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Tennessee Physical Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-TN · License preparation

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Physical Therapist License

License issued by the Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy to practice as a physical therapist (P.T.).

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy · Application information

Licensure by examination (CAPTE accredited graduate)
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Education
Graduate of a school of physical therapy accredited by CAPTE (Rule 1150-01-.04(1)(b)).
Ethics And Jurisprudence Education
Complete four (4) hours of APTATN-approved ethics and jurisprudence education during the initial period of licensure; this is a course requirement, not an examination (Rule 1150-01-.12(2) and (4)).
Examination Eligibility
Apply to the Board for eligibility and register for the NPTE with FSBPT; take the examination within 60 days of the FSBPT eligibility letter; the passing point is a scaled score of 600 on the 200-800 scale (Rule 1150-01-.08).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Licensure by examination (foreign educated applicant)
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Document Translation
Documents not in English must be submitted with a certified English translation (Rule 1150-01-.05(4)).
Educational Credential Review
Education credentials review sent directly to the Board by an approved credentialing agency using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tool, showing education substantially equivalent to a Board-approved curriculum; do not register for the NPTE until the Board approves the credentials (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(b), (4); PH-3124 item 10).
English Proficiency
Pass the most recent TOEFL with at least 22 writing, 24 speaking, 22 reading and 21 listening in one administration, unless educated in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(c)). The TOEFL is a language proficiency test, not a licensing examination leaf.
Ethics And Jurisprudence Training
Within six (6) months of applying, complete four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence training (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(d)).
Foreign Education
Graduate of a non-CAPTE-accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program outside the United States (Rule 1150-01-.01(19)-(20), (26)).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Supervised Clinical Practice
Complete a minimum of 480 clinical hours within six (6) months under onsite supervision of a PT with at least one year of experience; exempt if licensed in good standing in another state for five or more years or if a graduate of a CAPTE-accredited program; a provisional license covers this period (Rules 1150-01-.04(3)(g)-(h), 1150-01-.10(1)).
Reactivation of a retired license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion Over Three Years
If retired more than three (3) years, the Board may at its discretion require additional education, supervised clinical practice, successful passage of examinations, or issue a provisional license; the rule does not identify any examination (Rule 1150-01-.12(9)(b)2).
Continuing Competence
Complete continuing competence requirements initiated and completed within two (2) years before the application (Rules 1150-01-.11(3)(c), 1150-01-.12(9)).
Fees
Pay current renewal and State regulatory fees, plus the reinstatement fee if reactivation is requested within one year of retirement (Rule 1150-01-.11(3)(b)).
Retired License
The applicant's Tennessee license is in retired status (Rule 1150-01-.11(1)).
Written Request
Submit a written request for reactivation describing relevant experience and education during retirement; the request is reviewed as a licensure application under Rule 1150-01-.07 (Rule 1150-01-.11(3)(a), (4)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-20.

