Candidate Handbook 20100108

8/8/2019 Candidate Handbook 20100108

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For a directory of licensing authorities; go to www.fsbpt.org and click on "Licensing Authorities."

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE NPTE AND JURISPRUDENCE EXAMS

Visit http://www.fsbpt.orgthen click on the Shortcut for Register for an Exam. Online registration allows you to

register and pay online with one simple form.

STATUS OF YOUR NPTE REGISTRATION - FSBPT EXAMINATION SERVICESOnline Check the status of your registration online at https://www.pt.fsbpt.net

Click on "Status of My Request."

Voice 703-739-9420 Fax 703-739-9421 E-mail [email protected]

ONLINE PEAT

To learn more about and order Online PEAT, the FSBPT's Practice Exam and Assessment Tool, visit our website,

www.fsbpt.org. Click on For Candidates/Licensees and then PEAT.

FSBPT SCORE TRANSFER APPLICATIONS

Online Go to http://www.fsbpt.org then click on the Shortcut for Transfer a Score.

[email protected]

PROMETRIC

Online

Schedule your appointment or find a test center online at www.prometric.comVoice

Prometric Registration Center, 1-800-796-9857 Special Accommodations, 1-800-967-

1139 Candidate Cares, 1-800-853-6769

FSBPT OFFICES: OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM ET

124 S. West Street, 3rd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314

Exam ServicesTelephone 703-739-9420 Fax 703-739-9421

Administrative ServicesTelephone 703-299-3100 Fax 703-299-3110

Web Sitewww.fsbpt.org


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .. 4

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)........... ........... .......... ........... 4

Purpose of the Examination Program ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ..... 4Examination Development...............................................................................................4

Eligibility .........................................................................................................................5

Examination Administration............................................................................................5

Examination Security .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... .... 6

Protect Your Reputation and Career .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ....... 6

Exam Security During Testing..........................................................................................6

Additional Security Information.......................................................................................7

Frequently Asked Questions .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... .... 8

Preparing for the Examination.......... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... ..... 8

Arranging To Take the NPTE...........................................................................................8Making a Testing Appointment............................................................................................... 9

Rescheduling, Canceling, No-Shows and Refunds.............. .......... ........... .......... ........... .... 10

Taking the Examination ......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ..... 11

Examination Results and Scoring .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... .. 16

Retaking the Examination .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .......... .. 16

Additional Questions .......... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ......... 17

Jurisprudence Exams..............................................................................................................18

Content Outlines...................................................................................................................19

Sample Questions..................................................................................................................40

Additional Services .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........ 43Score Transfer Service.......................................................................................................43

Performance Feedback......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........ 43

Examination Score Verification ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... .... 43

Online PEAT (Practice Exam and Assessment Tool) ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .... 43


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General Information

THE FEDERATION OF STATE BOARDS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

The mission of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is to protect the public by providing

service and leadership that promote safe and competent physical therapy practice.

Our Federation promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare of the public by identifying and promoting

desirable and reasonable uniformity in physical therapy regulatory standards and practices. We recommend

consistent regulatory practices through theModel Practice Act for Physical Therapy, address foreign education

equivalency and collect and disseminate information relevant to the regulation of physical therapy through our

Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide.

We develop, maintain and administer the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE) for Physical Therapists

(PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA). We continually research and use the best examination methodology

available.

We also provide educational programs for our Member Boards and other bodies interested in effective licensure,

regulation and enforcement in the practice of healthcare professions.

PURPOSE OF THE EXAMINATION PROGRAM

The NPTE program has three purposes: 1) to provide examination services to regulatory authorities charged with

the regulation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants; 2) to provide a common element in the

evaluation of candidates so that standards will be comparable from jurisdiction to jurisdiction; and 3) to protect

the public interest in having only those persons who have the requisite knowledge of physical therapy be

licensed to practice physical therapy.

The physical therapist (PT) examination is designed to assess basic entry-level competence of the licensure

candidate who has graduated from an accredited program of physical therapy or from an equivalent non-accredited

program.

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) examination is intended to assess basic entry-level competence of the

candidate who has graduated from an accredited program for physical therapist assistants or has met equivalent

requirements set by a licensing authority for physical therapist assistants.

The national examination is only one part of the evaluation process used by licensing authorities. In some

jurisdictions, the national examination is supplemented by other means of assessing candidates' ability to provide

physical therapy.

EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT

The Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure Examinations are developed by physical

therapists and physical therapist assistants who serve on FSBPT committees; the Examination Development

Committee (EDC), the Item Bank Review Committee (IBRC) and the Item Writer Regional Coordinators.The EDC determines which items are included on an examination based on an examination outline or blueprint.

This outline provides the committee with the content areas that must be on the examination and the number of

questions to be included from each content area. The outline is developed from a job analysis, which identifies the

activities and tasks that comprise the practice of physical therapy at the entry level. The job analysis is based on

survey data and expert judgments. Questions (items) for the examinations are solicited from physical therapists and

physical therapist assistants representing a broad range of practice settings in all parts of the country. Item writers

attend workshops and receive instruction to enable them to write high-quality, job-related examination items.

The involvement of a large, representative group of practicing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and


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other professionals at every stage of examination development ensures that the examinations are relevant to the

current practice of physical therapy.

ELIGIBILITY

Each licensing authority has established its own criteria for eligibility to sit for the PT and PTA examinations. You

should review the materials distributed by the licensing authority, to which you intend to apply for licensure orcertification, to determine if you have met that authority's eligibility requirements. A current examination may be

used only for administration to bona fide candidates for initial licensure or certification, relicensure or reactivation,

or to candidates who are not currently licensed in a jurisdiction and do not have a qualifying examination score

for that jurisdiction.

EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION

The computer-based PT and PTA examinations are administered by FSBPT through Prometric. FSBPT scores your

examination and then transmits the score to the licensing authority. Individual licensing authorities make all

decisions regarding licensure or certification as well as licensure and certification procedures for their jurisdictions.

One commonality among U.S. licensing authorities is that, effective July 1996, all licensing authorities adopted

FSBPT's criterion-referenced passing point, so that the minimum passing score is now the same in all jurisdictions.


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Examination Security

PROTECT YOUR REPUTATION AND CAREER

Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a big step toward receiving your license to practice

Physical Therapy. Understandably, you want to take advantage of all available resources when preparing for this

important examination. In the past, when you have prepared for examinations at school, you considered fellow

students to be good resources for learning about questions that were on those tests. This isnot the case when

preparing for the NPTE.

The NPTE is the property of the FSBPT and is protected by contract, trade secret, and federal copyright laws. It is a violation of

those laws, and thus illegal, to share any information whatsoever about any NPTE question. In particular, sharing information

about a NPTE question recalled from memory or asking someone who has taken the NPTE to share such information is illegal. It

is also unethical to share or solicit someone else to share information about a NPTE question.

