Topic: Taking the NPTE before Graduation
Important:FSBPT Policies allow testing prior to graduation.

Summary

May be made Eligible before Graduation 40
May take NPTE before Graduation 40

Taking the NPTE before Graduation

Jurisdiction May be made eligible before graduation? May take NPTE before graduation?
Alabama Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state )
Alaska Yes (Reference: 12 AAC 45.030(b) FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state)
Arizona Yes (Reference: Arizona PT Regs § 32-2024B.2.(c)(i-iii)) Yes (Reference: A.R.S. §32-2024(B)(2)(c) and A.R.S. 2-2022(D)(2)(c))
Arkansas Yes (Reference: AR Board of PT Rules III.B.3.)

Board made the decision that early testing is only allowed for Arkansas residents or Arkansas graduates
Yes (Reference: AR Board of PT Rules III.B.3.)

Board made the decision that early testing is only allowed for Arkansas residents or Arkansas graduates
California Yes (Reference: CA Business & Professions Code §2638. 2636(b)) Yes (Reference: CA Business & Professions Code §2638. 2636(b))
Colorado Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Connecticut Yes (Reference: Board Website)

Please note that for purposes of examination approval, this office will accept a letter from an appropriate official (such as a Registrar, Dean or Program Director), on official university letterhead, specifying that all academic requirements for graduation have been completed and the date on which the degree will be conferred. A final, official transcript verifying completion of the degree program is required before a license will be issued.
Yes (Reference: Board Website)

Please note that for purposes of examination approval, this office will accept a letter from an appropriate official (such as a Registrar, Dean or Program Director), on official university letterhead, specifying that all academic requirements for graduation have been completed and the date on which the degree will be conferred. A final, official transcript verifying completion of the degree program is required before a license will be issued.
Delaware Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
District of Columbia No (Reference: District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 17 6704) No (Reference: District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 17 6704)
West Virginia Yes (Reference: http://www.wvbopt.com/page.cfm?sectionID=4&pageID=42) Yes (Reference: http://www.wvbopt.com/page.cfm?sectionID=4&pageID=42)
Florida No (Reference : https://floridasphysicaltherapy.gov/licensing/u-s-trained-physical-therapist-by-examination/#tab-process) No (Reference: FL Statutes 486.031(3)(a))
Georgia Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Hawaii Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Idaho Yes (Reference: Board Website FAQs) Yes (Reference: Board Website FAQs)
Illinois Yes (Reference: IL Admin Code Title 68. Ch VII. Subchapter b. Section 1340.30 b)1)) Yes (Reference: IL Admin Code Title 68. Ch VII. Subchapter b. Section 1340.30 b)1))
Indiana No (Reference: 844 IAC 6-3-1(6)) No (Reference: 844 IAC 6-3-1(6))
Kansas Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state)
Kentucky No (Reference: 201 KAR 22:020.Section 2 (1)(b))

Must have successfully completed the jurisprudence exam.
No (Reference: 201 KAR 22:020.Section 2 (1)(b))

Must have successfully completed the jurisprudence exam.
Louisiana Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state)
Maine Yes (Reference: ME Board Website)

Completed initial application to include: Completed Application and fee Official Transcripts or Letter of Intent to graduate which states you have met the requirements of the degree which qualifies you for the examination.
Yes (Reference: ME Board Website)

Completed initial application to include: Completed Application and fee Official Transcripts or Letter of Intent to graduate which states you have met the requirements of the degree which qualifies you for the examination.
Maryland Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Massachusetts No (Reference: Massachusetts General Laws. Part I, Title XVI, Chapter 112, Section 23B) No (Reference: Massachusetts General Laws. Part I, Title XVI, Chapter 112, Section 23B)
Michigan Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state)
Minnesota Yes (Reference: MN application for licensure) Yes (Reference: MN application for licensure)
Mississippi No (Reference: MS Regulations Title 30 Part 3103: Rule 1.1) No (Reference: MS Regulations Title 30 Part 3103: Rule 1.1)
Missouri Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Montana Yes (Reference: MT Admin Rules 24.177.501) Yes (Reference: MT Admin Rules 24.177.501)
Nebraska Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state)
Nevada Yes (Reference: Licensure Application)

You can sit for the NPTE prior to graduation if you are in the final semester of your physical therapy education. Please have your school send an official transcript directly to the Board office. We will not accept a letter from your school as to your status; the official transcript is required. Be sure to also request that an official transcript is to be issued to the Board once your degree is posted. You cannot be licensed without the original transcript with the degree posted.
Yes (Reference: Licensure Application)

You can sit for the NPTE prior to graduation if you are in the final semester of your physical therapy education. Please have your school send an official transcript directly to the Board office. We will not accept a letter from your school as to your status; the official transcript is required. Be sure to also request that an official transcript is to be issued to the Board once your degree is posted. You cannot be licensed without the original transcript with the degree posted.
New Hampshire Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
New Jersey Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
New Mexico Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
New York No (Reference: Board Website)

You must have your Registrar's Office forward a completed Certification of Professional Education documenting that you have satisfactorily completed all requirements for your degree (includes date diploma or degree was awarded.
No (Reference: Board Website)

You must have your Registrar's Office forward a completed Certification of Professional Education documenting that you have satisfactorily completed all requirements for your degree (includes date diploma or degree was awarded.
North Carolina Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway jurisdiction ) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway jurisdiction )
North Dakota Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state)
Ohio Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway state)
Oklahoma Yes (Reference: Board Website)

Pre-Graduation Examination Form
Yes (Reference: Board Website)

Pre-Graduation Examination Form
Oregon Yes (Reference: OR Admin Rules 848-010-0015(5))

You may take the NPTE up to 90 days before graduation but a license can not be issued until we have received either the certificate or official school transcript.
Yes (Reference: OR Admin Rules 848-010-0015(5))

You may take the NPTE up to 90 days before graduation but a license can not be issued until we have received either the certificate or official school transcript.
Pennsylvania No (Reference: PA Admin Code § 40.15.(b)) No (Reference: Reference )

PA Admin Code § 40.15.(b)
Puerto Rico No (Reference: 20 L.P.R.A. § 245) No (Reference: 20 L.P.R.A. § 245)
Rhode Island Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
South Carolina No (Reference: SC Code of Laws SECTION 40-45-230.(F)) No (Reference: SC Code of Laws SECTION 40-45-230.(F))
South Dakota Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Tennessee No (Reference: TN Admin Code 1150-01-.08(b)) No (Reference: TN Admin Code 1150-01-.08(b))
Texas Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Utah Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Vermont No (Reference: VT Statute § 2103. (c )) No (Reference: VT Statute § 2103. (c ))
Virgin Islands No (Reference: 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, VIII) No (Reference: 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, VIII)
Virginia Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternative Approval Pathway Jurisdiction ) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternative Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Washington Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Wisconsin Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)
Wyoming Yes (Reference: WY Rules and Regulations Chapter 2 Sec 1.(c)) Yes (Reference: WY Rules and Regulations Chapter 2 Sec 1.(c))
Iowa Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction) Yes (Reference: FSBPT Alternate Approval Pathway Jurisdiction)