Licensure by reciprocity (endorsement) from another U.S. jurisdiction
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Active Practice
Notarized statement from the most recent employer or supervisor verifying at least 1,000 hours of safe and competent practice in the 12 months before application, or an affidavit of practice with supporting documentation (Rule 1150-01-.05(3)(d)).
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Education
Graduate of a PT or PTA program accredited by CAPTE or other accrediting bodies at the discretion of the Board (or, for licensure obtained July 1, 1976 to December 28, 1981, a program approved by the American Medical Association) (Rule 1150-01-.04(2)).
Ethics And Jurisprudence Training
Proof of four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence training as defined in Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(d) (Rule 1150-01-.05(3)(f)2).
Examination Score Standard
Applicants licensed elsewhere from July 1995 to date must have passed the licensing examination with a criterion-referenced passing point; applicants licensed from July 1, 1976 through July 1995 must have a minimum converted score of 75 (1.5 sigma below the national mean) on each part and the total of the examination as then administered; scores are reported through the FSBPT Score Transfer Service (Rule 1150-01-.04(2)(a)-(c); PH-3124 item 5).
Foreign Educated Applicants
A foreign-educated applicant must hold a current, valid U.S. license and submit the educational credentials review used by the U.S. licensing authority that licensed them; otherwise they apply by examination under Rule 1150-01-.04(3) (Rule 1150-01-.05(3)(a), (e)).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Licensure Verification
Verification of every license currently or previously held (Rules 1150-01-.04(2), 1150-01-.05(3)(g)).
Out Of State License
Hold a current and unrestricted license from another U.S. jurisdiction; a temporary license from another U.S. jurisdiction does not qualify (Rules 1150-01-.04(2), 1150-01-.05(3)(b)).
Pre1976Licensees
Applicants registered, certified or licensed before July 1, 1976 must comply with T.C.A. § 63-13-307(c) (Rule 1150-01-.04(2)(d)); the statute text was not obtained in this survey.
Reciprocity Fee
Pay the reciprocity fee in addition to the application fee (Rule 1150-01-.06).
Reinstatement of an expired license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion Over Three Years
If expired more than three (3) years, the Board may at its discretion require additional education, supervised clinical practice, successful passage of examinations, or issue a provisional license; the rule does not identify any examination (Rule 1150-01-.12(9)(b)2).
Continuing Competence
Submit documentation of continuing competence initiated and completed within two (2) years before the application (Rule 1150-01-.12(9)).
Expired License
The applicant's Tennessee license has expired (administratively revoked for failure to renew).
Fees
Pay the reinstatement fee and the renewal fee (Rules 1150-01-.06, 1150-01-.09(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-20.

Physical Therapist Assistant License

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

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy · Application information

Licensure by examination (CAPTE accredited graduate)
npte-pta
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Education
Graduate of a school of physical therapist assistants accredited by CAPTE or other accrediting bodies at the discretion of the Board (Rule 1150-01-.04(1)(b)).
Ethics And Jurisprudence Education
Complete four (4) hours of APTATN-approved ethics and jurisprudence education during the initial period of licensure; this is a course requirement, not an examination (Rule 1150-01-.12(2) and (4)).
Examination Eligibility
Apply to the Board for eligibility and register for the NPTE with FSBPT; take the examination within 60 days of the FSBPT eligibility letter; the passing point is a scaled score of 600 on the 200-800 scale (Rule 1150-01-.08).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Licensure by examination (foreign educated applicant)
npte-pta
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Document Translation
Documents not in English must be submitted with a certified English translation (Rule 1150-01-.05(4)).
Educational Credential Review
Education credentials review sent directly to the Board by an approved credentialing agency using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tool, showing education substantially equivalent to a Board-approved curriculum; do not register for the NPTE until the Board approves the credentials (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(b), (4); PH-3124 item 10).
English Proficiency
Pass the most recent TOEFL with at least 22 writing, 24 speaking, 22 reading and 21 listening in one administration, unless educated in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(c)). The TOEFL is a language proficiency test, not a licensing examination leaf.
Ethics And Jurisprudence Training
Within six (6) months of applying, complete four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence training (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(d)).
Foreign Education
Graduate of a non-CAPTE-accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program outside the United States (Rule 1150-01-.01(19)-(20), (26)).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Supervised Clinical Practice
Complete a minimum of 480 clinical hours within six (6) months under onsite supervision of a PT with at least one year of experience; exempt if licensed in good standing in another state for five or more years or if a graduate of a CAPTE-accredited program; a provisional license covers this period (Rules 1150-01-.04(3)(g)-(h), 1150-01-.10(1)).
Reactivation of a retired license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion Over Three Years
If retired more than three (3) years, the Board may at its discretion require additional education, supervised clinical practice, successful passage of examinations, or issue a provisional license; the rule does not identify any examination (Rule 1150-01-.12(9)(b)2).
Continuing Competence
Complete continuing competence requirements initiated and completed within two (2) years before the application (Rules 1150-01-.11(3)(c), 1150-01-.12(9)).
Fees
Pay current renewal and State regulatory fees, plus the reinstatement fee if reactivation is requested within one year of retirement (Rule 1150-01-.11(3)(b)).
Retired License
The applicant's Tennessee license is in retired status (Rule 1150-01-.11(1)).
Written Request
Submit a written request for reactivation describing relevant experience and education during retirement; the request is reviewed as a licensure application under Rule 1150-01-.07 (Rule 1150-01-.11(3)(a), (4)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-20.