Do You Mean It's Illegal to Recall Questions?

YES! The FSBPT aggressively protects the integrity of the NPTE. Such protection is important to

safeguarding the public from persons who do not have the requisite knowledge about physical therapy and

therefore are not qualified to practice physical therapy. Any person for whom the FSBPT has a reasonablesuspicion of sharing or soliciting information about any NPTE examination question may be prohibited from

sitting for the NPTE unless and until they are determined after full investigation not to have shared or solicited

such information.

ITEMS FROM THE EXAMINATION ARE NOT TO BE SHARED WITH ANY PERSON FO R ANY PURPOSE.

Why is it Unethical to Ask Someone Else for Recalled Questions?

Soliciting recalled questions from candidates who have previously taken the examination is unethical for several

reasons. The first is obvious; you are expected to pass the test based on your own merit without assistance. The

members of the public who will entrust you with their well-being expect that you are a trustworthy and

competent individual. Secondly, the purpose of the NPTE is to protect the public by ensuring that candidates

for licensure have achieved entry-level competence. By asking previous test takers to share questions with you, youare committing an illegal act and are undermining the very purpose of the examination. Lastly, by soliciting

questions from previous test takers, you are encouraging such persons to commit illegal acts.

ITEMS FROM THE EXAMINATION ARE NOT TO BE SOLICITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.

What Happens If I Do Share or Solicit Recalled Questions?

Any person for whom the FSBPT has a reasonable suspicion of sharing or soliciting information about any NPTE

examination question MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM SITTING FOR THE NPTE unless and until they are

determined after full investigation not to have shared or solicited such information.

The FSBPT has and will continue to actively prosecute individuals to the full extent of the law who share or

solicit others to share any information whatsoever about any NPTE examination question.

The FSBPT will also report any incidents of students requesting questions or sharing questions to their licensing

jurisdiction.

Candidates who are determined to be guilty of soliciting or sharing questions will severely damage their chances

ofeverbeing licensed in anyjurisdiction.

EXA M SECURITY DURING TESTING

Candidates are required to provide two currently valid forms of identification to be able to sit for the exam. Before

entering the testing room, all candidates will be photographed and a digital image of their fingerprint will be taken.

Another fingerprint will be taken each time a candidate enters or leaves the testing room during their exam.


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Additionally, all testing sessions will be videotaped.

If you give or receive assistance during the examination, you can be required to stop testing immediately and leave

the room. Your examination will not be scored. The performance of all candidates is monitored and may be

analyzed statistically for purposes of detecting and verifying cheating. If it is determined that a score has

questionable validity, the licensing authority will be notified.

ADDITIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION

If you have questions regarding exam security or know of a person or people who have violated exam security, it is

your responsibility to email [email protected].


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Frequently Asked Questions

PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION

How can I prepare for the examination?

Preparation should involve review of the specific content areas within the content outline. The content outline is

provided within this handbook. Since the examination is multiple choice and computerized, candidates should

make sure they are comfortable taking multiple-choice, computerized examinations.

ARRANGING TO TAKE THE NPTE

What are the steps for taking the examination?

Obtain registration materials from the licensing authority of the jurisdiction in which you are seeking

licensure. All jurisdictions allow online registration for the examination at http://www.fsbpt.org

If you have a documented disability, you may request special accommodations to take the examination.

Contact the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure for details. You must

request special accommodations at the time you register.

Return completed registration materials, along with payment, to the appropriate organization as identified on

the instructions you received from the licensing authority.

The jurisdiction licensing authority will approve your eligibility and notify FSBPT.

FSBPT will send you an "Authorization to Test" letter containing instructions on how to schedule an

appointment with Prometric. Questions regarding registration processing may be directed to

[email protected].

Schedule an appointment for the examination with Prometric. You may schedule your appointment with

Prometric by calling the number given in your "Authorization to Test" letter or you may schedule online at

www.prometric. com.

Sit for the examination at your chosen Prometric testing site. You must sit for the examination within your 60-

day eligibility period as indicated on the "Authorization to Test" letter provided by FSBPT. If you do not sit for

the examination, or withdraw your registration, within these 60 days, you will be removed from the eligibility

list and will be required to begin the registration process again.

Must I sit for the examination in the jurisdiction in which I am seeking licensure?

No. You may sit for the examination at any of the approximately 300 testing centers in the United States. You are

not required to sit for the examination within the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure.

May I register to take the examination with more than one jurisdiction at the same time?

No. You may not register to take the examination through more than one jurisdiction at the same time. If you

submit registration forms for more than one jurisdiction, FSBPT will process only the first registration form

received and register you to take the examination for licensure in that jurisdiction. Once you are registered in onejurisdiction, if you attempt to register with another jurisdiction at the same time, examination registration fees

that you submit to FSBPT will not be refunded.

If you do not pass the examination, you may register with the same jurisdiction or a different jurisdiction.

However, as before, you may register through only one jurisdiction to retake the examination.

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What are my licensure and examination registration fees?

To determine licensure fees you will need to consult the materials provided by the licensing authority, as fees vary

from state to state. The fee for the NPTE is $370 as of January 1, 2010.

The NPTE registration form asks for a Social Security Number and I do not have one. What do I do?

We require a unique identification number in order for you to sit for the examination. This should be your Social

Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can obtain one from the Social Security

Administration at http://www.ssa.gov/orcall 1-800-772-1213.

In rare cases where a candidate cannot obtain a Social Security Number, an "Alternate Identification Number"

(AIN) may be obtained from FSBPT by application. You may print an application for an Alternate

Identification Number from the FSBPT Web site, www.fsbpt.org, by clicking on "For Candidates/Licensees,"

then "NPTE," and then Exam Reports and Services. Your registration will not be processed without either a

Social Security Number or an Alternate Identification Number.

The issuance of an AIN is solely for the purpose of registering for examinations or services through the FSBPT

when a candidate cannot obtain a Social Security Number. The AIN is not a substitute for a Social Security

Number for any other purpose.

Applicants should retain their AIN and utilize it concerning all correspondence, inquiries, or requests relating to

their licensure examination. AIN applications will be processed within eight business days of receipt. Candidates

will be notified of their assigned number by mail upon issuance.

Can individuals with disabilities be accommodated?

You must submit appropriate documentation of your request for special accommodations to the licensing

authority of the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure, at the time that you submit your initial applica-

tion materials. Only those candidates who have been granted approval from their licensing authority will receive

special accommodations during testing. For information about how to request special accommodations, you must

contact the jurisdiction licensing authority in which you are seeking licensure prior to registering to take the

examination. All Prometric testing centers are fully accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities

Act.

MAKING A TESTING APPOINTMENT

What is Prometric?

Prometric is the name of the company that provides FSBPTs computer-based testing services. You may visit their

Web site at www.prometric.com for more information.

When may I take my examination?

