NPTE Practice Test 2026 — Free NPTE Exam Prep Questions
The NPTE for physical therapists is the FSBPT licensure exam that shows whether an entry-level PT can safely apply clinical knowledge across body systems. Our original, scenario-based questions follow the January 2024 NPTE-PT Test Content Outline. They cover examination, evaluation and prognosis, interventions, equipment, modalities, safety, professional responsibilities and research, with an explanation for every option.
A 55-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use reports 3 days of constant pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the mid-back. The pain worsens after he eats and lies supine, and eases when he sits leaning forward with his knees drawn up. Thoracic movement does not change the pain. Which organ is the MOST likely source?
NPTE format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at Prometric test centers on fixed dates. Five sections of 45 questions share one 5-hour clock, with a scheduled 15-minute break after section 2. You can review and change answers only within the current section.
| Questions | 225 (180 scored + 45 pretest), 4 options each |
|---|---|
| Structure | 5 sections of 45 questions; scenario-based sets at the end of each section |
| Time | 5 hours of testing (5 h 30 min appointment), 15-minute scheduled break after section 2 |
| Score | Scaled 200–800; 600 to pass; no penalty for guessing |
| Content outline | NPTE-PT Test Content Outline effective January 2024 |
| Test dates | Four fixed windows a year: January, April, July, October |
| Fee | $485 + $112 Prometric fee |
| Attempt limits | 3 consecutive in 12 months, 6 lifetime |
| Official practice | FSBPT PEAT: two timed practice exams, $99 for 90 days |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: www.fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/NPTE-Development/NPTE-Content. Always confirm details with FSBPT before your exam.
When can you take the NPTE?
Offered four times a year in two-day windows. 2026 PT dates: Jan 27–28, Apr 28–29, Jul 28–29 and Oct 27–28; registration and payment close about five weeks before each window.
What the NPTE covers
Every PrepBanq NPTE test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems22–27 of 180 scored items: examination, evaluation/diagnosis/prognosis and interventions. | 14% | ~25 | 20 questions → |
Musculoskeletal System44–54 items, including connective tissue disease and regenerative medicine. | 27% | ~49 | 41 questions → |
Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems39–48 items covering the CNS, PNS and ANS, motor control and motor learning. | 24% | ~43 | 36 questions → |
Integumentary System8–11 items. | 5% | ~9 | 8 questions → |
Metabolic & Endocrine Systems4–6 items (evaluation and interventions). | 3% | ~5 | 4 questions → |
Gastrointestinal System3–6 items. | 3% | ~5 | 4 questions → |
Genitourinary System2–5 items. | 2% | ~4 | 3 questions → |
Lymphatic System4–7 items. | 3% | ~5 | 5 questions → |
System Interactions8–10 items: multi-system conditions, comorbidities, polypharmacy, psychological factors and pain. | 5% | ~9 | 8 questions → |
Equipment, Devices, & Technologies5–6 items: assistive, adaptive, prosthetic and orthotic devices. | 3% | ~5 | 5 questions → |
Therapeutic Modalities4–6 items: thermal, electrotherapy, iontophoresis, ultrasound, mechanical, biofeedback, intermittent compression. | 3% | ~5 | 4 questions → |
Safety & Protection5–7 items. | 3% | ~5 | 5 questions → |
Professional Responsibilities4–5 items. | 3% | ~5 | 4 questions → |
Research & Evidence-Based Practice3–5 items. | 2% | ~4 | 3 questions → |
How to register for the NPTE
Retake policy
No more than 3 consecutive attempts in 12 months (then skip the next date), 6 attempts per lifetime, and no further testing after two scores below 400. You can re-register about 15 days after an unsuccessful attempt.
Score release
Pass/fail status is posted about 5 business days after the testing window ends and sent to your jurisdiction; a free scaled-score report follows 10 business days after your exam date.
Credential renewal
Licensure is granted and renewed by each state jurisdiction; score transfers to another jurisdiction cost $90.
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NPTE FAQ
How many questions are on the NPTE?
The NPTE has 225 questions (180 of them scored) and you have 5 hours to finish. Question types: Four-option multiple choice with one correct answer: 180 scored and 45 unscored pretest items. Most are stand-alone questions, some with a graphic or video. Up to 40 are scenario-based questions that share a clinical scenario (2–5 independent questions each, at the end of a section)..
How long is the NPTE exam?
Testing time for the NPTE is 5 hours.
What is the passing score for the NPTE?
NPTE passing standard: Scaled score of 600. Score range: 200–800.
How much does the NPTE cost?
The NPTE registration fee is $485 FSBPT exam fee plus a $112 Prometric sitting fee. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the NPTE?
The NPTE covers Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems (about 14%), Musculoskeletal System (about 27%), Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (about 24%), Integumentary System (about 5%), Metabolic & Endocrine Systems (about 3%), Gastrointestinal System (about 3%), Genitourinary System (about 2%), Lymphatic System (about 3%), System Interactions (about 5%), Equipment, Devices, & Technologies (about 3%), Therapeutic Modalities (about 3%), Safety & Protection (about 3%), Professional Responsibilities (about 3%), Research & Evidence-Based Practice (about 2%).
Who administers the NPTE?
The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) — PT is administered by FSBPT. Delivery: Computer-based at Prometric test centers on fixed dates. Five sections of 45 questions share one 5-hour clock, with a scheduled 15-minute break after section 2. You can review and change answers only within the current section.
Can you retake the NPTE?
No more than 3 consecutive attempts in 12 months (then skip the next date), 6 attempts per lifetime, and no further testing after two scores below 400. You can re-register about 15 days after an unsuccessful attempt.
Is there a free NPTE practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free NPTE practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real NPTE formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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