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100+ Free ABPTS Oncology Practice Questions

Pass your Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Which is the MOST appropriate first-line intervention for a survivor with persistent cancer-related fatigue at 12 months post-treatment?

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B
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D
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Key Facts: ABPTS Oncology Exam

ABPTS Oncology is a specialty-board credential for PTs with at least 2,000 hours of direct oncologic patient care in the last 10 years (or completion of an APTA-accredited oncology residency), plus a case report. The 200-item exam is delivered in four 90-minute blocks of 50 questions each (~6 hours total). Passing is criterion-referenced and re-certification follows a 10-year MOSC cycle. Patient and Client Management is the dominant content area at 69%.

Sample ABPTS Oncology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABPTS Oncology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 62-year-old breast cancer survivor on doxorubicin and trastuzumab reports new exertional dyspnea and a 5-lb weight gain over a week. Resting HR 105, BP 100/68, lower extremity pitting edema. Which complication should you consider FIRST?
A.Cancer-related fatigue
B.Anthracycline/HER2-targeted cardiotoxicity with potential heart failure
C.Lymphedema
D.Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Explanation: Doxorubicin (anthracycline) and trastuzumab (HER2-targeted) both carry cardiotoxic risk; combined use compounds the risk. Acute weight gain, exertional dyspnea, resting tachycardia, and pitting edema are classic decompensated heart failure signs. The PT should hold exercise, communicate with the oncology and cardio-oncology team, and consider re-evaluating cardiac function (echo, BNP).
2Per the ACSM 2019 Roundtable on Exercise for Cancer Prevention and Control, the recommended aerobic exercise prescription to address cancer-related fatigue is:
A.Strict rest until fatigue resolves
B.Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise approximately 30 minutes, 3 times per week for at least 8-12 weeks
C.Maximal-intensity training 6 days per week
D.Only resistance training, no aerobic component
Explanation: The ACSM 2019 Exercise Oncology Roundtable provides FITT recommendations for CRF: ~3 sessions/week of moderate aerobic exercise (e.g., 30 min) for at least 8-12 weeks, often combined with twice-weekly resistance training. Exercise is the single most effective non-pharmacologic intervention for CRF.
3A patient with metastatic prostate cancer to the lumbar spine has confirmed L3 osteolytic metastasis with a Mirels' score of 9. The MOST appropriate PT consideration is:
A.Begin aggressive spinal extension strengthening immediately
B.Coordinate with oncology/orthopedic oncology before high-load activity; consider relative spine precautions, monitor for cord-compression signs, modify exercise to reduce fracture risk pending surgical/radiation decision
C.Recommend immediate full-spine MRI without team coordination
D.Continue routine PT with no modifications
Explanation: Mirels' score >=8 indicates high impending fracture risk. PT must coordinate with the oncology team, monitor for cord-compression red flags (saddle anesthesia, bowel/bladder, lower-extremity weakness), modify loading, avoid high-impact and end-range spinal motion, and support prophylactic stabilization or radiation decisions. Bone metastases require team-based management.
4A patient with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) reports distal numbness, dysesthesia in stocking distribution, and falls. Which is the MOST evidence-supported PT intervention?
A.Complete bed rest
B.Multimodal balance/proprioception training, sensorimotor exercises, gait training, footwear assessment, and patient education on fall prevention
C.Aggressive whole-body vibration only
D.High-intensity plyometrics
Explanation: ASCO and ACSM evidence supports multimodal exercise (balance, sensorimotor, strength, gait training) for CIPN-related dysfunction, with reductions in falls and symptom severity. Whole-body vibration has mixed evidence; high-impact plyometrics increase fall risk in CIPN. Footwear and home safety are essential.
5Per ACSM 2019, the resistance training recommendation for breast cancer survivors with or at risk for lymphedema is:
A.Avoid all resistance training
B.Slow, supervised, progressive resistance training; it does NOT increase lymphedema risk and improves strength and QOL (PAL Trial)
C.Maximum-effort 1RM testing weekly
D.Only isometric exercise allowed
Explanation: The Physical Activity and Lymphedema (PAL) Trial (Schmitz et al.) demonstrated that supervised, slowly progressive resistance training is safe in breast cancer survivors with lymphedema and reduces flare frequency. ACSM 2019 endorses progressive RT for cancer survivors generally and for lymphedema specifically.
6Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for lymphedema includes:
A.Manual lymph drainage, multilayer short-stretch compression bandaging, decongestive exercise, skin care, and patient self-management training
B.Diuretic management alone
C.Surgical lymph node transplantation as first-line
D.Strict immobilization
Explanation: CDT is the gold standard for lymphedema with two phases: Phase 1 (intensive) includes MLD, multilayer short-stretch compression bandaging, decongestive exercises, and meticulous skin care; Phase 2 (maintenance) emphasizes compression garments, self-care, exercise, and self-MLD. Diuretics do not address protein-rich lymphatic load and are ineffective.
7Which is the BEST description of prehabilitation in oncology?
A.Rehabilitation after cancer recurrence only
B.Proactive multimodal intervention (exercise, nutrition, psychosocial support) initiated between cancer diagnosis and start of treatment to optimize physiologic reserve
C.Hospice-only care
D.Routine outpatient care after surgery
Explanation: Prehabilitation is multimodal proactive care (exercise, nutrition, psychosocial, smoking cessation) initiated between diagnosis and treatment to optimize physiologic reserve before surgery/chemotherapy/radiation. Strong evidence in colorectal, thoracic, and head-and-neck cancers supports shorter LOS, fewer complications, and faster recovery.
8Which is the MOST appropriate role of PT in palliative care for advanced cancer patients?
A.Discontinue PT once curative treatment ends
B.Maintain function and quality of life through individualized goals: positioning, mobility, energy conservation, pain management, caregiver education, equipment recommendations
C.Pursue maximum strength gains regardless of patient goals
D.Only address respiratory care
Explanation: Palliative PT focuses on quality of life, dignity, and individualized goals: positioning for comfort, safe transfers, energy conservation, pain management, caregiver training, fall prevention, and equipment. PT continues to be valuable throughout the disease trajectory including end-of-life and hospice.
9An adult patient is 3 days post-allogeneic stem cell transplant with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 250 and platelet count of 18,000. Which exercise modification is MOST appropriate?
A.High-intensity resistance training
B.Modified activity with strict infection control (neutropenic precautions), gentle range of motion and low-intensity active exercise, avoid high-impact and contact activities until counts recover
C.No physical activity at all
D.Outdoor running with a partner
Explanation: With ANC <500 (severe neutropenia) and platelets <20,000, exercise modifications include strict infection control (room-based, masks, hand hygiene), gentle ROM and low-intensity active exercise (per institutional thresholds), and avoidance of high-impact, contact, or activities that increase bleeding risk. Activity maintains function and reduces deconditioning even at this stage.
10Which outcome measure is BEST validated for assessing cancer-related fatigue?
A.Berg Balance Scale
B.FACIT-Fatigue scale (or Brief Fatigue Inventory)
C.DASH
D.FIM
Explanation: FACIT-Fatigue and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) are validated PROMs specific to cancer-related fatigue. The FACIT-Fatigue is widely used in research and clinical practice. PRO-CTCAE may complement specific symptom tracking. Berg, DASH, and FIM do not capture CRF.

