexion, extension, etc.). Arthrokinematics is accessory joint surface motion (roll, glide, spin) used for movement analysis and manual therapy decisions.

Question 10

Concave-Convex Rule

Accepted Answer

Convex-on-concave: roll and glide occur in opposite directions. Concave-on-convex: roll and glide occur in the same direction. Use this to choose joint mobilization direction.

Question 11

Joint Mobilization Grades (Maitland)

Accepted Answer

Grades I-II are lower amplitude for pain modulation. Grades III-IV are higher amplitude/end range for mobility limits. Grade V is a high-velocity thrust.

Question 12

Tissue Healing Timeframes

Accepted Answer

General pattern: inflammatory phase (days), proliferative phase (weeks), remodeling phase (months). Intervention intensity should match healing stage and irritability.

Question 13

Pain Irritability in Ortho Planning

Accepted Answer

High irritability usually requires shorter duration, lower load, and symptom-limited progression. Low irritability allows more aggressive loading and mobility gains.

Question 14

Gait Cycle Basics

Accepted Answer

Normal gait has stance and swing phases with double-support periods. NPTE questions often test phase recognition and impairment links (trendelenburg, foot drop, antalgic gait).

Question 15

Post-Op Total Hip Precaution Priorities

Accepted Answer

Approach-specific precautions vary, but NPTE questions prioritize dislocation prevention, safe transfer mechanics, and progressive functional independence.

Question 16

UMN vs. LMN Lesion Pattern

Accepted Answer

UMN signs include spasticity, hyperreflexia, and pathologic reflexes. LMN signs include flaccidity, hyporeflexia, fasciculations, and marked atrophy.

Question 17

Dermatome and Myotome Use

Accepted Answer

Dermatomes test sensory root distribution and myotomes test motor root function. Combined findings help localize radiculopathy and guide differential diagnosis.

Question 18

Stroke Rehab Priority Framework

Accepted Answer

Prioritize safety, mobility, and functional task training. Use intensity, repetition, and task specificity to drive neuroplastic change while preventing secondary complications.

Question 19

Spinal Cord Injury Classification

Accepted Answer

The ASIA/ISNCSCI framework classifies injury by neurologic level and completeness. Functional expectations differ significantly between complete and incomplete injuries.

Question 20

Autonomic Dysreflexia Red Flags

Accepted Answer

In injuries typically at or above T6, sudden severe headache, flushing, and elevated blood pressure suggest autonomic dysreflexia. Sit upright, remove noxious trigger, and escalate urgently.

Question 21

Vestibular Peripheral vs. Central Clues

Accepted Answer

Peripheral findings often include positional vertigo with specific nystagmus patterns; central findings often include severe neuro signs, direction-changing nystagmus, or poor fixation suppression.

Question 22

Parkinson Disease Movement Strategy

Accepted Answer

Use external cueing, amplitude-based training, gait dual-task progression, and fall-prevention planning. Focus on carryover into daily functional tasks.

Question 23

Exercise Vital Sign Monitoring

Accepted Answer

Track heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and symptoms to gauge response and safety during progression.

Question 24

When to Stop Exercise Immediately

Accepted Answer

Stop for severe chest symptoms, unstable hemodynamics, concerning neurologic signs, marked oxygen desaturation, or new dangerous rhythm findings per facility protocol.

Question 25

Cardiac Rehab Phases

Accepted Answer

Phase I is inpatient mobilization, Phase II is monitored outpatient, Phase III is supervised maintenance, and Phase IV is independent long-term exercise.

Question 26

Borg RPE in Dosing

Accepted Answer

Rating of Perceived Exertion helps dose exercise intensity, especially when medications or conditions make heart-rate targets less reliable.

Question 27

Airway Clearance Technique Selection

Accepted Answer

Technique choice depends on secretion amount/viscosity, patient tolerance, cognition, and ability to actively participate. Match method to patient presentation.

Question 28

ABG Baseline Pattern Recognition

Accepted Answer

Know how pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 trends indicate respiratory vs. metabolic disturbances and compensation patterns in acute and chronic cardiopulmonary cases.

