Exams

National exams for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology are run by different organizations. Certification or an exam score is not, by itself, a license to practice.

• NBCOT (OT and OTA)

  OTR and COTA certification exams after graduation from an ACOTE-accredited program, for people educated in the U.S.

• NPTE (PT and PTA)

  The National Physical Therapy Examination, administered by FSBPT, used by jurisdiction licensing authorities.

• Jurisprudence exams

  FSBPT’s description of jurisprudence exams and assessment modules for physical therapy licensure.

• SLP exam and ASHA certification

  The national speech-language pathology exam (Praxis through 2026, PSI from January 11, 2027), CCC-SLP, and the C-SLPA assistant exam.

• Retakes and attempt limits

  NBCOT waiting periods, FSBPT NPTE attempt limits, and ASHA SLP and C-SLPA retake rules.

• Exam day: what to expect

  Scheduling after the ATT letter, ID rules, and test-day rules from NBCOT, FSBPT, ETS, and ASHA.

• Testing accommodations

  How NBCOT, FSBPT, ETS, and ASHA describe ADA accommodation requests.

• Scores and score reports

  FSBPT’s 600 NPTE passing standard, ASHA’s 162 SLP passing score, and how NBCOT, FSBPT, and ASHA report results.

• Testing before your final transcript

  NBCOT’s Degree Verification Form, application validity, and Early Determination Review.

• How to register

  NBCOT application and ATT, FSBPT registration and jurisdiction approval, and ASHA’s ETS and PSI routes.

• What each exam covers

  Official NBCOT domains, NPTE content outline ranges, and Praxis 5331 content categories.

• Rescheduling and cancellations

  NBCOT, FSBPT, and ETS rules for rescheduling, canceling, withdrawing, and no-shows.

After the exam, apply for a license through the state or territory board; see after the exam and certification vs licensure. For multi-state practice, see compacts. People educated outside the United States should also read internationally educated pathways.