Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

"The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy writes and grades the National Physical Therapy Examination, a test that all physical therapists (PT) must take to receive a license. The test is very challenging, as it should be. I did pass it on my first attempt back in 2016, whew! But I would argue that it is unnecessarily long (though there is/was un-graded section that consists of questions that will be used on future exams). It's also expensive, but with all of their ciphering and task-forcing and trying to come up with fair, clear, and challenging questions, that cost may be justified. However, they charge $92 ($90 plus a $2 "service fee" as of March 2025) to send an exam score to a state to get your license! That's basically highway robbery! Give me a break!!! The staff person who answered the phone was knowledgeable and polite and answered the phone immediately, so they do have that going for them. EDIT: For context, my educational institution charges $10.50 (no "service fee", but $0.50 sales tax) to electronically send the several pages of transcripts for both undergraduate and graduate school courses."

"The federation canceled my exam on the 5th of June and I still have yet to get my partial refund. Make sure you read the terms and conditions/deadlines before registering and paying for your exam, even if they cancel your exam, you're not entitled to a full refund. I have a disability and wasn't able to get my D1 accommodations form signed due to confusion and being unaware that I needed something signed by my physician. If I had known, I would've been able to get the form signed and take the exam in JUL. The process of registering and coordinating with the PTBC has been confusing and disorganized at best. The federation doesn't seem to care about making quality PTs and PTAs, only about money which my conversations with Lisa Singleton have proven."

"I chose a location to take my boards exam, only to find out on test day that the testing location had been shut down and moved to a site 2 hours away the following day. They had my email and chose not to tell me. No response when asking for partial refund on extra hotel room."

"Disorganized, idiotic rules that directly fight applicants, and every minor thing cost a good chunk of change as if the therapy world isn't already violently over-educated and under paid. I have zero good things to say and have only heard worse from other physical therapists. The world of physical therapy needs help and this board is an obstacle/chore itself."

"Disappointed in the entire process of registering for my JAM exam. The process was confusing and disorganized. The customer service was terrible. Very inconsiderate organization."

"The staff are helpful and efficient. They are always seeking feedback to improve their processes."

"Shouldn't have to purchase exam results."

"Very disorganized institution"