pta licensure exam review course

Can these dollar amount be itemized on your taxes as professional fees?

not sure ,,,, i could check on that though .... good idea how many times have you tested ???

Luckily, I was a first time pass in the year 2000. I've been following your posts thought, and maybe I missed the beginning, I was wondering why you waited so long to test? Or, if you had began working when you finished school when there wasn't a license requirement, why wouldn't all of those PTA's be "grandfathered" in? I do wish you luck though.

I did work for a period of time as a PTA in arizona and then had to step out of the field due my son was born with a defective kidney. I needed to stay home and care for him.. Arizona is not a grandfathering state .... I just got word from the board that it was very very close. The highest that I scored was 586 so if it was that close it means it was 590-599 which is 1 to a half of a question away from passing. Not sure what to do now or who to go to . Was 1 of the 50 questions they threw out right? I just don't get it....

Sorry to hear that.

Hello AnnDoucet,
I will tell that to continue with your dream to become a License PTA because I was in your shoes not to long ago. My advice to you is to change your strategy. First, only took the good habits from the past, second dont get frustrated with yourself and third which is the most important you must plan on to study. why? because with a plan you won't feel guilty, it gives you a feeling of acomplishment. For example, I used to study for four hours a day M-F. I used to woke up eaerly on the morning did 2 hours and 2 hours in the afternoon. One other thing, I used to audio= recording yourself, visual and other sources. Plan plan and plan again.

I have had a schedule that I stick to like glue. I would wake up and go to the gym and be done in the morning around 9am and then study from 930 -12 and take lunch break and study from 1-315 till i picked up my child . everyday except friday even weekends. I bought a new book this time around and got a tutor. The board now tells me that I am half a question away from a passing score. Only thing is that was my 3rd try this year and I now need to wait till april 2013 to retest again and start the process over. If the federation tests us on 200 questions for GOSH sake count all 200 . Of the 50 questions that they throw out did I get at least half of a question right ????? This system is set up for people to fail . People want it sooooo bad and the Federation is in the way of people accomplishing their goals..... This system stinks, my husband is licensed with Finra and the SEC the most highly regulated field and he never had to go through these kind of hoops . The state of arizona requires you to have a background check everytime that you re register and so far I have had 15 of them. I am as clean as a whistle and can probably work for the government .... They have 15 photos of me and 15 passport photos of me. For this last test I can assure you I studied for more than 350 total hours. I am a schedule maker and I stick to it .

I really feel for you guys that are trying to take the exam again after an extended lay off, both me and my wife are PTA's and I remember how hard we studied and took it only 3 weeks after graduation, the other day we found our books again and there is NO way I could pass that thing again, such a hard test with no room for error.

I do remember that we used every practice test, looked up exactly why we missed questions and then took the PEAT as well and that seemed to be useful for first timers just because it got you used to how the test will look, no idea exactly what would help to pass someone who is missing it by only a few questions since that could literally come down to 1 or 2 guesses.

The review course I took was not nearly as good as just getting with other people studying for the test and working together, just my 2 cents.

Do you happen to remember which resources you used? As far as practice tests, which resources were most helpful for you?

I took a review course at a local college and It really did me no good .... It was good just for a refresher because I have been out of the field for a little . But as far as learning new things, I didn't ....

Anne, I do wish we lived closer, I have failed ot 3 times. I have taken the therapy team but it seemed to have lowered my score.

Future PTA in Bellevue, Washington said: Do you happen to remember which resources you used? As far as practice tests, which resources were most helpful for you?

If you have never taken the test the PEAT is a good tool to show you how the test will look and provides a good practice exam.

There are so many review books and courses that you really should contact your school and others who are taking the exam to see what is offered and being used in your area most effectively.

