Exam retakes and attempt limits
NBCOT sets waiting periods between attempts at its OTR and COTA exams. FSBPT limits the NPTE to six attempts per exam level in a lifetime, and limits how many attempts can be made in a row or in a year. ASHA lets SLP candidates retake within the certification application period, and C-SLPA candidates may take the assistant exam no more than three times within one year.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
NBCOT (OTR and COTA)
NBCOT’s Certification Exam Handbook (PDF, ID 40 rev092526), checked November 10, 2026, states: “Candidates who do not pass the exam may reapply for another exam administration.” It lists these waiting periods, which it says “apply to all exams”:
- Attempts 2, 3 and 4: 30 days from the date of the last exam administration
- Attempts 5, 6 and 7: 60 days from the date of the last exam administration
- Attempts 8 +: 90 days from the date of the last exam administration
It also states: “Candidates must submit a new exam application to retest.” And: “Candidates do not need to submit another transcript, unless requested by NBCOT.” NBCOT’s After your exam page describes the feedback report sent after a failed attempt. Fees are on NBCOT’s site and are not copied here.
FSBPT (NPTE for PTs and PTAs)
FSBPT’s Eligibility Requirements page lists these attempt limits:
- “Maximum consecutive attempts is three per exam level. After three consecutive exam attempts at any exam level, candidates will not be able to register for the next exam date.”
- “Maximum attempts in a lifetime is six per exam level.”
- “No more than two scores of 400 or less after January 1, 2016 at an exam level.”
FSBPT’s Retake Exam page states: “How often can I take the examination? This varies by jurisdiction. However, FSBPT will only allow you to take the examination a maximum of three times in any twelve-month period. There is also a six-time lifetime limit on NPTE attempts.” On waiting, it states: “You must wait until the next available scheduled test date.”
FSBPT’s Important Retake Information page states: “In accordance with the six-time lifetime limit, candidates are able to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) a maximum of six times per exam level.”
ASHA (national SLP exam)
ASHA’s SLP national examination page states: “Applicants who fail the examination may retake it; however, if the exam is not successfully passed within the 2-year application period, the applicant's certification file will be closed.” It also states that results submitted for initial certification “must have been obtained no more than 5 years prior to the submission of the certification application.” ASHA did not publish a retake count for the SLP exam on that page.
ASHA (C-SLPA assistant exam)
ASHA’s Assistants Certification Exam page states that a candidate who does not pass “will be eligible to retest up to two more times within one year of your initial approval to test.” It also states: “Applicants may take the exam no more than three times within one year. If you don’t receive a passing score within one year, your application will be closed.” Retest fees are not copied here.
State limits
FSBPT says how often you can take the NPTE “varies by jurisdiction.” A state board may set its own limits. Check the board in the directory.