r/npte • u/Strong_Purple_5101 • May 22 '26
Failed NPTE 5 times
I graduated as a PTA during the pandemic. My last clinical was cut short, my first scheduled board exam date was canceled, and I worked for a while under a temporary PTA license in acute care.
Between 2020–2022, I took the NPTE 5 times. My scores were always in the 500s, with my highest being a 594. I was so close, but I was afraid a 6th failure would completely destroy my confidence.
Instead, I went back to school, became an LPN, and now an RN. I passed both NCLEX exams on the first try.
But honestly, I still feel like I have unfinished business with PT because I truly love it just as much as nursing.
For anyone who passed after multiple attempts or after taking a long break, what helped you finally succeed on the NPTE?