Question 29

DVT/PE Safety Response

Accepted Answer

Suspected acute thromboembolic events require immediate cessation of provoking activity and prompt escalation through emergency and medical pathways.

Question 30

Pressure Injury Staging Priority

Accepted Answer

Accurate staging and etiology identification drive treatment. Unstageable wounds are obscured by slough/eschar and cannot be staged until tissue is visible.

Question 31

Wound Healing Phases

Accepted Answer

Hemostasis/inflammation starts healing, proliferation builds granulation and epithelial tissue, remodeling increases tensile strength over time.

Question 32

Arterial vs. Venous Ulcer Profile

Accepted Answer

Arterial ulcers are often distal, painful, and associated with poor perfusion. Venous ulcers are often in gaiter regions with edema and hemosiderin changes.

Question 33

Moist Wound Healing Principle

Accepted Answer

Optimal moisture balance supports healing. Dressing choice should match exudate level, tissue type, infection risk, and periwound protection needs.

Question 34

Diabetic Foot Offloading Priority

Accepted Answer

For neuropathic plantar ulcers, pressure offloading is a core intervention alongside glycemic control support, footwear modification, and ongoing skin inspection.

Question 35

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Accepted Answer

CDT includes manual lymph drainage, compression, exercise, and skin care. Patient education and long-term self-management are critical for lymphedema outcomes.

Question 36

Diabetes Exercise Safety

Accepted Answer

Monitor for hypo/hyperglycemia signs, foot risk, and autonomic complications. Coordinate exercise timing with meals and medication plans.

Question 37

Osteoporosis Program Focus

Accepted Answer

Use progressive resistance and weight-bearing dosing, posture and balance training, and fall-risk reduction. Avoid high-risk loading in severe fragility patterns.

Question 38

Oncology Rehab Precautions

Accepted Answer

Adjust intensity for treatment-related fatigue, neuropathy, cardiopulmonary compromise, lymphedema risk, and blood count or bone-metastasis precautions.

Question 39

Pediatric Motor Development Sequence

Accepted Answer

NPTE pediatric questions emphasize expected developmental sequence, atypical milestone timing, tone/postural control patterns, and family-centered intervention goals.

Question 40

Assistive Device Height Fit

Accepted Answer

Typical fitting target is handgrip near wrist crease with about 20-30 degrees elbow flexion. Correct fit improves energy efficiency and safety.

Question 41

Gait Patterns with Devices

Accepted Answer

Choose two-point, three-point, four-point, or swing patterns based on weight-bearing restriction, balance, upper-extremity strength, and coordination.

Question 42

Wheelchair Measurement Essentials

Accepted Answer

Seat width/depth, back height, and footrest position should optimize posture, skin protection, propulsion efficiency, and transfer safety.

Question 43

TENS vs. NMES Clinical Purpose

Accepted Answer

TENS primarily targets pain modulation; NMES primarily targets muscle activation/re-education. Parameters and indications differ by treatment goal.

Question 44

Therapeutic Ultrasound Basics

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound parameter choice depends on tissue depth and treatment intent. Screen for contraindications and avoid unsafe tissue targets.

Question 45

Orthotic Prescription Priorities

Accepted Answer

Device selection should match diagnosis, alignment needs, stability deficits, and functional goals while minimizing skin risk and gait inefficiency.

Question 46

Standard Precautions in PT

Accepted Answer

Use hand hygiene and appropriate personal protective equipment with every patient encounter based on exposure risk and setting-specific infection-control policy.

Question 47

Informed Consent in Rehabilitation

Accepted Answer

Informed consent requires explanation of intervention purpose, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient right to refuse or stop treatment.

Question 48

Defensible PT Documentation

Accepted Answer

High-quality notes are objective, measurable, and linked to function, response to intervention, and next-step clinical reasoning.

Question 49

Clinical Research Interpretation

Accepted Answer

NPTE research items test understanding of study design, bias, confidence intervals, and whether findings are clinically meaningful and applicable.

Question 50

Scope and Referral Decisions

Accepted Answer

PTs should continue treatment when findings are consistent with PT management and refer promptly when red flags or non-musculoskeletal pathology are suspected.

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