You must sit for the examination within your 60-day eligibility period as indicated on your "Authorization to

Test" letter provided by FSBPT. You are strongly encouraged to call Prometric to make an appointment as soon

as you receive notification from FSBPT that you are eligible. Testing will be scheduled at the location and on the

date and time of your choosing, if available. If not available, alternate dates, times and/or locations will be

offered.

What information must I provide when I schedule my examination with Prometric?

Name of the examination (Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Jurisprudence Exam)

Where and when you would like to test (location of Prometric Center and desired date)

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Your name

Social Security Number or Alternate Identification Number

Daytime telephone number

Type of payment: credit card or direct debit

Prometric will always endeavor to accommodate your scheduling preferences as closely as possible. Please keep inmind that it is in your best interest to schedule and test early in your eligibility period.

What is the Prometric fee for my examination?

The Prometric fee for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTs is $70.60. The Prometric fee for the

National Therapy Examination for PTAs is $55.60.

What are the acceptable forms of payment for the Prometric test center fee?

Payment for the Prometric test center fee may be made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by direct debit to

a checking account. Payment information must be provided at the time you schedule your examination. It is not

possible to pay at the testing center.

To pay by credit card, you will be asked to provide a valid credit card number and expiration date. To pay bydirect debit to a checking account, you will be asked to provide bank information and a checking account

number. This information can be found on one of your blank checks. Your credit card will be charged or your

account debited on the day of your examination. The Prometric testing fee is payable to Prometric and therefore

can only be refunded by Prometric.

Should I reconfirm my appointment before my testing date?

Yes. It is an excellent idea to confirm your appointment. If you schedule online with Prometric at

www.prometric.com/fsbpt you will automatically receive an email confirmation with your appointment

information. Otherwise, you can check online at www.prometric.com or call Prometric at 1-800-796-

9857. When you call, you will need the confirmation number provided when your appointment was

scheduled. You can reconfirm the date, time, and location of your appointment using Prometric'sautomated system.

How will I find my local Prometric Testing Center?

There are three ways to get directions to your local Prometric Testing Center: 1) You may access directions

through Prometric's Registration Center at 1-800-796-9857. 2) You may call a local Prometric Center and ask for

directions. 3) You may obtain test center directions via the Internet at www.prometric.com. Once there, click on

"Find a Test Center," and then choose "Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy" from the drop down

menu. Choose the state in which you want to test, and you will be provided with a current list of test centers.

Is the NPTE available at all Prometric test centers?

No. The NPTE is not offered at all Prometric test centers in the United States, nor is it offered overseas. For a

complete list of Prometric sites that do offer the NPTE, visit Prometric's Web site at www.prometric.com.

RESCHEDULING,CANCELING, NO-S HOWS, AN D REFUNDS

If I am unable to keep the scheduled testing appointment, how do I reschedule?

You may cancel or reschedule your examination 30 or more days prior to your appointment at no charge by calling

the number for Prometric as provided in your "Authorization-to-Test" letter.

If you cancel or reschedule your appointment 3 to 29 days prior to your exam date, you will be charged a

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reschedule fee of $25 by Prometric.

If you cancel or reschedule your exam within 2 days of your appointment, fail to appear for your scheduled exam,

or arrive late and are refused admission, you will forfeit the entire Prometric sitting fee.

Cancellation/Reschedule Period Cancellation/Rescheduling Fee

30 or more days before exam date No charge

Between 3 and 29 days before

scheduled exam date

$25 per cancellation/reschedule (to

be collected by Prometric)

Less than 3 days before the exam

date, no-show for exam date, or

arrives more than fifteen (15)

minutes after the scheduled start

time and is refused admission

The full Prometric Sitting Fee for

the cancelled/rescheduled exam

Are refunds available for no-shows?

If you fail to contact Prometric a minimum of two business days prior to your appointment to cancel or toreschedule your appointment and do not show up for your scheduled exam, you will not receive a refund from

Prometric. A refund of your examination fee, less the processing fee, is available if you do not show up for your

examination, as long as the refund is requested within your 60-day eligibility period.

If I apply for the examination, but do not take it, will I receive a refund?

You will receive a refund only if you withdraw your registration, from the FSBPT, before the end of your 60-day

eligibility period. The refund will be less a processing fee.

If you fail to sit for the examination or fail to withdraw your registration within your eligibility period, you will forfeit

your examination fee and will be required to register and pay again if you would like another 60-day eligibility period.

How do I withdraw if I decide I do not want to or cannot take the examination?If you wish to withdraw your registration, you must notify FSBPT in writing of your intent to withdraw your

registration. This notification must arrive at FSBPT before your 60-day eligibility period has expired. Make sure

to include your name, address, telephone number, and Social Security Number on your withdrawal request. If

you have already made an appointment with Prometric to sit for the examination, you must cancel that

appointment two business days prior to the scheduled appointment and before sending your withdrawal request

to FSBPT.

What happens if I have sent my examination registration fee to FSBPT but the licensing authority

does not approve my registration?

In cases where you are deemed ineligible by a jurisdiction licensing authority or voluntarily withdraw a

registration, and FSBPT has already received the examination fee, FSBPT will refund its portion of the

examination fee, less a processing fee.

NOTE: The total amount you pay to apply for licensure with your jurisdiction may include fees not related to

testing. Individual licensing authorities establish these additional fees. FSBPT does not receive these fees and thus

cannot refund them. FSBPT also cannot refund any fees paid to Prometric.

TAKING THE EXAMINATION

What are the requirements for admission to the testing center?

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You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with two forms of acceptable identification.

Acceptable ID is a currently valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.), and another piece

of identification pre-printed with your name and containing your signature such as a credit card. On both forms

of ID your signature must match your pre-printed name. A Social Security card is not an acceptable form of

identification. As part of your identification processing, the drivers license/passport will be swiped in order to

retain scanned information.Your first and last name on both forms of ID must exactly match the first and last name on your Author-

ization to Test letter issued by FSBPT. If you are denied admittance to the examination due to any problem with

your identification you will forfeit your Prometric fee and will be required to schedule another testing appointment

within your eligibility period.

Will I be thumb-printed or photographed at the Prometric testing center?

Yes. A digital image of your fingerprint will be taken and you will be photographed at the testing center. Another

fingerprint will be taken each time you leave the testing room during your exam. Additionally, all testing sessions

will be videotaped.

How much time will I have for the examination?You are allowed 5 hours for the PT examination and 4 hours for the PTA examination. There are 250 items

(questions) on the physical therapist examination, and 200 items on the physical therapist assistant examination.

Why is my appointment time longer than the examination?

For the PT examination the appointment time is 5 hours even though the exam itself is only 5 hours. For the

PTA examination the appointment time is 4 hours even though the exam itself is only 4 hours. The extra half

hour is to allow for the scheduled 15-minute break as well as the pre-exam tutorial and post-exam survey.

Are all questions scored?

