NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Practice Questions
One area of FSBPT’s content outline · 31–40 of the 140 scored questions
180 questions across the whole content outline in 4 hours, with a score for Musculoskeletal so you know where you stand.
Free Musculoskeletal drillAn older adult fell and now has a shortened, externally rotated leg and groin pain. Which injury does this suggest?
Musculoskeletal System on the NPTE-PTA
The musculoskeletal system is the largest content area on the NPTE-PTA, 31–40 of the 140 scored questions. It covers measuring motion and strength, how joints move, orthopedic conditions and surgeries, and the exercise, manual and gait interventions a PTA carries out within the plan of care.
- Share of the exam
- Musculoskeletal System 31–40 of the 140 scored questions (FSBPT outline, effective January 2024)
- On our mock exam
- 35 scored questions, inside FSBPT’s range
- Our drill
- 10 questions from 106 musculoskeletal questions, untimed, an explanation after every answer; one free attempt, unlimited with a pass
What Musculoskeletal System questions test
- Data collection: goniometry, manual muscle testing grades, special tests the PTA uses to monitor change, posture and gait observation, and limb length and girth
- Joint mechanics: convex-concave rules, close-packed and open-packed positions, muscle actions and kinematic chains
- Conditions: fractures and healing times, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, tendinopathy, ligament and meniscus injuries, low back and neck conditions, scoliosis
- Surgery and precautions: total hip and knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, weight-bearing levels and progression
- Interventions: stretching and strengthening parameters, joint mobilization grades, closed and open chain exercise, functional training and gait training
Sit the full exam under the real clock
180 questions across the whole content outline in 4 hours, with a score for Musculoskeletal so you know where you stand.
Free Musculoskeletal drillHow to study it
- Learn the hip replacement precautions by approach: posterior (no flexion past 90°, no adduction past midline, no internal rotation) and anterior (no extension or external rotation past neutral).
- Know the manual muscle testing grades and what each requires: against gravity, against resistance, gravity minimized.
- Practice joint mechanics by naming the moving surface: a convex surface glides opposite the motion, a concave surface glides in the same direction.
- Take the musculoskeletal drill several times; it is the biggest pool of questions.
Common questions
How many musculoskeletal questions are on the NPTE-PTA?
FSBPT’s outline assigns 31–40 of the 140 scored questions to the musculoskeletal system: 9–12 on data collection, 10–13 on diseases and conditions, and 12–15 on interventions.
Are goniometry questions on the PTA exam?
Yes. Musculoskeletal tests and measures, joint biomechanics and movement analysis are listed under data collection in the outline.
180 questions across the whole content outline in 4 hours, with a score for Musculoskeletal so you know where you stand.
Free Musculoskeletal drillThe other NPTE-PTA content areas
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems
- Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems
- Integumentary System
- Other Systems and System Interactions
- Equipment, Devices and Technologies
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Safety and Protection
- Professional Responsibilities and Research
- Vital signs and lab values drill
- NPTE-PTA practice exam (180 questions, 4 hours)
Sources
- FSBPT: NPTE Candidate Handbook (version 2025.02): format, timing, scoring, fees, testing limits, results
- FSBPT: NPTE-PTA Test Content Outline, effective January 2024
- FSBPT: NPTE Content (outlines in effect since January 2024)
- FSBPT: 2026 NPTE dates and deadlines
- FSBPT: Retake Exam
- FSBPT: Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT)
Original practice questions for exam preparation, written to the NPTE-PTA Test Content Outline (effective January 2024). They are not NPTE questions or recalled questions. Independent practice, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or Prometric. NPTE is a registered trademark of FSBPT.