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Access resource lists from sections, Description of Specialty Practice, and an examination tutorial to help support you in preparing for and taking the examination.
Timing for the specialty exams is as follows:
| Tutorial at the beginning of the testing session | Up to 10 minutes |
| First exam block of 50 questions | Up to 90 minutes |
| Optional break | Up to 10 minutes |
| Second exam block of 50 questions | Up to 90 minutes |
| Optional break | Up to 50 minutes |
| Third exam block of 50 questions | Up to 90 minutes |
| Optional break | Up to 10 minutes |
| Fourth exam block of 50 questions | Up to 90 minutes |
| Post exam survey |
APTA provides tips for finding Information in Physical Therapy Literature.
The following resources are helpful in learning how to be a better test taker, including tips on learning, studying, and how to consider answers in multiple choice situations.
- Taking on the Specialist Certification Exam and Winning
This author provides some tips and guidelines for preparing for taking the exam and winning. Perspectives 2013 - To Really Learn, Quit Studying and Take the Test
Research suggests that digesting small amounts of study material and then taking a test and repeating the process is a good way to prepare for an examination. New York Times, January 21, 2011: A14. - "Learning styles: Concepts and evidence," Psychological Science in the Public Interest 2009
Helpful Websites
Contact the APTA academy in your specialty area for information on the availability of continuing education courses and review courses that cover advanced specialty practice. Not all specialty sections offer review courses. Your academy may also provide lists of resources that may be helpful in preparing for the exam. ABPTS and specialty councils do not review or endorse any preparation materials or courses. In addition, reviewing these materials does not guarantee that candidates will receive a passing score on the specialist certification exam.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section
140B Purcellville Gateway Drive, Suite 120
Purcellville, VA 20132
Phone: 202-921-4245
Email: cardiopt@aptacvp.org
Website: http://www.cardiopt.org/
Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy
Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management
Nichole Walleen, Executive Director
2920 East Avenue South, Ste. 200
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608/351-2735
Email: Nichole_acewm@orthopt.org
Website: http://acewm.org/
Geriatric Physical Therapy
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
1818 Parmenter St, Ste 300
Middleton, WI 53562
Toll-free: 866-586-8247
Email: geriatrics@geriatricspt.org
Website: https://aptageriatrics.org/
Neurologic Physical Therapy
Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, Inc.
1935 County Road B2 W
Ste 165
Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 952/ 646-2038
Fax: 952/545-6073
Email: info@neuropt.org
Website: www.neuropt.org
Oncologic Physical Therapy
Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy
Suzie Callan
140B Purcellville Gateway Drive
Suite 120
Purcellville, VA 20132
Phone: 202/660-4460
Email: info@oncologypt.org
Website: www.oncologypt.org
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Terri DeFlorian
2920 East Avenue South, Ste. 200
La Crosse, WI 54601-8282
800/444-3982, ext 2040
Fax: 608/788-3965
Email: tdeflorian@orthopt.org
Website: www.orthopt.org
Pediatric Physical Therapy
APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Cindy Sliwa, Executive Director
1020 N Fairfax Street, Suite 401-B
Alexandria, VA 22314-1484
Phone: 800/970-5051
Email: info@pediatricapta.org
Website: www.pediatricapta.org
APTA Pediatrics resources for PCS Preparation can be found at www.pediatricapta.org on the PCS tab under Professionals.
Sports Physical Therapy
American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
Mark DeCarlo, Executive Director
P.O. Box 431
Zionsville, IN 46077-0431
Phone: 317-973-2163
Email: mdecarlo@aaspt.org
Website: http://www.aaspt.org
SCS Prep guide available in the Academy Learning Center via AASPT Website
Women's Health Physical Therapy
Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Mandi Murtaugh, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist
Peg Maas, PT, Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist
1390 Chain Bridge Rd PMB 50007
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 571-260-5590
Toll-Free Phone: 844-576-4055
Email: hello@aptapelvichealth.org
Website: https://aptapelvichealth.org/wcs/
Women's Health Section Member Price: Free
Women's Health Section Nonmembers: $25
Wound Management Physical Therapy
Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management
Nichole Walleen, Executive Director
2920 East Avenue South, Ste. 200
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608/351-2735
Email: Nichole_acewm@orthopt.org
Website: http://acewm.org/
Exam Tutorial
More specifics about the examination itself, including an online examination practice tutorial.
The ABPTS exam tutorial is currently unavailable.
Preparing for the Big Day
Taking an examination at a PSI testing center can be a very different experience for most individuals. We have some tips and guidance on preparing for the big day and what to expect when you arrive at the testing Center.
For Specialists
Access information and resources to help you promote your specialty, create or update your directory profile, connect with other specialists, and more.
Explore Resources for Specialists