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Which SFMA cervical pattern would most clearly implicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) influence?
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Key Facts: SFMA Exam
10
Top-Tier Patterns
FMS SFMA
100
Practice Questions
Free bank
FN/FP/DN/DP
Scoring Matrix
Function × Pain
3
Dysfunction Classes
TED, JMD, SMCD
Clinician
Eligibility
Licensed providers
$700-900
Course + Exam
Verify FMS pricing
The SFMA Level 1 exam is an online multiple-choice assessment (about 100 items) taken after completing the Level 1 course. It is reserved for licensed healthcare providers and tests the ten Top-Tier patterns, FN/FP/DN/DP scoring, breakouts, TED/JMD/SMCD classification, and regional interdependence. Mobility precedes stability in the treatment hierarchy, and DN findings are central to identifying the source of dysfunction.
Sample SFMA Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your SFMA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the primary purpose of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)?
2Which professional group is the SFMA certification reserved for?
3How many Top-Tier movement patterns are evaluated during the SFMA?
4In SFMA scoring, what does the abbreviation 'DN' represent?
5An SFMA Top-Tier pattern scored 'FN' indicates that the movement is:
6Which SFMA score most often leads the clinician to the source of dysfunction driving local pain?
7Which SFMA score combination is considered a 'red-flag' priority for prompt medical workup before further movement testing?
8In the SFMA breakout terminology, what does 'TED' (or TMD) stand for?
9What does 'JMD' represent in the SFMA framework?
10What does 'SMCD' refer to in SFMA breakout logic?
About the SFMA Exam
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a clinician-only, movement-based diagnostic system developed by Gray Cook, Kyle Kiesel, and Phil Plisky. It is used by licensed healthcare providers (PT, DC, ATC, DO/MD, OT, LMT, PTA) to evaluate symptomatic patients through ten Top-Tier movement patterns scored on a function-and-pain matrix (FN, FP, DN, DP). Dysfunctional patterns are dissected with breakouts that classify the impairment as TED (Tissue Extensibility Dysfunction), JMD (Joint Mobility Dysfunction), or SMCD (Stability/Motor Control Dysfunction). The model is grounded in regional interdependence — the principle that dysfunction in one area can drive symptoms elsewhere.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
Self-timed online (not publicly published)
Passing Score
Not publicly published
Exam Fee
$700-$900 (course + exam bundle, verify current pricing) (Functional Movement Systems (FMS))
SFMA Exam Content Outline
SFMA Principles & Scope
Purpose of the SFMA, clinician-only certification scope, comparison to the FMS, history and authors, and patient population (symptomatic).
Top-Tier Assessment & Scoring
Ten Top-Tier patterns (cervical flexion, cervical extension, cervical rotation-lateral flexion, two upper-extremity patterns, multi-segmental flexion/extension/rotation, single-leg stance, overhead deep squat) and FN/FP/DN/DP scoring.
Breakouts & Classification
Breakout sequences for each Top-Tier, including active vs passive comparisons (e.g., ASLR vs PSLR, lumbar-locked vs seated rotation, supine vs standing cervical) and classification into TED, JMD, or SMCD.
Regional Interdependence & Treatment Decisions
Source-vs-site reasoning, mobility-before-stability progression, manual therapy paired with motor-control retraining, retesting, and integration with red-flag screening.
How to Pass the SFMA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Not publicly published
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Self-timed online (not publicly published)
- Exam fee: $700-$900 (course + exam bundle, verify current pricing)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
SFMA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can become SFMA certified?
SFMA certification is restricted to licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate patients — typically physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopaths/physicians, occupational therapists, licensed massage therapists, and PTAs. Personal trainers and strength coaches may attend the course but cannot certify.
How many movements are in the SFMA Top-Tier?
The SFMA Top-Tier consists of 10 movements: cervical flexion, cervical extension, cervical rotation with lateral flexion, two upper-extremity patterns (Pattern 1: medial rotation/adduction/extension; Pattern 2: lateral rotation/abduction/flexion), multi-segmental flexion, multi-segmental extension, multi-segmental rotation, single-leg stance, and overhead deep squat.
What do FN, FP, DN, and DP mean?
Each Top-Tier pattern is scored on two dimensions: Functional vs Dysfunctional (does the patient meet the criterion?) and Non-painful vs Painful. The four resulting grades are FN (Functional Non-painful), FP (Functional Painful), DN (Dysfunctional Non-painful), and DP (Dysfunctional Painful). DN findings most often point to the source of dysfunction, while DP and FP findings warrant medical screening.
What are TED, JMD, and SMCD?
These are the three categories the SFMA uses to classify dysfunction after breakouts: TED (Tissue Extensibility Dysfunction) is a length problem in muscle, fascia, neural, or skin tissue; JMD (Joint Mobility Dysfunction) is an articular/capsular restriction; and SMCD (Stability and Motor Control Dysfunction) is the inability to organize and stabilize available range.
How does the SFMA differ from the FMS?
The FMS (Functional Movement Screen) is a movement screen for asymptomatic clients and is used by fitness professionals and clinicians. The SFMA is a movement-based diagnostic system for symptomatic patients and is reserved for licensed healthcare providers. The SFMA integrates pain provocation throughout grading rather than using separate clearing tests.
What is regional interdependence?
Regional interdependence is the principle that seemingly unrelated impairments in remote regions can contribute to a patient's primary complaint. The SFMA operationalizes this by testing all 10 patterns regardless of chief complaint and prioritizing DN (dysfunctional non-painful) findings as candidates for the source of pain elsewhere — the 'source vs site' concept.
What does SFMA Level 2 add?
SFMA Level 2 introduces Diagnostic Cluster Algorithms — structured decision pathways that guide region-specific treatment after the Level 1 Top-Tier and breakouts. Level 2 builds on Level 1 (a prerequisite) and deepens treatment progression strategies including manual therapy and motor-control retraining.