In this issue:
Want to share information about the NPTE with your students? We have a PowerPoint presentation designed for educators. This valuable resource is designed to provide educators with detailed information on the NPTE and is accessible through the educators' login, right on your dashboard under resources. The presentation covers the purpose of regulation and the licensing exam, the development of the NPTE, and NPTE administration. Finally, it has some useful tips for candidates! Please leverage it in your classrooms to help your students.
Do you want to learn how to write better multiple-choice questions for your exams that follow the same format as the NPTE? Are you interested in knowing how to statistically analyze your test questions to determine if they are well-constructed? Do you want to prepare your students for the test administration experience? For answers to these questions and so many more, please consider attending the 2025 Virtual Workshop for Educators!
Registration for the 2025 Virtual Workshop for Educators is expected to open in March. The virtual workshop offers similar content to the in-person workshop, but the content is a combination of on-demand videos and live, interactive sessions with NPTE staff and item writing trainers.
The workshop will begin in late April and access to the materials will be available through October. Live interactive sessions will occur periodically throughout the workshop period. Participants can also schedule one-on-one sessions with the workshop leaders to get answers to specific questions relevant to their programs, mentoring, or assistance with item writing.
While there is a fee for the Workshop for Educators (unlike item writing workshops), there is no requirement to complete an item-writing assignment.
Please note that the workshop is self-paced and takes several hours to complete the materials and activities. This online workshop is designed for individuals who want work on the content at their own pace with support available for several months. If you prefer to work in a guided fashion with a set schedule for the workshop over two days, our in-person workshop would be a better fit.
Workshops typically fill up fast, so if you or one of your colleagues is interested, it’s best to sign up for the interest list to get notifications. You can do that here.
In 2019, the Georgia General Assembly updated the Georgia Physical Therapy Practice Act to clarify that a license or a compact privilege is required for individuals holding themselves out as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, including those in educational programs. Despite this amendment, some individuals who hold themselves out as a PT or PTA continue to teach without the necessary license or privilege while continuing to use regulatory designators.
The Georgia Physical Therapy Practice Act does not provide any exceptions or exemptions to licensure for full or adjunct faculty in PT and PTA programs. Therefore, individuals using any regulatory designators must hold an active license issued by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy or an active compact privilege issued by the Physical Therapy Compact Commission. Violations of these provisions are considered unlicensed practice and/or aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of physical therapy, which is a misdemeanor offense. It is imperative that educational programs adhere to the provisions set forth in the law.
While the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy is not actively pursuing programs not following these provisions, if a complaint is submitted and such action is warranted, it may be pursued against individuals or businesses who violate these laws.
Regardless of the jurisdiction they are in, it is the responsibility of all educators to check and comply with their jurisdiction's licensure requirements. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial to protecting the public. For more information on licensure requirements in your state, please refer to your local physical therapy board
Correction:A previous version of this article said that the change happened recently instead of in 2019, and it did not specify that the Georgia General Assembly was the entity that updated the practice act.
In April of 2024, FSBPT began providing free access to the FifthTheory Test Mastery Inclusion program to candidates who were not successful on the NPTE. We are excited to announce that free access to this program is being extended to NPTE candidates for 2025 including any students currently in your program.
FifthTheory is an independent firm with expertise in helping test-takers become aware of and develop the test mastery mindset. This program allows students to identify their strengths and weaknesses regarding their test-taking skills, which can significantly improve preparation strategies and reduce exam-related anxieties. During the evaluation period last year, 64% of candidates who accessed the program reported that it helped them prepare for the NPTE.
We encourage all students to take advantage of this free program and enhance their test-taking skills. Please share this resource with students today!
The January PTA administration was substantially disrupted by both mother nature and technology. Wildfires in California and a snowstorm on the East Coast caused a number of appointments to be rescheduled. Additionally, a technical problem caused by a Prometric software issue meant some candidates were able to start their exam but hit an error that terminated their exam at the end of section 2.
When disruptions like these occur, FSBPT allows candidates to reschedule their exam at their convenience, typically within a few days of their original appointment. In total, 231 candidates had to reschedule their appointments, which was 17% of test takers. While weather events do happen—in 2024 alone, Hurricanes Beryl, Milton, and Helene all caused testing disruption—it is uncommon to have widespread technology issues. For 2022-2024, on average, only 1% of candidates experienced a test-day issue. Resolving this technical issue with Prometric was FSBPT's highest priority, and the PT exams on January 28 and 29 were delivered as expected.
Item writing for the NPTE is a great way to gain expertise in crafting multiple-choice questions, share your knowledge of the profession, work with and learn from colleagues, and have fun!
The following workshops are tentative for 2025:
Basic
Regional
If you or someone you know would like to participate in an Item Writing Workshop, learn more and apply or send an inquiry to volunteer@fsbpt.org.
Visit the FSBPT website for information on a range of topics.
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If you have questions, challenges or ideas, we want to hear from you! FSBPT (703) 299-3100 | FCCPT (703) 684-8406 (Call FSBPT unless otherwise noted after name)
Contact Person
Title
Topics
William A. Hatherill
Chief Executive Officer
FSBPT issues
Susan Layton Rich Woolf
Chief Operating Officer Chief Professional Officer
General questions and feedback; research questions
Lorin Mueller, PhD
Managing Director of Assessment
Psychometrics, test development, and test construction
Christine Sousa
Managing Director of Exam Services
Exam administration issues, ADA
Jamie Nolan, FCCPT
Managing Director of the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT)
Foreign-educated graduates
School Reports: schoolreports@fsbpt.org
Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT): peat@fsbpt.org