Section 1340.40  Examination

a)         The examination for a physical therapist license shall be the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for physical therapists.

b)         The examination for a physical therapist assistant license shall be the NPTE for physical therapist assistants.

c)         The passing score for the physical therapy and physical therapist assistant examination shall be the passing score established by the testing entity. The scores shall be submitted to the Division from the designated testing service.

d)         An applicant who fails the examination 3 times in any jurisdiction will be required to complete a remedial training program that is pre-approved by the Division or Board.  The structured clinical training program will be no less than 3 months or 360 hours.  This training program can include a portion of didactic training not to exceed 120 hours but must be included in the training program pre-approved by the Division or Board.  The training shall be under the direct, on site, personal supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Proof shall be sent to the Division that includes certification that the applicant successfully completed the remedial training program.

e)         Any person licensed in Illinois as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall not be admitted to the examination.  However, in no way shall this provision limit the Division's ability to require reexaminations for restoration or enforcement purposes.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)