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Licensed Physical Therapist
Total cost: $773
Governing Authority
Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE)
Official website →Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Allowed
Dry Needling
Required
Jurisprudence
30 hrs
CE Hours
$773
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per 2 years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Required CE Topics
4 topic areas
30 Continuing Competence Units (CCUs), Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) required each renewal, Human trafficking prevention training required, +1 more
Renewal Fee
$248
DPT Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CAPTE Accreditation
Required
CAPTE Details
Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is required
Program Length
3 years (post-baccalaureate)
Clinical Hours
1440 hrs
Prerequisite Courses
Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. Programs typically take 3 years and include extensive clinical education hours. Prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics is required.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedNPTE Required
National Physical Therapy Examination
250
Questions
5 hrs
Time Limit
Scaled score of 600 out of 800
Passing Score
$485
NPTE Fee
Format: Computer-based; multiple choice
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Details
Texas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) required; $48 fee; must be completed with every renewal cycle
Retake Policy
90-day waiting period between attempts; maximum 6 attempts lifetime
The NPTE is a computer-based exam administered by the FSBPT (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy). It consists of 250 multiple-choice questions with a 5-hour time limit. Many states also require a separate jurisprudence exam on state-specific laws and regulations.
Overall licensing difficulty: 18/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Browse study guides
Physical Therapy Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination)
Questions
250 questions
Time Limit
5 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score of 600 out of 800
Format
Computer-based; multiple choice
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $485Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination).
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NPTE
Prepare for your NPTE with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Study guides for the NPTE-PT licensing exam.
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Patient Direct Access Details
VerifiedDirect Access Allowed
Patient access without physician referral
Evaluation Only
No
Treatment Duration Limit
30 days (expanded from 10 business days by HB 4099, September 2025)
Limitations
30 days without physician referral (expanded from 10 business days by HB 4099, effective September 2025)
Referral Required For
Direct access allows patients to receive physical therapy services without a physician referral. Most states allow some form of direct access, though limitations on treatment duration, evaluation-only provisions, and conditions requiring referral vary by state.
Physical Therapist Assistant Supervision
VerifiedPTA Supervision Required
PT-to-PTA Ratio
1:4
Supervision Type
General supervision
Telehealth Supervision
Telehealth supervision of PTAs permitted with state-specific requirements
Aide Supervision
Direct on-premises supervision required for physical therapist aides
Physical therapists are responsible for supervising physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and aides. Supervision ratios, types (direct vs. general), and telehealth supervision rules vary by state. PTAs must work under the direction and supervision of a licensed PT.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $248 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) fee included with initial application | $48 |
Jurisprudence Fee TX JAM required with every renewal cycle | $42 |
Background Check Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $227 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($190), JAM ($48), NPTE ($485), and background check ($50) | $773 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$248
Biennial renewal
Regulatory Board
Physical therapist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as ethics, pain management, and evidence-based practice. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our physical therapist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact
Member State
Endorsement Available
Yes
PT Compact Details
Texas is an active member of the PT Compact, issuing and accepting compact privileges.
Endorsement Requirements
The Physical Therapy Compact allows licensed PTs and PTAs to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying credentials, passing the NPTE, and submitting additional documentation.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Texas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Texas has the highest biennial renewal fee ($248) among all states, and uniquely requires the Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) to be completed and paid for ($48) with every single renewal cycle rather than just at initial licensure. HB 4099 tripled the direct access period from 10 business days to 30 days effective September 2025.
Texas requires the Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) at $48 with every renewal cycle, not just initial licensure.
HB 4099 (effective September 2025) expanded direct access from 10 business days to 30 days.
Dry needling is permitted with appropriate training.
Texas is a PT Compact member state.
30 CCUs are required per biennial renewal plus JAM and human trafficking training.
Texas has the highest biennial renewal fee at $248.
PTA supervision ratio is 1:4 (one PT to four PTAs).
Physical Therapist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Texas
See how Texas compares: Physical Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Texas is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed physical therapists from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
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Physical Therapist Schools in Texas
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Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physical Therapist license to Texas →
Transfer your Physical Therapist license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →
Texas requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, Texas offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.