No. Fifty (50) pretest questions are included on each examination. Your scores will only be based on 200 scored

items for the PT examination and 150 scored items for the PTA examination. Pretest questions are included to

determine if the questions meet rigorous psychometric (testing) standards. If the questions meet standards, they

can be used as scored items in future examinations. All 200 scored PT items or 150 scored PTA items on the

examination you will be taking were included as pretest items in previous versions of the examination. Item

pretesting also eliminates delays in sending score reports to candidates when new examination forms are

introduced.

Will I be able to tell which questions are pre-test items?

No. Pretest items will be distributed randomly within each examination and cannot be identified. Therefore, you

should answer each question as if it were a scored item. However, as stated above, your score will only be based

on 200 scored items for the PT examination and 150 scored items for the PTA examination.

What is a section?The exam is delivered in sections or blocks of 50 questions. Each section is a mini exam in that it will follow

the same basic content outline as the larger exam and contain both scored and pretest items. The PT exam has 5

sections. The PTA exam has 4 sections. Once you have completed a section you cannot return to the section to

review or change your answers.

Will there be a penalty for items answered incorrectly?

Examination scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. You should consider the answers to

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each question carefully and select the correct or best one. There is only one correct or best answer to each question.

Because there is no additional penalty for incorrect answers, it is to your advantage to answer every question,

even when you are unsure of the correct or best answer.

Will there be other candidates testing at my test center?

There may be other candidates testing for a number of different examinations. All candidates will be separated by

modular testing booths that allow privacy and ample workspace.

What will the temperature be in the testing center?

The temperature in the Prometric centers varies, and people perceive temperature differently. You should dress in

layers that can be removed if you become uncomfortable. For security reasons, Prometric does not allow bulky

jackets to be worn.

Can I take a break during the examination?

Yes. There are two kinds of breaks during the examination: scheduled and unscheduled. Both the PT and PTA

examinations have one scheduled 15-minute break after section two has been completed. The PT exam also has

three unscheduled breaks. The PTA exam has two unscheduled breaks.

The scheduled break has been added for candidate convenience. During the scheduled break, after section 2 of

the examination has been completed, the exam timer is paused for up to 15 minutes. If candidates do not want to

take the break or want to take a shorter break, they can end the break by following the directions on the computer

screen.

An unscheduled break can be taken between sections when the Unscheduled Break screen is showing on the

computer. During an unscheduled break the exam timer continues to elapse. This means time spent on an

unscheduled break is time that you are choosing to not spend on the examination.

Candidates may leave the examination only when either a scheduled break or an unscheduled break screen is

showing on their computer. If a candidate leaves the testing room while not on a specified break screen, the test

center administrator will report to the FSBPT that an exam irregularity occurred during the candidates exam

administration.

Is computer knowledge necessary?

No. Computer knowledge is not required to take a computerized examination. Before the examination begins, a

simple introductory lesson (tutorial) is presented that explains the process of selecting answers and moving from

question to question. The time you spend on the tutorial does not count against the time allotted for the

examination. Most candidates take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete the tutorial and may repeat it, if

desired. You may select your answers using either the keyboard or the mouse. You are strongly encouraged to

take the tutorial prior to taking the examination.

Can I mark items for later review?

Yes. The testing software allows you to "mark" questions that you want to review before ending a section. Anyquestion can be "marked," regardless of whether it has been left blank or answered. It is not necessary to

"unmark" a question in order for it to be scored at the end of the examination. After you finish a section, you

cannot return for additional review.

While taking the examination, can I move back and forth between questions?

Yes. While taking the computerized examination, you can skip forward or backward through the section you are

currently in and review questions, whether the questions are "marked" or "unmarked."

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Can I use "scratch paper" when taking the examination?

Yes. You are allowed to use "scratch paper" that is supplied at the testing center. The "scratch paper" will be an

erasable note board. You are not allowed to bring in your own scratch paper. Testing center staff will collect the

erasable note board at the completion of the examination.

What items are prohibited while taking the examination?

Candidates are not permitted to bring digital watches, cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices into the

test room. Additionally, food and beverages are not permitted in the test room. Lockers are provided to

candidates in order to store personal items while testing.

Can I use earplugs when taking the examination?

No. The Prometric testing center will supply headphones to help dampen noise but not earplugs. Candidates should

expect that there will be some background noise during their examination. There may be candidates in surrounding

cubicles taking typing intensive examinations. There may be other candidates entering and leaving the testing room

during the course of your examination. The headphones will help to dampen noise that you may find distracting.

What can I do if there is glare on the computer screen?

As a first step, you should reposition the computer monitor to eliminate the glare. If the glare persists despite

attempts to adjust the position of the monitor, and you still have difficulty seeing the computer screen, you

should notify Prometric test center staff immediately of the problem.

What can I do if I experience a delay in starting my examination?

You should note that your appointment time is not necessarily your starting time. You will have to be checked-

in before taking the examination (i.e., sign in, present the appropriate identification, get thumb-printed and

photographed). The check-in process may take time if many candidates have the same appointment time.

However, if the delay is more than 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment, and you cannot continue to

wait, Prometric will allow you to reschedule for another time if you still have time left in your 60-day eligibility

period. If you have waited until the last day of your eligibility period to test, you should continue to wait, despite

any delays.

What can I do if the computer malfunctions while taking the examination?

If you experience technical difficulties while taking the examination, you must alert Prometric staff immediately.

If Prometric staff cannot remedy the situation within 30 minutes, or the problem persists despite attempts to

remedy the problem, you have the right to request rescheduling of the examination on another day within your

60-day eligibility period at no additional cost. The time Prometric spends remedying a problem does not count as

part of your examination time. You should contact both the licensing authority from which you are seeking

licensure and FSBPT to notify them of the technical difficulties.

What happens if there is a fire drill, evacuation, or another unexpected event, during my

examination?If the disruption lasts for less than 30 minutes, you will be expected to complete your examination. If the

disruption is longer than 30 minutes, you have the right to request rescheduling of the examination on another

day within your 60-day eligibility period at no additional cost.

What should I do if I experience other disruptions not covered here while taking my examination?

You should alert Prometric staff immediately to disruptions occurring within the testing room. The sooner the

testing center staff is aware of a problem, the sooner steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate the disruption.

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Can I make comments concerning the examination administration?

Yes. You are given the opportunity to complete a survey after finishing your examination. The survey is presented

on the computer and consists of questions about the examination administration.

What is the FSBPT policy regarding examination security?

The FSBPT policy is that you must act to protect the integrity of the NPTE at all times, i.e., before, during, andafter you take the NPTE. The NPTE is the property of the FSBPT and is protected by trade secret, contract, and

federal copyright laws. The FSBPT strictly prohibits any sharing of any information whatsoever about any

question contained within any past or present NPTE. The FSBPT warns that it is a violation of FSBPTs property

rights in the NPTE and is illegal to share questions that are on the NPTE or to ask any person who has taken the

NPTE about any NPTE question. The FSBPT also warns persons who have registered to take the NPTE that their

sharing or soliciting others to share information about any question contained within any past or present NPTE

may be a breach of their registration contract and further result in their being liable for consequential damages

and attorneys fees.