I am so sorry , I know that you may not want to hear this but I do know how you feel. After all your hard work it feels like it didn't pay off and the let down and feelings that go along with it.... I am going down to the state next week to submit a case to see if I can get a temp license or something . I have to now wait 14 months to retest and I was so close to passing 599 ... Makes no sense to me... I am also going to ask the federation if I can retest again in october and not wait till the april dates.... This test stinks .... I had a lady from the federation that said to me these are entry level exams and if you can't pass them there must but a major problem. REALLY I said , I asked her was she a PT or PTA??? she said no I just run a section of the federation testing . I said then you really have no clue on anything. she said excuse me??? I said if you haven't taken the test or been in most of our shoes how dare for you to make that judgement .. I asked her do you have a degree in anything. She said no, I said there I rest my case , until you can get a degree and walk in a persons shoes DON"T JUDGE PEOPLE . I said I assure you lady this is NOT entry level.... oh the nerve

A buddy of mine used his class note exclusively and passed first time. He was no genious. He could not study from the "new" format of study guides. Thats just not what he was used to. I studied all my class notes in depth as well once I heard what he did. I passed first time too, and I am in no manner a smart person, just a lot of sweat and studying until I could study no more. Throw enough plaster at the wall and eventually it has to stick! Just food for thought.

I used the study guide, but what I found most helpful were the "text" boxes in the textbooks. Anything that was in a chart I studied, and it helped.

Score builders.

To every body in this forum this is my story.... I my exam was yesterday, and im pregnant for five monthes. I made ultrasound four days ago and the results are my baby has an advanced case of mylomeningiocele. This is my first baby. And im scedualed for abortion next week. So i didnt care about the exam at all and i didnt want to go bcs im psychologically destroyed. Careless about everything and thinking of my poor baby. My family pushed me to take the exam and told me just read the question and dont answer and to have an idea about it and to try again when i fail. I went and i was disappointed of everything. I studied hard for this exam but didnt study in the last week bcs i was wOrrying about something else. The exam was more than easy and much easier than scorebuilders practice test. Not to many clinical scenarios. Most of the questions were strait and didnt need to think alot. I couldn't focus i was tierd bcs i couldnt sleep in the past four days.. But i PASSED.if you study hard you will pass my advice for you is to study scorebuilder read it tow to three times take practice tests as much as you can then you will be ready. I used scorebuilder and IER but most of the time i used scorebuilder. And i think it will be more than enough to pass. Good luck . And dont be scared if i passed with this situation you can pass it was easy i swear.

God bless you and take care of your self.

I don;t understand why I am having a hard time with this exam cause honestly I didn't think it was above easy and last month I studied over 350 hours and missed it by one again .... This stinks. I have taken the PEAT scoring 135 out of 150 and the scorebuilders exam is nothing like the actual exam . The scorebuilders is really easy .... I have even talked to Scott Giles and he said I am doing everything right .... This exam is literally the toughest test I have ever taken. Neurology was easier than this .... Maybe I am not taking it in the right state . But it is a national exam and I have heard it is the same everywhere , cause if I had a better time taking it in a different state I would do it in a heartbeat. @ dina .. I am glad you PASSED and wish you the best for your situation ...

Ann Doucette in Gilbert, Arizona said: I don;t understand why I am having a hard time with this exam cause honestly I didn't think it was above easy and last month I studied over 350 hours and missed it by one again .... This stinks. I have taken the PEAT scoring 135 out of 150 and the scorebuilders exam is nothing like the actual exam . The scorebuilders is really easy .... I have even talked to Scott Giles and he said I am doing everything right .... This exam is literally the toughest test I have ever taken. Neurology was easier than this .... Maybe I am not taking it in the right state . But it is a national exam and I have heard it is the same everywhere , cause if I had a better time taking it in a different state I would do it in a heartbeat. @ dina .. I am glad you PASSED and wish you the best for your situation ...

