How to Become a Physical Therapist in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a Physical Therapist license typically requires a 225-question national plus state exam, and a $485 exam fee.
Diagnoses and treats movement and mobility disorders. Requires a DPT and the NPTE administered by FSBPT. Requirements change — always confirm with Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy before paying.
Licensing steps in Pennsylvania
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age 20; a criminal background check is required.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by FSBPT (NPTE) — Prometric with a 300-minute time limit.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Exam fee $485 · application $30 · license $30
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years with 30 hours of continuing education.
Physical Therapist requirements — Pennsylvania at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | FSBPT (NPTE) — Prometric |
| Questions (national/state) | 225 / — |
| Passing score | — |
| Exam fee | $485 |
| Application fee | $30 |
| License fee | $30 |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years · 30 CE |
| Reciprocity | Yes — PT Compact member; no separate jurisprudence exam required |
Official source: Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy ↗
Transferring a Physical Therapist license between states
Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact). Physical therapists transfer through the PT Compact, but it works differently from nursing: you keep your home-state licence and buy a separate compact privilege for each state where you want to practise.
38 jurisdictions currently use it. Pennsylvania is one of them.
Check the PT Compact map for whether both your home state and your destination are actively issuing privileges. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Physical Therapist license in Pennsylvania?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Physical Therapist exam in Pennsylvania?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Pennsylvania; check the state board.
What does the Physical Therapist license cost in Pennsylvania?
The exam fee is $485, the application fee is $30, and the license fee is $30
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Pennsylvania?
Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact): Physical therapists transfer through the PT Compact, but it works differently from nursing: you keep your home-state licence and buy a separate compact privilege for each state where you want to practise. For Pennsylvania specifically, our dataset notes: Yes — PT Compact member; no separate jurisprudence exam required.
Plan your Physical Therapist licensing in Pennsylvania
Work the road in order — check what Pennsylvania requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Physical Therapist exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Pennsylvania reciprocity.
Physical Therapist tools for Pennsylvania
Every step of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapist road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy (retrieved 2026-08-20).