The FSBPT will prosecute all persons who solicit questions or share information about NPTE questions. Persons

for whom the FSBPT has a reasonable suspicion of sharing or soliciting information about any NPTE question

may be prohibited from sitting for the NPTE unless and until they are determined after a full investigation not tohave shared or solicited such information.

If you give or receive assistance during the examination, you can be required to stop testing immediately and

leave the room. Your examination will not be scored. The performance of all candidates is monitored and may be

analyzed statistically for purposes of detecting and verifying cheating. If it is determined that a score has

questionable validity, the licensing authority will be notified and will decide whether the candidate's scores will be

released.

For purposes of examination security, each candidate who wishes to take the NPTE is required to enter into the

following agreement as part of the registration and examination-taking processes:

I hereby acknowledge and agree that the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is the exclusive

property of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and that the content of the NPTE

is protected by trade secret, contract, copyright, and other laws. I further acknowledge and agree that no

part of the NPTE may be copied or reproduced in part or whole by any means whatsoever, including

memorization, note-taking, or electronic transmission, unless previously authorized in writing by the

FSBPT. I additionally acknowledge and agree that the theft or attempted theft of the contents of the NPTE

is punishable as a felony and that the FSBPT is within its rights to aggressively protect the integrity of the

NPTE.

I further acknowledge and agree that FSBPT may terminate my participation, invalidate the results of my

examination, or take other appropriate action if, in FSBPTs sole judgment, there is a good faith basis to

question the validity of my results for any reason, regardless of whether there is any evidence of my

personal involvement in irregular activities. Irregularities occurring prior to, during, or after my taking of

the NPTE include but are not limited to conduct such as soliciting, receiving, or viewing reproduced or

recalled NPTE test questions when preparing for the exam; taking or using notes during the exam; failure

to comply with all Prometric Test Center security procedures; attempting to communicate in any way with

fellow test-takers during the exam; or sharing recalled contents of the NPTE with others after the test

administration. Evidence of invalid results may include, but is not limited to answer patterns or score

increases determined by FSBPT, in its sole discretion, to be atypical, unusual, or aberrant.

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Lastly, I acknowledge and agree that the purpose of the NPTE is to protect the public from the licensure of

and practice of physical therapy by persons who do not have the requisite knowledge to safely practice

physical therapy and that the foregoing terms and conditions are important and reasonable measures for

safeguarding the public welfare.

In order to safeguard the public welfare and the integrity of the NPTE, FSBPT reserves the right to prohibit

any person from taking the NPTE who has not accepted the terms and conditions of the foregoing SecurityAgreement.

EXAMINATION RESULTS AND SCORING

How will I get my examination results?

After the administration of the examination, your examination will be scored by FSBPT. The results will then be

transmitted to the licensing authority. Inquiries concerning examination results should be directed to the licensing

authority to which you have applied for licensure.

What are scale scores and what is the passing score?

The NPTE scale score is an arithmetic conversion of raw scores (the number of questions a candidate answers

correctly) to a scale that ranges from 200 to 800. One reason for converting raw scores to scaled scores is that

forms (versions) of the examinations may vary slightly in their level of difficulty. A given raw score on one form of

the examination may not be comparable to the same raw score on another form of the examination. To ensure that

scores on different forms of the examination have the same meaning, raw scores are converted to scaled scores that

represent equivalent levels of achievement regardless of the examination form taken.

The NPTE minimum passing scaled score is 600. The number of questions that have to be answered correctly to

achieve a score of 600 can change from form to form.

If a form of the examination is slightly easier than the form on which the passing score was set, more questions

would have to be answered correctly to obtain a scale score of 600. If the form of the examination is slightly harder,

fewer questions would have to be answered correctly to pass the examination. Thus, candidates are not unfairly

rewarded because their examination was easier nor unfairly penalized because it was more difficult.

Effective July 1996, all jurisdiction licensing authorities adopted the same criterion-referenced passing score for the

NPTE. Therefore, effective July 1996, a score at or above 600 is considered to be a passing score by all jurisdiction

licensing authorities and a score below 600 is considered a failing score by all jurisdiction licensing authorities.

RETAKING THE EXAMINATION

How do I register to take the NPTE again?

If a retake is necessary due to failure of an examination, you must register with a jurisdiction licensing authority

following the steps indicated in the section of this book entitled, "Arranging To Take the NPTE."

How often can I take the examination?

This varies by jurisdiction. However, FSBPT will only allow you to take the examination a maximum of three

times in any 12-month period.

Do I need to wait a specified period of time between examinations?

This varies by jurisdiction. It is estimated that given the need to reapply to the licensing authority for each

examination administration, there will normally be at least one (1) month between administrations.

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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

What services are available online?

The following services are available at http://www.fsbpt.org:

Register for examinations.

Check the status of your registration

Update your profile

Add a payment to a requested service

Apply for a score transfer

Contact information for Licensing Authorities

Listing of school codes

Whom can I call if I have additional questions about the NPTE Program?

You may call FSBPT at 703-739-9420 to obtain general information about the NPTE program, the status of your

registration, Authorization to Test letter, or the score report that is transmitted to your jurisdiction licensing

authority.

Can I make comments on the examination?

If you wish to provide comments on the examination, you may do so by mailing or faxing your comments to

FSBPT. You may also address comments to [email protected]. The Examination Development Committee (EDC)

reviews these comments for consideration in future examination development. However, submission of

comments will not alter your examination score. Please direct comments to:

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

124 S. West Street, 3rd Floor

Alexandria, VA 22314

Is there a way to appeal a policy related to the National Physical Therapy Examination?

The FSBPT Board of Directors routinely reviews the policies that govern the development and administration of the

National Physical Therapy Examination. These policies are then shared with the licensing authority for each U.S.

jurisdiction. Careful consideration is given when developing policies to ensure that they are in line with the

Federations mission of public protection.

If you wish to appeal a specific policy related to the National Physical Therapy Examination the first step is to

discuss the issue with a Federation staff person. The staff may be able to provide a better understanding of the

policy and explain how the policy relates to the Federation mission. If you still choose to appeal a policy, you will

need to submit a request in writing to the FSBPT Board of Directors. Requests for appeals must be submitted by the

candidate within 60 days of his/her most recent examination. The request must include the rationale for the

exception to the policy and any steps already taken to resolve this problem with FSBPT staff.

When reviewing appeals, the FSBPT Board of Directors will consider what effect granting the appeal would have

on other candidates, the role of the exam in providing a measure of minimal entry-level competence, the security of

the NPTE, and any impact the decision might create for the jurisdiction in which the candidate is applying or any

other jurisdiction. Candidate appeals will be responded to in writing by the President of the FSBPT Board of

Directors within 60 days.

