Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants

How do I register for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)?
Do I need to submit my official transcript to sit for the NPTE Exam?

Your official transcript must be submitted for final licensure. Please have an official transcript sent AFTER the degree grated date is posted and have it sent directly from your school to the Board office via secure email or in a sealed envelope. New graduates - your degree granted date will not post until after your official graduation. Please see the Application Instructions for documents/information required by the board to approve applicants to test.

PT New Graduate Application Instructions

PTA New Graduate Application Instructions
Does the Criminal Background Check need to be complete to sit for the NPTE Exam?
How long does the licensure process take?

It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure their file is complete; i.e. completed application, exam scores and documentation have been received by the board. The board will not review applicants with incomplete files. Applicants who answer yes to a question on their application or provide incomplete information are reviewed by the licensure committee at a PT Board meeting. Wall certificates and license cards will be issued after the Board meeting or review date.
Where can I find information on the Criminal Background Check process?
What are licensee requirements for Continuing Education?

Each licensed physical therapist must complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education credit every two years as a condition of licensure renewal. 2.0 of these 20 hours must be on ethics directly related to the professional responsibility of the licensee. Newly licensed physical therapists commence their two year cycle on January 1 immediately following the date licensure was granted, and continuing education credits may be accrued during the first partial year in addition to the two full years of licensure. Licensees are required to attest to completion of continuing education by reporting to the Board at renewal time. Continuing education documentation must be retained by each licensee in the event they are selected for an audit.
Is there a practice requirement?

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants must practice 320 hours during the past five years in order to be issued a license, renew, reinstate following a lapse in licensure or return to active licensure status from inactive status. Alternatively, physical therapists or physical therapist assistants may choose to retake and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam or complete a board approved supervised clinical practice. The supervised clinical practice length and site must be pre-approved by the board.