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Physical Therapist Assistant
Total cost: $645
PTA
Credential
Required
NPTE-PTA
Not Required
Jurisprudence Exam
General supervision
Supervision Type
24 hrs
CE Hours
$645
Total Initial Fees
Education & CAPTE Accreditation
VerifiedMinimum Degree
Associate's degree
CAPTE Accredited
Required
Program Length
2 years
Clinical Hours
Varies by program hours
Accepted Programs
PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program, typically an associate's degree. Programs include coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, and clinical rotations.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NPTE-PTA Exam
Not Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs (NPTE-PTA)
180
Questions
4 hrs
Time Limit
600/800
Passing Score
$485
Exam Fee
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
Overall licensing difficulty: 13/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant Exam)
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PTA Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs (NPTE-PTA)
Questions
180 questions
Passing Score
600/800
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 National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs (NPTE-PTA).
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant Exam)
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Study guides for the NPTE-PTA certification exam.
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Supervision by Physical Therapist
VerifiedSupervising PT Required
General supervision
Supervision Type
Not specified in statute
PT:PTA Ratio
No
On-Site PT Required
Supervision Details
PTAs in Alaska must practice under general supervision of a licensed PT. The supervising PT must be available for consultation. For temporary permit holders, the supervising PT must provide a signed and notarized statement of responsibility.
PTAs must work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). Supervision types vary by state and may include direct, general, or on-site requirements. PT-to-PTA ratios determine how many PTAs a single PT can supervise.
State-Specific Requirements
VerifiedYes
State Licensed
Required
Background Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Not Required
CPR Certification
No Jurisprudence Exam Required
Additional Requirements
Most states require PTAs to pass the NPTE-PTA, complete a background check, and meet state-specific requirements such as jurisprudence exams, CPR certification, and fingerprinting.
Not sure if you need a pta license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee May be prorated if applying in second year of renewal cycle | $160 |
NPTE Exam Fee Fee paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
Jurisprudence Exam Fee No separate jurisprudence exam required | $0 |
State License Fee | Included in application fee |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; licenses expire June 30 on even-numbered years | $130 |
Total Initial Fees Includes NPTE-PTA ($485) and initial PTA license fee ($160). Does not include Prometric fee ($92). | $645 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (current period: 06/30/2024 – 07/01/2026, expiring June 30 on even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$130
Biennial renewal
Regulatory Board
PTA licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as patient care, ethics, and state-specific physical therapy practice standards.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact Member
Yes
Reciprocity Type
PT Compact / Endorsement
Transfer Details
Confirmed. Compact Privilege in Alaska is applied for via ptcompact.org. The board issues a separate Alaska license for non-compact applicants (by credentials or by examination pathways). Applications for PT/PTA by Credentials and by Examination are both available.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
The Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) allows PTAs to practice across member states with a compact privilege. Non-compact states may still accept out-of-state credentials through endorsement or reciprocity agreements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alaska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Alaska requires 24 CE hours biennially with at least half (12 hours) from approved CEU providers. New licensees with less than 12 months need only 12 hours. Alaska uses a jurisprudence questionnaire rather than a formal exam. Fingerprinting requirement is relatively new (effective August 2024).
Telehealth: Allowed
Telehealth is permitted in Alaska for PTAs under appropriate PT supervision; must comply with state telehealth regulations
Alaska is a member of the PT Compact, allowing multi-state practice privileges for PTAs
Fingerprinting and criminal background checks required for all applicants effective August 31, 2024
A jurisprudence questionnaire is part of the application but there is no separate formal jurisprudence exam
Licenses expire June 30 on even-numbered years
current licensing period is 06/30/2024 – 07/01/2026
PTA requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $645 | 112–126 wks | |
| Washington | $675 | 112–126 wks | → |
| Hawaii | $945 | 112–126 wks | → |
See how Alaska compares: PTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Alaska is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed ptas from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
PTA Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your PTA license to Alaska →
Alaska requires the NPTE-PTA exam for physical therapist assistants. PTAs practice under general supervision supervision of a licensed PT. All licensing is managed through the Alaska State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.