The NPTE: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What Comes Next
Waiting for NPTE results can feel like one of the longest moments in your therapy journey. Whether you just received your score or are still processing the outcome, this exam represents a major milestone on the path to becoming a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
Here is a breakdown of what the NPTE is, why it matters, and what your next steps can look like, no matter what your score says.
What Is the NPTE?
The National Physical Therapy Examination, or NPTE, is the licensure exam required to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the United States.
The exam is designed to ensure that entry level clinicians have the knowledge and clinical reasoning skills needed to provide safe and effective patient care. It tests more than just memorization. It challenges you to apply what you learned in school to real world scenarios.
Passing the NPTE is one of the final steps before you can officially begin practicing as a PT or PTA.
Why the NPTE Is So Important
Passing the NPTE is required for licensure, but its importance goes beyond a single test score.
It represents years of coursework, clinical rotations, long nights of studying, and a commitment to the profession. Earning your license allows you to legally treat patients, build clinical experience, and grow into the therapist you have been working toward becoming.
For many, passing the NPTE also marks the transition from student to clinician, opening the door to new opportunities, settings, and career paths.
What to Do If You Passed
First, take a moment to celebrate. This is a huge accomplishment.
Once the excitement settles, here are a few next steps to help you move forward with confidence.
Complete Your Licensure Requirements
Make sure all state specific requirements are finalized so your license can be issued. This may include background checks, jurisprudence exams, or additional documentation depending on your state.
Explore Job Opportunities
Now is a great time to learn about different settings, roles, and career paths. Your first job does not define your entire career, but choosing a supportive environment can make a big difference early on.
Keep Learning
Passing the NPTE does not mean learning stops. Continuing education, mentorship, and hands on experience will help you build confidence and refine your clinical skills.
If You Did Not Get the Score You Needed
If your score was not what you hoped for, know this first. You are not alone, and this does not define your future as a clinician.
Many excellent PTs and PTAs did not pass on their first attempt. The NPTE is challenging by design, and needing more than one attempt does not reflect your ability to care for patients or succeed in this profession.
Give yourself time to process, lean on your support system, and create a plan for your next attempt. Growth often comes from moments like these, even when they feel discouraging at first.
Taking Your License on the Road
For those who have passed and are ready to start their careers, travel therapy can be an exciting way to gain experience, explore new settings, and see the country.
Travel opportunities allow new grads to:
- Build clinical skills across different environments
- Learn from a variety of teams and patient populations
- Maintain flexibility while discovering what settings they enjoy most
At Ardor Health, we support new grads through Ardor Aspire, a program designed to help early career PTs and PTAs navigate their first roles with confidence. Whether you are curious about travel therapy or looking for guidance as you start your career, our team is here to support you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have passed your boards and are ready to turn your NPTE success into real world experience, we would love to help you explore travel opportunities that fit your goals.
Visit ardorhealth.com to learn more about travel therapy roles and the Ardor Aspire program, or connect with our team to start the conversation.
You worked hard to get here. Now let’s build what comes next.
#HealingOnTheFly
January 14, 2026