Thank you alot.. Maybe you need to change your studying habits i got 100 and 102 in the peat, but to be honest the questions were not the same at all compared with the real test. I suggest to focus on the book contents more than the practice test. I didnt feel there was any question similar To the eight practice tests that i took. But you still need to practice to know your area of weakness. Study scorebuilder and read carefully try to understand every single line then review as much as you can.i cant tell you study this and that bcs you have to study everything. There were too many questions about cardiopolmunary sys and PVD, Diabetus. I thought there would be more questions about neuro and musculoskeletal. I guess it depends on the form. The man behind the counter told me that the computer will choose 200 Q out of 10000 Q. So there is no similar forms. Study and focus but not that deep. Good luck

Ruby in Louisville, Kentucky said: God bless you and take care of your self.

Thank you and god bless us all

dinaalturk in South Pasadena, California said: Thank you alot.. Maybe you need to change your studying habits i got 100 and 102 in the peat, but to be honest the questions were not the same at all compared with the real test. I suggest to focus on the book contents more than the practice test. I didnt feel there was any question similar To the eight practice tests that i took. But you still need to practice to know your area of weakness. Study scorebuilder and read carefully try to understand every single line then review as much as you can.i cant tell you study this and that bcs you have to study everything. There were too many questions about cardiopolmunary sys and PVD, Diabetus. I thought there would be more questions about neuro and musculoskeletal. I guess it depends on the form. The man behind the counter told me that the computer will choose 200 Q out of 10000 Q. So there is no similar forms. Study and focus but not that deep. Good luck

thanks for your suggestions ... I did change my study habits this time. I bought the newest 2012 scorebuilders books and went through that one and my 2010 edition with a fine tooth comb . I tend to not really focus on the practice tests cause I don't want to memorize answers etc. I got a tutor and we studied for 350 hours for this exam ... So now I am in the waiting process 14 months to wait now... Oh well

Anne,
I was just wondering if you were able to speak with the federation?
I will always remember what one of my instructors told me “if the test was clinical i would not have any problem passing but being that its not i may not pass“ that has not helped me at all. I dont understand why they dont have clinical testing.

I did speak with the federation and they were NO help whatsoever . She told me that it is an entry level test and suggested that I return to school to re educate myself. They were very rude and inconsiderate . I asked for an earlier date to retest before I forget all the info, and she said NO . I asked her had she ever taken the test before and she said no I am just a testing specialist .... I said well then you really have no clue then do ya.... She had no comment ... It is a shame that it comes down to this test , I do agree that ya should know your stuff but the things that they put on the exam are just stupid. My tutor asked do PTAs do evaluations ??? I said no .... She said then why do you need to know all the positioning tests??? I said 1 or 2 of them are on the test. She said WOW ....

Ann Doucette in Gilbert, Arizona said: I did speak with the federation and they were NO help whatsoever . She told me that it is an entry level test and suggested that I return to school to re educate myself. They were very rude and inconsiderate . I asked for an earlier date to retest before I forget all the info, and she said NO . I asked her had she ever taken the test before and she said no I am just a testing specialist .... I said well then you really have no clue then do ya.... She had no comment ... It is a shame that it comes down to this test , I do agree that ya should know your stuff but the things that they put on the exam are just stupid. My tutor asked do PTAs do evaluations ??? I said no .... She said then why do you need to know all the positioning tests??? I said 1 or 2 of them are on the test. She said WOW ....

You can do it in your own believe me. I've graduated since two years and im a foreign student. I studied in the Middle East. I have been here since a year and a half..i struggled with my english language bcs i rarely speak english. I just took one class each year in the school. So i came here lost i took two classes in the college to finish my evaluation. They asked about history and english. Stupide subjects that are not related to our major. Then i started to study everything in IER and Scorebuilder. I struggled with too much information i didnt take in school. But i didnt leave a page without understanding it. There is a difference between here and back home. But i did it. And i didnt used any notes or books that i used in my schools. About the special tests there were three to four Q in the exam like Thomas tests. But you can find them in the scorebuilder the new edition. Thats all wt you need. You can do it

What if, instead of using a professional tutor with no knowledge of the PTA content, you hired a recent grad (who has also passed) as a study buddy? That way you can bounce ideas, theories, and treatment logic off of each other. It may help you find the "holes" or the "holes in your critical thinking" that the test seems to keep catching you in.

