NPTE Exam Information and Outline
National Physical Therapy Examination (PT)
Syllabus Update Checked on: September 11, 2026
NPTE Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the
official NPTE exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap.
The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by
FSBPT.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
FSBPT NPTE National Physical Therapy Examination (PT)
#I. Physical Therapy Examination
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
- Integumentary System
- Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
- Gastrointestinal System
- Genitourinary System
- Lymphatic System
#II. Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
- Evaluation
- Clinical decision making
- Differential diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Plan of care
- Interpretation of examination findings
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
- Integumentary System
- Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
- Gastrointestinal System
- Genitourinary System
- Lymphatic System
- System Interactions
#III. Interventions
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
- Integumentary System
- Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
- Gastrointestinal System
- Genitourinary System
- Lymphatic System
Non-System Content Areas
- Equipment, Devices, & Technologies
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Safety & Protection
- Professional Responsibilities
- Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pathology/pathophysiology
- Clinical presentation
- Examination procedures
- Outcome measures
- Imaging and laboratory findings
- Movement analysis
- Differential diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Evidence-based interventions
- Therapeutic exercise
- Manual therapy
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Functional training
- Patient education
- Prevention and wellness
- Contraindications and precautions
- Adverse effects and complications
- Documentation
- Ethics and legal responsibilities
- Patient safety
- Assistive devices and technologies
- Research interpretation and evidence-based practice