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Jurisprudence ExamsYour jurisdiction may require that you take a jurisprudence exam that is administered by the FSBPT. If your

jurisdiction does require that you take the jurisprudence exam through the FSBPT, the policies and procedures for

the jurisprudence exam are the same as those for the NPTE. To register online for a jurisprudence exam, go to

http://www.fsbpt.org.

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Content OutlinesThe examinations consist of objective, multiple-choice questions covering the major areas of physical therapy. The

PT examination consists of 250 items and the PTA examination consists of 200 items. The outlines beginning on

the next page delineate the major content areas of the examinations.

These examinations were developed to measure knowledge and abilities required of entry-level physical therapists

and physical therapist assistants. A committee composed of physical therapist and physical therapist assistants

developed them. Based on national analyses of the tasks that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants

perform, the following examination content outlines were developed.

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National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Test Content Outline Physical Therapist

This test is designed to measure whether or not an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills requiredof entry-level physical therapist practitioners. The focus is on theclinical applicationof knowledge, conceptsand principles necessary for the provision ofsafe and effective patient care. Provision of safe patient careincludes consideration ofcurrent best evidencefrom clinically relevant research regarding the safety andefficacy of therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive physical therapy services.

Content Area Description (# Items) # Items % ItemsClinical Application of Foundational Sciences 29 14.5%

Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (5)Musculoskeletal System (6)Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (6)Integumentary System (3)Other Systems* (9)

Examination/Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, &Prognosis

73 36.5%

Examination 26 13.0%Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (4)Musculoskeletal System (9)

Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (9)Integumentary System (3)Other Systems* (1)

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 47 23.5%Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (7)Musculoskeletal System (10)Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (9)Integumentary System (3)Other Systems* (18)

Interventions/Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities 59 29.5%Interventions 37 18.5%

Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (7)Musculoskeletal System (11)

Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (10)Integumentary System (5)Other Systems* (4)

Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities 22 11.0%Equipment & Devices (10)Therapeutic Modalities (12)

Safety, Protection, & Professional Roles; Teaching & Learning; Research& Evidence-Based Practice

39 19.5%

Safety, Protection, & Professional Roles (15)Teaching & Learning (11)Research & Evidence-Based Practice (13)

Total 200 100%

Other Systems include one or more of the following: Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal,

Genitourinary, and Multi-System Involvement.

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Cardiac, Vascular, & Pulmonary Systems

Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principlesthat serve as the foundation for understanding the involvement of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonarysystems in the treatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system

Pharmacology as related to the cardiovascular/pulmonary system

Physiological response to environmental factors and characteristics (e.g., air temperature,humidity, water temperature, water depth, buoyancy, altitude)

Effects of activity and exercise onthe cardiovascular/pulmonary system (including thephysiological response of the cardiovascular/pulmonary system to various types oftest/measures and interventions)

Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of cardiac, vascular, andpulmonary systems tests and measures and their relevance to information collected from the history and

systems review. The category includes the reaction of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems totests and measures, and the mechanics of body movement as related to the cardiac, vascular, andpulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/clientmanagement across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of cardiovascular/pulmonary system tests/measures and their applications

Movement analysis as related to the cardiovascular/pulmonary system (e.g., rib cageexcursion)

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to theinterpretation of knowledge about the diseases and conditions of cardiac, vascular, and pulmonarysystems in order to ensure the appropriate and effective patient/client treatment and managementdecisions across the lifespan.

Diseases/conditions of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems

Diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system

Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems

Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of the lymphatic system

Diseases or conditions of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems in order to makeeffective treatment decisions

Diseases or conditions of the lymphatic system in order to make effective treatment decisions

Diagnostic imaging of the cardiovascular/pulmonary system

Medical management of the cardiovascular/pulmonary system (e.g., surgical procedures,medical tests)

Interventions: This category refers to the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems interventions(including types, applications, responses, and potential complications) as well as the impact on thecardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to supportpatient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of cardiovascular/pulmonary system interventions and their applications

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on cardiovascular/pulmonary system

Secondary effects or complications on cardiovascular/pulmonary system from interventionsused on other systems

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Musculoskeletal System

Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principlesthat serve as the foundation for understanding musculoskeletal system involvement in the treatment ofpatients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the muscular and skeletal systems

Pharmacology as related to the musculoskeletal system


Effects of activity and exercise onthe musculoskeletal system

Joint structure

Joint functionality and mobility

Examination: This category refers to the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests andmeasures and their relevance to information collected during history and systems review. The categoryalso includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests and measures, and the mechanics ofbody movement as related to the musculoskeletal system. Information covered in these areas supportsappropriate and effective patient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of musculoskeletal system tests/measures and their applications

Physiological response of the musculoskeletal system to various types of tests/measures

Movement analysis including application of kinesiology/kinematics as related to themusculoskeletal system (e.g., gait analysis)

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to thediseases and conditions of musculoskeletal system in order to ensure the appropriate and effectivepatient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.

Diseases/conditions of the muscular and skeletal systems

Diseases/conditions of the connective tissue

Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of the muscular and skeletal systems Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of the connective tissue

Diseases or conditions of the muscular and skeletal systems in order to make effectivetreatment decisions

Diseases or conditions of the connective tissue in order to make effective treatment decisions

Diagnostic imaging of the musculoskeletal system

Medical management of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., surgical procedures, medicaltests)

Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potentialcomplications) of musculoskeletal system interventions as well as the impact on the musculoskeletalsystem of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management acrossthe lifespan.

Appropriate types of musculoskeletal system interventions and their applications

Physiological response of the musculoskeletal system to various types of interventions

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on musculoskeletal system

Secondary effects or complications on musculoskeletal system from interventions used onother systems

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Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems

Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principlesthat serve as the foundation for understanding neuromuscular/nervous system involvement in thetreatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the neuromuscular system Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, ANS)

Pharmacology as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system


Effects of activity and exercise as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system

Motor control as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system

Motor learning as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system

Neurological functioning (e.g., cognition, affect, arousal, memory)

Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of neuromuscular/nervoussystem tests and measures and their relevance to information collected during history and systems

review. The category also includes the reaction of the neuromuscular/nervous system to tests andmeasures, and the mechanics of body movement as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system.Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management acrossthe lifespan.

Appropriate types of neuromuscular/nervous system tests/measures and their applications

Physiological response of the neuromuscular/nervous system to various types oftest/measures

Movement analysis including application of kinesiology/kinematics as related to theneuromuscular/nervous system (e.g., gait analysis, balance assessment)

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to thediseases and conditions of neuromuscular/nervous system in order to ensure the appropriate and

effective patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.

