All about the NPTE

Currently i am working on studying and preparing the last few weeks before the NPTE exam on July 22nd. For those that don't know, the NPTE is the national accreditation board exam that all PTs must take in order to be licensed. For those PT students who are starting to think about this, here is what you have to do (no one shared this info with me so i had to search it out myself):
1. Check the FSBPT website (organization that makes the board exam) for the testing dates and deadlines. These are hard deadlines...not suggestions so make sure you complete everything before that date. The NPTE is offered 4 times a year and if you miss the boat for one date you have to wait months before you can sit for it.
2. Check the state laws for PT to see when you are allowed to take the exam. This only applies if you are looking to take the test prior to graduation. Some states allow this and others don't. That information can be found online with the FSBPT. In either case, you are not allowed to sit for the exam more than 90 days before your graduation date. Also, speak to you department head and a few professors to see if they feel you will be prepared to take the exam prior to graduation, and keep in mind that you may be on internships if you are taking it prior to graduation and won't have as much study time.
3. Apply to the state of your choice for a PT license. This is where you wish to practice. There may be a jurisprudence exam (depends on the state) making sure you understand the states specific laws on PT practice and there is always a fee. Do this well ahead of time incase the state takes a long time to process your request. I have heard it can take a couple months with some states. I applied to ND and i am pleased to say they got back to me the same day!
4. Apply to FSBPT to sit for the exam. They will only schedule and approve you once they have recieved verification that you are allowed to sit by your specific state (this is why you need to apply early and check their testing rules to see if you can sit prior to graduation...none of the fees are refundable! And by now you have spent $400 for NPTE and $60-400 depending on state fees).
5. Once you are approved and scheduled to take the exam, you must pick a location to take the test. One common misconception is that you have to take the NPTE in the state you are being licensed by...WRONG! The NPTE is a STANDARDIZED NATIONAL exam, which means that it is the same no matter where you take it because ALL states acknowledge it and will accept your score. So, i am being licensed in ND but I'm sitting for the exam in IA. Also on this note, this is another reason why you want to apply early as there are a limited number of Prometric testing centers across the country and lots of PT students taking the exam. I have heard of students having to fly to another state because all the testing centers near them were full.
6. Receive verification and read through the rules of the testing center, directions to get there, etc. Make sure you will have no trouble getting there the day of since you will not be allowed to test if you show up late.
7. Prepare for the test (which you should have already been doing)! There are several study resources out there. The most user friendly study book is the Scorebuilders. The best practice tests are from O'Sullivan. Both Scorebuilders and O'Sullivan come with 3 200 question practice tests. I have both of these books and it was worth it. Scorebuilders also has an App for studying on the go, with 600+ practice questions. I have used this some...but not a lot. The best resource is the NPTE PEAT exams. These are sold by the FSBPT and you get 2 exams. One is a practice test and one is an actual retired board exam. This is the best way to get a feel for what the board questions are going to be like since these are the same people who write all the board questions.
As far as a study schedule, Scorebuilders gives a couple study schedule examples in their review course, which i modeled mine after. Make sure it is something that will work for you and your lifestyle. Also, keep in mind that the exam is not just about knowledge but also testing endurance. This is a 5 hour exam and you need to condition your brain and body to handle it.

Well that should about cover it. If anyone has any further questions i would be happy to answer them or clarify. Just comment below. 0For those planning on taking the exam soon, best of luck to you! Keep a calm clear mind and you will be able to work out any question.
Happy studying!