About the ABPTS Oncology Exam

The ABPTS Oncology Clinical Specialist credential recognizes physical therapists with advanced expertise in oncologic physical therapy across cancer types, ages, settings, and the full continuum of care (prehabilitation through palliative). The 200-question exam covers three major content areas: Knowledge Areas (15%), Professional Roles, Responsibilities, and Values (16%), and Patient and Client Management Model (69%, with Examination/Reexamination 23%, Evaluation/Diagnosis/Prognosis 14%, Intervention/Instruction 27%, and Outcomes 5%). The specialty was approved in 2015 and first administered in 2019; as of mid-2025 approximately 253 oncology specialists had been certified.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

6 hours (4 blocks of 90 minutes)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (set by ABPTS)

Exam Fee

Approx. $1,360-$1,460 APTA members; $2,430+ non-members (American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), governed by APTA)

ABPTS Oncology Exam Content Outline

15%

Knowledge Areas

Foundation Sciences (5%): anatomy, physiology, oncologic disease processes, pharmacology including chemotherapy/immunotherapy/targeted agents; Behavioral Sciences (5%): adherence, motivation, psychosocial response; Clinical Sciences (5%): cancer biology, staging, treatment effects, late effects

16%

Professional Roles, Responsibilities, and Values

Professional Behavior (2%), Professional Development (2%), Communication (2%), Social Responsibility (2%), Leadership (2%), Education (1%), Advocacy (1%), Administration (1%), Consultation (1%), and Evidence-Based Practice (2%) including ASCO/NCCN/ACSM 2019 Roundtable integration

