32-2024. Examinations

A. The board shall prescribe examinations for licensure and certification and determine the passing score.

B. An applicant may take the examinations for licensure if either of the following applies:

1. The applicant has met all of the requirements of section 32-2022, subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 and has paid the fees prescribed by this chapter.

2. The applicant has:

(a) Met all of the requirements of section 32-2022, subsection A, paragraphs 1 and 2.

(b) Paid the fees prescribed by this chapter.

(c) Submitted with the application a letter on the official letterhead of the accredited educational institution where the applicant is completing an accredited educational program that includes the signature of the program director, the department chairperson or a similarly authorized person of the university or college and that states that:

(i) The applicant is a candidate for a degree as a physical therapist at the next scheduled graduation date.

(ii) The date the national examination for licensure is to be taken by the applicant is the one nearest to and before the applicant's expected graduation date and is not more than one hundred twenty days before the date of the applicant's expected graduation date.

(iii) The applicant meets any other established requirements of the accredited educational program, if applicable.

C. An applicant may take the examinations for licensure if the applicant has met all of the requirements of section 32-2022, subsection B, paragraphs 1 through 6 and has paid the fees prescribed by this chapter.

D. An applicant may take the examinations for certification if either of the following applies:

1. The applicant has met all of the requirements of section 32-2022, subsection D, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 and has paid the fees prescribed by this chapter.

2. The applicant has:

(a) Met all of the requirements of section 32-2022, subsection D, paragraphs 1 and 2.

(b) Paid the fees prescribed by this chapter.

(c) Submitted with the application a letter on the official letterhead of the accredited educational institution where the applicant is completing an accredited educational program that includes the signature of the program director, the department chairperson or a similarly authorized person of the university, school or college and that states that:

(i) The applicant is a candidate for a certificate or degree as a physical therapist assistant at the next scheduled graduation date.

(ii) The date the national examination for certification is to be taken by the applicant is the one nearest to and before the applicant's expected graduation date and is not more than one hundred twenty days before the date of the applicant's expected graduation date.

(iii) The applicant meets any other established requirements of the accredited educational program, if applicable.

E. An applicant for licensure or certification who does not pass the national examination after the first attempt may retake the examination one additional time within six months after the first failure without reapplication for licensure or certification. An applicant may retake the examinations as prescribed by the organization that administers the examinations.

F. The board shall not issue a license or certificate to a person who passes an examination through fraud.

G. The national examination for licensure as a physical therapist shall test entry level competence related to physical therapy theory, examination and evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment intervention, prevention and consultation. The national examination for certification as a physical therapist assistant shall test for requisite knowledge and skills in the technical application of physical therapy services.