Can anybody guide me and tell me from where can i download the california law exam material... im trying to call the board but no body is ansewring. Thank you in advance.

Ann Doucette in Gilbert, Arizona said: thanks for your suggestions ... I did change my study habits this time. I bought the newest 2012 scorebuilders books and went through that one and my 2010 edition with a fine tooth comb . I tend to not really focus on the practice tests cause I don't want to memorize answers etc. I got a tutor and we studied for 350 hours for this exam ... So now I am in the waiting process 14 months to wait now... Oh well

Hey Ann whats the difference between 2010 and 2012 edition? Thanks!

there is not really alot that has changed . The tests are the same but maybe rearranged a little . There are more pictures and for me that was good cause I am a visual learner .

Ann Doucette in Gilbert, Arizona said: I pray you pass too.. I have added it up and I have paid right in the ball park of
$ 8600 dollars cause while I have been trying to pass this test my state (AZ) required me to take a state exam of laws and regulations. I had to take that a few times too. I think when I went to PTA school in 97 it only cost me $5000. AMAZING I know that once I am licensed I will recoop that but its in the mean time what to do and what to do now....

Ann, are you saying that you paid $8600 for the NPTE + state laws and regulations exams, or for total PTA program costs and exams?

The $8600 is just for the licensing process. I paid $5000 for the program back in 97 . BUt yes I have paid that much for the Fees and registrations to the state and federation .... Each time I register to take the NPTA exam is cost 600$ cause of my state fees. And each time I had to take the state test it was 250$ for that...

dinaalturk in South Pasadena, California said: Can anybody guide me and tell me from where can i download the california law exam material... im trying to call the board but no body is ansewring. Thank you in advance.

www.ptbc.ca.gov/laws_regs/studycov.shtml

werabanda in Mainz, Germany said: I am interested in becoming a PTA. Does anyone know if there is a program or certificate program I can do online?????

there is no program that is fully online. you must graduate from a CAPTE approved program for PTA.

Ann Doucette in Gilbert, Arizona said: I did speak with the federation and they were NO help whatsoever . She told me that it is an entry level test and suggested that I return to school to re educate myself. They were very rude and inconsiderate . I asked for an earlier date to retest before I forget all the info, and she said NO . I asked her had she ever taken the test before and she said no I am just a testing specialist .... I said well then you really have no clue then do ya.... She had no comment ... It is a shame that it comes down to this test , I do agree that ya should know your stuff but the things that they put on the exam are just stupid. My tutor asked do PTAs do evaluations ??? I said no .... She said then why do you need to know all the positioning tests??? I said 1 or 2 of them are on the test. She said WOW ....

you need to know tests so you can read the PT eval note. if you cannot read and understand the PT eval note, you would not be much use to a PT.

I took the NPTE x 3 and did not pass. I studied from O'Sullivan and ScoreBuilders. I also took both PEAT exams. I scored on my practice exams around 55-65%. The state of IL now requires me to complete remedial training before re-applying for the NPTE. Has anyone done this before or know anybody who was in this situation? Also what are some other suggestions on materials to use to study for the exam? I am thinking about taking the Therapy Team class, has anyone tried this? Or does anyone know of tutors or someone who can provide a structured study guide?

I would contact the PTA director at your school. Ask if there is someone who has recently graduated and passed that would be willing to tutor.