Licensure by reciprocity (endorsement) from another U.S. jurisdiction
npte-pta
Active Practice
Notarized statement from the most recent employer or supervisor verifying at least 1,000 hours of safe and competent practice in the 12 months before application, or an affidavit of practice with supporting documentation (Rule 1150-01-.05(3)(d)).
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Education
Graduate of a PT or PTA program accredited by CAPTE or other accrediting bodies at the discretion of the Board (or, for licensure obtained July 1, 1976 to December 28, 1981, a program approved by the American Medical Association) (Rule 1150-01-.04(2)).
Ethics And Jurisprudence Training
Proof of four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence training as defined in Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(d) (Rule 1150-01-.05(3)(f)2).
Examination Score Standard
Applicants licensed elsewhere from July 1995 to date must have passed the licensing examination with a criterion-referenced passing point; applicants licensed from July 1, 1976 through July 1995 must have a minimum converted score of 75 (1.5 sigma below the national mean) on each part and the total of the examination as then administered; scores are reported through the FSBPT Score Transfer Service (Rule 1150-01-.04(2)(a)-(c); PH-3124 item 5).
Foreign Educated Applicants
A foreign-educated applicant must hold a current, valid U.S. license and submit the educational credentials review used by the U.S. licensing authority that licensed them; otherwise they apply by examination under Rule 1150-01-.04(3) (Rule 1150-01-.05(3)(a), (e)).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Licensure Verification
Verification of every license currently or previously held (Rules 1150-01-.04(2), 1150-01-.05(3)(g)).
Out Of State License
Hold a current and unrestricted license from another U.S. jurisdiction; a temporary license from another U.S. jurisdiction does not qualify (Rules 1150-01-.04(2), 1150-01-.05(3)(b)).
Pre1976Licensees
Applicants registered, certified or licensed before July 1, 1976 must comply with T.C.A. § 63-13-307(c) (Rule 1150-01-.04(2)(d)); the statute text was not obtained in this survey.
Reciprocity Fee
Pay the reciprocity fee in addition to the application fee (Rule 1150-01-.06).
Reinstatement of an expired license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion Over Three Years
If expired more than three (3) years, the Board may at its discretion require additional education, supervised clinical practice, successful passage of examinations, or issue a provisional license; the rule does not identify any examination (Rule 1150-01-.12(9)(b)2).
Continuing Competence
Submit documentation of continuing competence initiated and completed within two (2) years before the application (Rule 1150-01-.12(9)).
Expired License
The applicant's Tennessee license has expired (administratively revoked for failure to renew).
Fees
Pay the reinstatement fee and the renewal fee (Rules 1150-01-.06, 1150-01-.09(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-20.

Physical Therapist Assistant Provisional License

Non-renewable provisional license for a physical therapist assistant who is internationally educated and completing supervised clinical practice, or whose license has been retired or expired for more than three years.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy · Application information