Diseases/conditions of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, ANS)

Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, ANS)

Diseases or conditions of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, ANS) in order to make effectivetreatment decisions

Diagnostic imaging of the neuromuscular/nervous system

Medical management of the neuromuscular/nervous system (e.g., surgical procedures,medical tests)

Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potentialcomplications) of neuromuscular/nervous system interventions as well as the impact on theneuromuscular/nervous system of interventions performed on other systems in order to supportpatient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of neuromuscular/nervous system interventions and their applications

Physiological response of the neuromuscular/nervous system to various types ofinterventions

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on neuromuscular/nervous system

Secondary effects or complications on neuromuscular/nervous system from interventionsused on other systems

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Motor control as related to neuromuscular/nervous system interventions

Motor learning as related to neuromuscular/nervous system interventions

Integumentary System

Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principlesthat serve as the foundation for understanding integumentary system involvement in the treatment ofpatients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the integumentary system

Pharmacology as related to the integumentary system


Effects of activity and exercise onthe integumentary system

Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of integumentary system

tests and measures and their relevance to information collected during history and systems review. Thecategory also includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests and measures. Informationcovered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of integumentary system tests/measures and their applications

Physiological response of the integumentary system to various types of tests/measures

Movement analysis as related to the integumentary system (e.g., friction, shear, pressure,and scar).

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to thediseases and conditions of integumentary system in order to ensure the appropriate and effectivepatient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.

Diseases/conditions of the integumentary system

Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of the integumentary system

Diseases or conditions of the integumentary system in order to make effective treatmentdecisions

Medical management of the integumentary system (e.g., surgical procedures, medical tests)

Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potentialcomplications) of integumentary system interventions as well as the impact on the integumentary systemof interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across thelifespan.

Appropriate types of integumentary system interventions and their applications

Physiological response of the integumentary system to various types of interventions

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on integumentary system

Secondary effects or complications on integumentary system from interventions used onother systems

Wound management techniques (e.g., selective debridement, nonselective debridement,dressings, topical agents)

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Metabolic & Endocrine Systems

Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principlesthat serve as the foundation for understanding metabolic and endocrine systems involvement in thetreatment of patients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy of the endocrine system Physiology and pathophysiology of the metabolic and endocrine systems

Pharmacology as related to the metabolic and endocrine systems


Effects of activity and exercise onthe metabolic and endocrine systems

Examination: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of metabolic andendocrine tests and measures and their relevance to information collected during history and systemsreview. The category also includes the reaction of the metabolic and endocrine systems to tests andmeasures. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/clientmanagement across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of metabolic and endocrine systems tests/measures and their applications

Physiological response of the metabolic and endocrine systems to various types oftests/measures

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to thediseases and conditions of metabolic and endocrine systems in order to ensure the appropriate andeffective patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.

Diseases/conditions of the metabolic and endocrine systems

Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of the metabolic and endocrine systems

Diseases or conditions of the metabolic and endocrine systems in order to make effectivetreatment decisions

Medical management of the metabolic and endocrine systems (e.g., surgical procedures,medical tests)

Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potentialcomplications) of metabolic and endocrine systems interventions as well as the impact on the metabolicand endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/clientmanagement across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of metabolic and endocrine systems interventions and their applications

Physiological response of the metabolic and endocrine systems to various types ofinterventions

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on metabolic and endocrine systems

Secondary effects or complications on metabolic and endocrine systems from interventionsused on other systems

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Gastrointestinal System

Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principlesthat serve as the foundation for understanding gastrointestinal system involvement in the treatment ofpatients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal system

Effects of activity and exercise on the gastrointestinal system

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to theinterpretation of knowledge of diseases and conditions of gastrointestinal system in order to ensure theappropriate and effective patient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.

Diseases/conditions of the gastrointestinal system

Diseases or conditions of the gastrointestinal system in order to make effective treatmentdecisions

Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potentialcomplications) of gastrointestinal system interventions and their relevance to information collected duringhistory and systems review and examination. It also includes the impact on the gastrointestinal system ofinterventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across thelifespan.

Appropriate types of gastrointestinal system interventions and their applications (e.g.,positioning for reflux, positioning for bowel programs)

Physiological response of the gastrointestinal system to various types of interventions

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on gastrointestinal system

Secondary effects or complications on gastrointestinal system from interventions used onother systems

Genitourinary System

Clinical Application of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientific principlesthat serve as the foundation for understanding genitourinary system involvement in the treatment ofpatients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the genitourinary system

Effects of activity and exercise onthe genitourinary system

Motor control as related to the genitourinary system

Motor learning as related to the genitourinary system

Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to thediseases and conditions of genitourinary system in order to ensure the appropriate and effectivepatient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.

Diseases/conditions of the genitourinary system

Diseases or conditions of the genitourinary system in order to make effective treatmentdecisions

Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, and potential complications)

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of genitourinary system interventions as well as the impact on the genitourinary system of interventionsperformed on other systems in order to support patient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of genitourinary system interventions and their applications (e.g.,positioning for bladder programs, biofeedback, pelvic floor retraining)

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on genitourinary system

Secondary effects or complications on genitourinary system from interventions used on othersystems

Multi-System

Clinical Applications of Foundational Sciences: This category refers to the essential scientificprinciples that serve as the foundation for understanding multi-system involvement in the treatment ofpatients/clients across the lifespan.

Normal interrelationships among multiple systems

Polypharmacy as it relates to multi-system involvement


Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis: This category refers to theinterpretation of knowledge of multiple system involvement in order to ensure the appropriate andeffective patient/client treatment and management decisions.

Diseases/conditions affecting multiple systems (e.g., cancer, pregnancy, morbid obesity)

Differential diagnoses related to pathologies of multi-system involvement

Diseases or conditions of multiple systems in order to make effective patient/clientmanagement decisions

Medical management of multiple systems (e.g., surgical procedures, medical tests, diagnostic

imaging) Impact of co-morbidities/co-existing conditions on patient/client management (e.g., diabetes

and hypertension; obesity and arthritis; hip fracture and dementia)

Psychological and psychiatricconditions that impact patient/client management (e.g.,depression, schizophrenia)

Equipment & Devices

This category refers to the different types of equipment and devices, use requirements and/or contextualdeterminants, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the selection and application ofequipment and devices in order to support patient/client treatment and management decisions across thelifespan.

Assistive and adaptive devices

Prosthetic devices

Orthotic devices

Protective devices

Supportive devices

Gravity-assisted devices

Bariatric equipment and devices

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Therapeutic Modalities

This category refers to the underlying principles for the use of therapeutic modalities as well as thejustification for the selection and use of the variety of types of therapeutic modalities employed to supportpatient/client treatment and management decisions across the lifespan.