DL11 in Chicago, Illinois said: I took the NPTE x 3 and did not pass. I studied from O'Sullivan and ScoreBuilders. I also took both PEAT exams. I scored on my practice exams around 55-65%. The state of IL now requires me to complete remedial training before re-applying for the NPTE. Has anyone done this before or know anybody who was in this situation? Also what are some other suggestions on materials to use to study for the exam? I am thinking about taking the Therapy Team class, has anyone tried this? Or does anyone know of tutors or someone who can provide a structured study guide?

I am also in the same boat as you... I am starting up my studying again. I have taken the exam 3 times--the last time was last year. I have been in contact with my old instructor and she told me that the Therapy Ed O'Sullivan [3rd edition] would help me. I am also enrolled in the Scorebuilders review class for next month that my friend took last year and said it really helped her. I am so scared to death of this exam but I know in the end, it will pay off--I have lots of support not only from my husband, but my old instructor and friend who will be graduating this year [using her as a study buddy]. Let me know if you have any tips of approaches I should or shouldn't take as I will try the same??

Hi everyone. I've been reading comments on here on and off for about a month now. I just took my national exam yesterday and passed. Honestly, I understand and realize how much of a big deal the exam is... I also think most of you have made too much of a big deal out of it and defeating yourself before you even had a chance.

I'm going to be very straight forward and honest with this. I feel the practice tests can be bit of a hoax. Although, some of it can be helpful.. for the most part I felt many of the questions were either trick questions, or totally irrelevant questions. During my time of studying, I took a total of 7 practice tests. I took 2 through the score builders site, 3 from the review book and 2 from PEAT. My highest score from all of them was 95/150 which is 63%. And for 3 of my exams I got 88/150 which is 58%. My others were 61% and even a 56%. I NEVER once took studying lightly. I took days off but for the most part did it everyday 4-7 hours on and off, sometimes straight through for the last 2 months hardcore. Before I got that serious I'd just briefly look at things.

Anyway, so I'll admit getting those scores would completely deflate my confidence and even my stride towards studying because I felt I knew so much. But I just kept churning away. I had my test scheduled for late January, but after another poor practice score, I paid the fee to reschedule. Then I ended up rescheduling again for the same reason after I took the PEAT. In my opinion I didn't think it helped me much, though some of the rationales did. For the most part, it put serious doubt in my head if I could accomplish the national exam or not. I was upset for 2 days but told myself not to get down and just stick with what you know and finish it through. So I continued to study the review book and maintained a now or never attitude.

The real test is challenging, and I wasn't sure one way or another if I passed.. I felt impartial. Everything is scenario..

... continued from my last message. So everything is scenario and you really have to pay attention to wording. Not many things are asked directly, rather said in a way that you have to understand what the direct question COULD have been.

So to me, I feel I delayed taking the test longer out of fear, but in the end it still worked out and I plan on doing travel therapy PTA. It was definately hard work and takes a ton of commitment towards studying, let alone getting through the program in the first place. I would just like to assure people not to read so much into how they score on the practice exams because psychologically it can really hinder meeting your goals.

I don't mean to offend anyone on here, but just reading some of the posts I feel people are making pity stories or complaining for the sake of complaining and not really being truthful. I say this because I know how difficult the PEAT exams were, and if someone claims that they were getting 130/150 or higher on their exams, along with their other exams too, then I would feel more than comfortable betting on them to pass no problem.

My study habits were nothing special, just hard work and repetition. You don't have to go overboard with how you prepare, just stick to the basics and don't try doing too much! Everyday I would focus on ONE chapter from the review book, say Cardio Pulmonary for example. And I would stick with that chapter ALL DAY. Continually going over the same things, but throughout the section and then go back and reinforce what I went through an hour before hand. Next day same thing with a different chapter. Day after that, I would run through what I already did to reinforce things again. Then I'd spend time going through EVERY practice question, even ones I got correct and would go through rationale for each answer if it was provided. Alot of times I received helpful info from the rationale that was incorrect for that particular answer....