Provisional license for an internationally or foreign educated applicant
npte-pta
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Document Translation
Documents not in English must be submitted with a certified English translation (Rule 1150-01-.05(4)).
Educational Credential Review
Education credentials review sent directly to the Board by an approved credentialing agency using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tool, showing education substantially equivalent to a Board-approved curriculum; do not register for the NPTE until the Board approves the credentials (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(b), (4); PH-3124 item 10).
English Proficiency
Pass the most recent TOEFL with at least 22 writing, 24 speaking, 22 reading and 21 listening in one administration, unless educated in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(c)). The TOEFL is a language proficiency test, not a licensing examination leaf.
Ethics And Jurisprudence Training
Within six (6) months of applying, complete four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence training (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(d)).
Fee
Pay the Provisional License/Application fee and applicable fees (Rule 1150-01-.10(3)).
Foreign Education
Graduate of a non-CAPTE-accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program outside the United States (Rule 1150-01-.01(19)-(20), (26)).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Provisional Practice
Issued to an internationally or foreign educated applicant who meets every qualification of Rule 1150-01-.04 except the supervised clinical practice period; valid 12 to 48 weeks, not renewable; practice under direct on-site supervision of a Tennessee-licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant with at least one year of licensed clinical experience (Rule 1150-01-.10(1), (4)(a), (5)-(6)).
Provisional license after a license retired or expired more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Valid for a period determined by the Board; not renewable (Rule 1150-01-.10(4)(b)).
Fee
Pay the Provisional License/Application fee and, if applicable, the State regulatory, reinstatement and reciprocity fees (Rule 1150-01-.10(3)).
Lapsed License
The applicant's license has been retired or expired for more than three (3) years and is unencumbered with respect to disciplinary action (Rule 1150-01-.10(2)).
Supervision
Practice under direct on-site supervision of a Tennessee-licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant with at least one year of licensed clinical experience (Rule 1150-01-.10(5)-(6)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-20.

Physical Therapist Provisional License

Non-renewable provisional license for a physical therapist who is internationally educated and completing supervised clinical practice, or whose license has been retired or expired for more than three years.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy · Application information

Provisional license for an internationally or foreign educated applicant
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Application And Fees
Submit the application, passport-style photograph, transcript sent directly from the degree-granting institution, disclosures, and application, State regulatory and license fees (Rules 1150-01-.05(1), 1150-01-.06).
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check specified by the Board (Rule 1150-01-.05(1)(h)).
Document Translation
Documents not in English must be submitted with a certified English translation (Rule 1150-01-.05(4)).
Educational Credential Review
Education credentials review sent directly to the Board by an approved credentialing agency using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tool, showing education substantially equivalent to a Board-approved curriculum; do not register for the NPTE until the Board approves the credentials (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(b), (4); PH-3124 item 10).
English Proficiency
Pass the most recent TOEFL with at least 22 writing, 24 speaking, 22 reading and 21 listening in one administration, unless educated in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(c)). The TOEFL is a language proficiency test, not a licensing examination leaf.
Ethics And Jurisprudence Training
Within six (6) months of applying, complete four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence training (Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(d)).
Fee
Pay the Provisional License/Application fee and applicable fees (Rule 1150-01-.10(3)).
Foreign Education
Graduate of a non-CAPTE-accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program outside the United States (Rule 1150-01-.01(19)-(20), (26)).
Good Moral Character
Be of good moral character and submit an original letter of recommendation from a U.S.-licensed PT or PTA who is not a relative (Rules 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05(1)(f)).
Lawful Presence
Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103 (Rule 1150-01-.04).
Provisional Practice
Issued to an internationally or foreign educated applicant who meets every qualification of Rule 1150-01-.04 except the supervised clinical practice period; valid 12 to 48 weeks, not renewable; practice under direct on-site supervision of a Tennessee-licensed physical therapist with at least one year of licensed clinical experience (Rule 1150-01-.10(1), (4)(a), (5)-(6)).
Provisional license after a license retired or expired more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Valid for a period determined by the Board; not renewable (Rule 1150-01-.10(4)(b)).
Fee
Pay the Provisional License/Application fee and, if applicable, the State regulatory, reinstatement and reciprocity fees (Rule 1150-01-.10(3)).
Lapsed License
The applicant's license has been retired or expired for more than three (3) years and is unencumbered with respect to disciplinary action (Rule 1150-01-.10(2)).
Supervision
Practice under direct on-site supervision of a Tennessee-licensed physical therapist with at least one year of licensed clinical experience (Rule 1150-01-.10(5)-(6)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-20.

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