This post has been a long time coming. I totally agree with what Chad said in this article on the same subject. It is good to know how others prepared for and passed the NPTE…so here are my 2 bits:

I studied for 5 weeks, nearly every day. I used a hybrid system between the PTEXAM by Scorebuilders (Giles) and TherapyEd’s Review & Study Guide (O’Sullivan). I stared with O’Sullivan, digging deep into the Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular sections. Also, like Chad, I had my anatomy atlas (Grants) opened next to the study guide. After those 2 chapters (which are extremely detailed) I switched tactics and used Scorebuilders for my academic review. I am glad I did this for a couple reasons. The layout of the book suited my eye better…I felt more comfortable and could study longer from it. Also, although pertinent, the information inside is not as detailed and has more charts/tables. I think they describe it nicely on the back cover of their book: ” We don’t try to teach you everything there is to know about physical therapy-only the information and strategies you will need to pass the exam.” I felt like TherapyEd was trying to re-teach me everything sometimes, and it got overwhelming. It became my secondary guide if I needed supplemental information.

After those first two chapters I took my first TherapyEd practice exam. This may have been a mistake as I was not prepared at all, but also it gave me a good baseline as to what I would need to focus on in the future. After that, I really took the rest of the practice exams whenever I felt like I had learned more in my weaker areas. No set schedule, but I alternated between Scorebuilders and TherapyEd. I also took the PEAT exams…a long time ago. Here are my practice exam scores:

PEAT 1- 141

PEAT 2- 132

TherapyEd A- 121

Scorebuilders 1- 144

TherapyEd B- 134

Scorebuilders 2- 161

TherapyEd C- 140

Scorebuilders 3- 158

As you can see, I performed better on the Scorebuilders tests. I don’t know that they are any easier, just different. I like how they mimic the PEAT in format with the blue screen, etc. I also found them easier to navigate, etc. I considered purchasing the Scorebuilders Online Advantage tests, but considering I took 8 practice tests I don’t think I really needed it.

I got to a point (after the 161) where all I wanted to do was take practice tests. I think they really helped me identify weaknesses, but they also helped me study. After every exam I went back through the questions with my book and re-examined all my responses, even the correct ones. Scorebuilders was great in that they gave a reason for EVERY response. Not a catch all “refer to information about such and such if you missed this question.”

Finally, I prayed. A lot during the whole process. I am a religious person and this helped me. It may not be something you do, but a little extra help couldn’t hurt, right?

Anyways, I passed the exam and am now waiting for a license. How will you know when you’re ready? I don’t know how to say, but I had a feeling deep down saying I was good to go. Have confidence, study hard, and you’ll do great!

Related Posts:

1. How I prepared for the NPTE
2. The battle of the NPTE prep practice exams
3. NPTE Study aid – Quizlet.com Flashcards
4. Checking Results of your NPTE examination
5. experiment-resources.com