Indications, contraindications, and precautions of therapeutic modalities

Physical agents (e.g., athermal agents, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, light agents, soundagents, thermotherapy)

Mechanical modalities (e.g., compression therapies, mechanical motion devices, tractiondevices)

Electrotherapeutic delivery of medications (e.g., iontophoresis)

Electrical stimulation (e.g., Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), High Voltage PulsedCurrent (HVPC), Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NES), TENS)

Safety, Protection, & Professional Roles

This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and theresponsibilities of healthcare providers to ensure that patient/client management and healthcare decisionstake place in a secure and trustworthy environment.

Factors influencing patient/client safety (e.g., fall risk, use of restraints, use of equipment,environmental factors)

Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)

Proper body mechanics

Injury prevention

Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions)

Legal obligations for reporting abuse and neglect

Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA)

Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)

Standards of documentation Risk guidelines (e.g., documentation, policies and procedures, incident reports)

Roles and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals and support staff

Teaching & Learning

This category refers to the principles and theories of teaching and learning required to create a learningenvironment in which information is effectively communicated to patients/clients to ensure that theyreceive appropriate instruction designed tosupport patient/client management decisions.

Teaching and learning strategies, theories, and techniques (e.g., cognitive, motor, models ofeducation)

Health behavior change models Communication skills

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Research & Evidence-Based Practice

This category refers to the application of measurement principles and research methodology to makereasoned and appropriate assessment and interpretation of information sources and practice research to

support patient/client management decisions fundamental to evidence-based practice.

Research design and interpretation (e.g., qualitative, quantitative)

Measurement science (e.g., reliability, validity, common statistical methods)

Outcome measures (e.g., suitability, applications)

Data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, direct observation)

Hierarchy of evidence (e.g., randomized control, case studies, anecdotal observation)

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System Specific Specifications - Physical Therapy

System Percent of the ExaminationMusculoskeletal 18%Neuromuscular 17%

Cardiovascular/pulmonary 11.5%Integumentary 7%Other Systems 16%

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National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Test Content Outline Physical TherapistAssistant

This test is designed to measure whether or not an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skillsrequired of entry-level physical therapist assistants working under the supervision of a physical therapist.The focus is on theclinical applicationof knowledge, concepts and principles necessary for theprovision ofsafe and effective patient careconsistent with the principles ofbest practice.

Content Area Description (# Items) # Items % ItemsClinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles & FoundationalSciences

59 39.33%

Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (10)Musculoskeletal System (15)Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (14)Integumentary System (4)Other Systems Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal,and Multi-System Involvement (16)

Data Collection/ Interventions/ Equipment & Devices; TherapeuticModalities

72 48%

Data Collection 23 15.33%

Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (4)Musculoskeletal System (9)Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (7)Integumentary System (2)Other Systems Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal,and Multi-System Involvement (1)

Interventions 27 18.00%Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (5)Musculoskeletal System (8)Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (9)Integumentary System (3)Other Systems Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal,and Multi-System Involvement (2)

Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities 22 14.67%Equipment & Devices (9)Therapeutic Modalities (13)

Safety, Protection, & Professional Roles; Teaching & Learning;Evidence-Based Practice

19 12.67%

Safety, Protection, & Professional Roles (12)Teaching & Learning (4)Evidence-Based Practice (3)

Total 150 100%

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Cardiac, Vascular, & Pulmonary Systems

Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refersto the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation forunderstanding the involvement of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems in the treatment of

patients/clients across the lifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system

Diseases/conditions of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems

Diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system

Diseases or conditions of cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems in order to provideeffective treatments

Diseases or conditions of the lymphatic system in order to provide effective treatments

Medical management of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems (e.g., medical tests,medications, surgical procedures)

Physiological response to environmental factors and characteristics (e.g., air temperature,

humidity, water temperature, water depth, buoyancy, altitude) Effects of activity and exercise onthe cardiovascular/pulmonary system (including the

physiological response of the cardiovascular/pulmonary system to various types oftest/measures and interventions)

Data Collection: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications of cardiac, vascular,and pulmonary systems tests and measures. The category includes the reaction of the cardiac, vascular,and pulmonary systems to tests and measures, and the mechanics of body movement as related to thecardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate andeffective patient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of cardiovascular/pulmonary system tests/measures and their applications(e.g., measuring blood pressure, heartrate)

Movement analysis as related to the cardiovascular/pulmonary system (e.g., rib cageexcursion)

Interventions: This category refers to the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems interventions(including types, applications, responses, and potential complications) as well as the impact on thecardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to supportpatient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of cardiovascular/pulmonary system interventions and their applications

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on cardiovascular/pulmonary system

Secondary effects or complications on cardiovascular/pulmonary system from interventionsused on other systems

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Musculoskeletal System

Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refersto the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation forunderstanding musculoskeletal system involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across thelifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the muscular and skeletal systems

Diseases/conditions of the muscular and skeletal systems

Diseases/conditions of the connective tissue

Diseases or conditions of the muscular and skeletal systems in order to provide effectivetreatments

Diseases or conditions of the connective tissue in order to provide effective treatments

Medical management of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., medical tests, medications,surgical procedures)


Effects of activity and exercise onthe musculoskeletal system

Joint structure

Joint functionality and mobility

Data Collection: This category refers to the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests andmeasures. The category also includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests and measures,and the mechanics of body movement as related to the musculoskeletal system. Information covered inthese areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management across the lifespan.

Appropriate types of musculoskeletal system tests/measures and their applications (e.g.,manual muscle testing, isokinetic testing)

Physiological response of the musculoskeletal system to various types of tests/measures

Movement analysis including application of kinesiology/kinematics as related to the

musculoskeletal system (e.g., observation of gait)

Interventions: This category refers to the features (e.g., types, applications, responses, and potentialcomplications) of musculoskeletal system interventions as well as the impact on the musculoskeletalsystem of interventions performed on other systems in order to support patient/client management acrossthe lifespan.

Appropriate types of musculoskeletal system interventions and their applications

Physiological response of the musculoskeletal system to various types of interventions

Secondary effects or complications from interventions on musculoskeletal system

Secondary effects or complications on musculoskeletal system from interventions used onother systems

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Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems

Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles and Foundational Sciences: This category refersto the essential scientific principles, pathologies, diseases and conditions that serve as the foundation forunderstanding neuromuscular/nervous system involvement in the treatment of patients/clients across thelifespan.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the neuromuscular system

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, ANS)

Diseases/conditions of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, ANS)

Diseases or conditions of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, ANS) in order to provide effectivetreatments

Medical management of the neuromuscular/nervous system (e.g., medical tests, medications,surgical procedures)


Effects of activity and exercise as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system

Motor control as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system

Motor learning as related to the neuromuscular/nervous system

Neurological functioning (e.g., cognition, affect, arousal, memory)

Data Collection: This category refers to awareness of the types and applications ofneuromuscular/nervous system tests and measures. The category also includes the reaction of theneuromuscular/nervous system to tests and measures, and the mechanics of body movement as relatedto the neuromuscular/nervous system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate andeffective patient/client management across the lifespan.

Documents

Candidate Handbook 20100108