... but I could apply that rationale towards something that was relevant. You should see my review book, I have so many side notes and info that I added to the pertaining sections that I thought was helpful from the practice exams. I understand everyone learns differently but sounds like people are doing way too much and trying to become the king pin of studying with excessive methods or preparation. I can't say enough just stick with the review book and go through every practice question. It may not seem helpful at the time, but come GAMEDAY you get more into a zone and focus then you do when you take a given practice exam.

Even so for the people that make excuses saying they fail by one or two questions and then reference the 50 that aren't counted as to "ohh those could have helped." Yes this is true, BUT I've also heard that yes, while they may not technically count... they do influence your percentage in some capacity depending on how you answered them and the difficulty they were determined. That is why the test is graded on a scale.

Anyway, I know it's alot easier to say in hindsight, but I have been very honest in my opinions and hope that it can change some of your views and direction towards taking the exam. It's NOT out question, like I said stick with what you know and realize that preparation will lead you to the promised land. You have to be very realistic with yourself and be your worst critic. Good luck!

I agree. I studied more than I needed to actually. Any more study would not have helped and maybe hurt, if thats possible. The questions are mostly scenarios and trick questions for the most part. If you can figure out exactly what they are really getting at with a question, common sense usually will get you your "best" answer. Yea, you need to know your stuff, and I did, but my test was still very difficult. You could truly and soundly argue many of the questions, but it doe not matter at that point. Give them the answer "they" are looking for, which is usually based on a level of safety. Safety and being conservative is HUGE for the boards!

hi can you guys please explain how do they score the nptae? do they give more points if t he question is a little difficult? thanks guys!

how is the scoring done for the exam? do you get more points if the question is difficult?

Hello PTA in Buffalo, NY:

Just have some questions to ask you regarding the exam. I can be reached via email: ramoran.marites@gmail.com. Thank you for your kind and truthful comment.

Marites

Hi guys is the first time i enter in this forum. in a way is good to know i'm not the only one strugling with the PTE test!!!!!
I have been studying with the sullivan study guide 2005 version, do you think i should buy the sullivan new version or the study guide from giles is better?
i read all the answers and most of you are taking the PTA test and most of you are using the score builders and giles do you think it will be ok for the PTE test as well.
Thank you guys!!
Cesar

Yes, some questions are worth more than others. Any question regarding safety will be graded higher. Safety is paramount to the board.

Ann Doucette in Gilbert, Arizona said: The $8600 is just for the licensing process. I paid $5000 for the program back in 97 . BUt yes I have paid that much for the Fees and registrations to the state and federation .... Each time I register to take the NPTA exam is cost 600$ cause of my state fees. And each time I had to take the state test it was 250$ for that...

Hi ann,ive read on here tyat uou have scorebuilders 2010 pdf..i hope u still have it... Can u send me the file? I have his book but i work at night and its hard reading my books or notes while at work...so i read on my laptop..it would be a big help having it...thank u so much...i hope u continue to take your exam...

Hi guys! I would like to know if anyone had used the flash cards from Mometrix if so can you let me know if they are helpful? thanks a lot.

Rose in Anaheim, California said: Hi ann,ive read on here tyat uou have scorebuilders 2010 pdf..i hope u still have it... Can u send me the file? I have his book but i work at night and its hard reading my books or notes while at work...so i read on my laptop..it would be a big help having it...thank u so much...i hope u continue to take your exam...[/QUOT

hi ann and rose is it possible if you can send it to me also the pdf one.really big help for me because i worked everyday.thank you

hi everyone! just wanted to share that I passed my nptae yesterday for california.The exam for me was difficult since I graduated with BS in PT last 2001 and because I relocated here in the US I just wanted to try the exam...I studied extensively for 2 months before the exam, I used scorebuilders 2008, PEAT, and sullivan red book as well as learning express....to all the aspiring PTA's..goodluck and hope all of you pass!!!

@ sarah562: thank you for the encouragement and pointers....more power to you and hope you pass npte soon!!