23%

Examination/Reexamination

History, systems review, validated tests/measures (FACIT-Fatigue, BFI, 6MWT, DASH, FACT-G/-B/-L, distress thermometer, lymphedema measurement, CIPN screens, Mirels' score interpretation), red flag identification (MSCC, PE/DVT, cellulitis, immune-related adverse events)

14%

Evaluation/Diagnosis/Prognosis

Clinical reasoning across cancer trajectory; cardiotoxicity, CIPN, lymphedema staging, late radiation effects, GVHD, neutropenic precautions; differential diagnosis and prognosis informed by oncologic disease and treatment

27%

Intervention/Instruction

ACSM 2019 Exercise Oncology Roundtable prescription, prehab/rehab/survivorship, complete decongestive therapy, scar/AWS management, balance training for CIPN, palliative PT, bone metastasis precautions, patient/caregiver education

5%

Outcomes

Outcome measure selection, reevaluation, discharge planning, transition to long-term self-management and community programs (LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, oncology rehab clinics)

How to Pass the ABPTS Oncology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Criterion-referenced (set by ABPTS)
  • Exam length: 200 questions
  • Time limit: 6 hours (4 blocks of 90 minutes)
  • Exam fee: Approx. $1,360-$1,460 APTA members; $2,430+ non-members

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABPTS Oncology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the 69% Patient and Client Management section, especially Intervention/Instruction (27%) and Examination/Reexamination (23%) subdomains
2Memorize the ACSM 2019 Exercise Oncology Roundtable FITT recommendations for cancer-related fatigue, lymphedema, bone health, and other targets
3Study lymphedema thoroughly: ISL staging, CDT components, PAL Trial, BIS (L-Dex), compression garment principles, contraindications
4Learn Mirels' score interpretation for bone metastases (low: <=7, borderline: 8, high: >=9) and oncologic emergencies (MSCC, PE, cardiotoxicity, neutropenic precautions)
5Review chemotherapy classes and their PT-relevant toxicities: anthracyclines (cardiac), platinums/taxanes/vincas (CIPN), oxaliplatin (cold-triggered), checkpoint inhibitors (irAEs)
6Study survivorship guidelines (NCCN, ASCO) and validated outcome measures (FACIT-Fatigue, FACT-G/-B/-L, DASH, 6MWT, distress thermometer)
7Practice exam-style questions on palliative and end-of-life PT, ethics, patient autonomy, and shared decision-making
8Review pediatric oncology rehab (vincristine CIPN, late effects after cranial radiation, COG long-term follow-up) and survivorship transitions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABPTS Oncology exam format?

Computer-based, 200 multiple-choice questions delivered in four 90-minute blocks of 50 questions each. Total session time is approximately 6 hours including breaks between blocks.

How is the ABPTS Oncology exam scored?

Criterion-referenced: ABPTS sets the passing standard based on the difficulty of each form. There is no fixed percentage. ABPTS does not publish per-specialty pass rates.

What are the eligibility requirements?

An active PT license plus either (a) 2,000 hours of direct oncologic patient care in the last 10 years (25% within the last 3 years) OR (b) completion of an APTA-accredited oncology residency, PLUS a case report from a patient seen within the past 3 years demonstrating oncology specialty practice.

How much does the Oncology exam cost?

Application fees are approximately $550 (early-bird APTA member) to $995 (late non-member), with an additional exam fee of $810. Total runs about $1,360-$1,460 for members and $2,430+ for non-members.

How long is Oncology Clinical Specialist certification valid?

10 years, maintained through three 3-year MOSC (Maintenance of Specialist Certification) cycles plus an open-book recertification exam in year 10.

Is the Oncology exam open-book?

No. The initial Oncology exam is closed-book and proctored. Only the year-10 MOSC recertification exam is open-book.

When was the ABPTS Oncology specialty established?

The Oncology specialty was approved by the APTA House of Delegates in 2015, and the first specialty certification exam was administered in 2019. As of mid-2025, approximately 253 oncology specialists had been certified.

Does the Oncology exam test lymphedema management?

Yes. Lymphedema assessment (ISL staging, circumferential measurement, bioimpedance spectroscopy, perometry), complete decongestive therapy (MLD, compression, exercise, skin care), and the PAL Trial / ACSM 2019 evidence base for resistance training in lymphedema are core content areas.