1. (a) Requirements. An applicant applying for licensure by examination must:

   1. (1) meet the requirements as stated in §329.1 of this title (relating to General licensure requirements and procedures); and
   2. (2) pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapists or physical therapist assistants with the score set by the board. Score reports must be sent directly to the board by the authorized score reporting service.

2. (b) Notification of exam score. The board will notify applicants in writing of the exam score.

   1. (1) If an applicant passes the exam, the board will include a permanent license with the score notification.
   2. (2) If an applicant fails the exam, a re-examination application and fee is required for a subsequent examination.
3. (c) An applicant may take the examination for PT or PTA licensure only after the application process is complete and all requirements are met.
4. (d) Applying for licensure in more than one state. An applicant who applies for licensure by exam in another state, but does not receive a license from any other state, may apply for licensure by exam in Texas. The applicant must meet all other requirements for licensure in Texas, and must have the score report sent directly to the board from the authorized score reporting service.
5. (e) If an examinee has failed the physical therapy examination and wishes to take the physical therapist assistant examination, the examinee may apply under the Act, §453.203.

6. (f) Re-examination.

   1. (1) First re-examination. An applicant who fails the exam the first time is eligible to take the examination a second time after submitting a re-exam application and fee.

   2. (2) Second or subsequent re-examination. An applicant who fails the exam twice or more must complete additional education before taking the exam again. All additional education must be approved by the board before the applicant undertakes it. Additional education may be board-approved continuing education programs or individual tutorials.

      1. (A) Individual tutorials. A tutor must be a physical therapist licensed in Texas. The tutor and the applicant must develop an outline of study to meet the required number of tutorial hours and submit it to the board office. The board will notify the applicant and the tutor when the outline has been approved. When the applicant has successfully completed the tutorial, the tutor must send the board a notarized statement to that effect.
      2. (B) Board-approved continuing education. The amount of additional education required is set forth in the following chart.
         Attached Graphic
         
7. (g) Failure of PT exam. An applicant who fails the physical therapy examination may apply for licensure as a PTA and take the physical therapist assistant examination if he meets all other requirements for licensure.
8. (h) License upgrading. An applicant who was licensed under the grandfather clause may take the NPTE to upgrade his or her score. The applicant must submit a written request and the examination registration materials and the appropriate fee.

Source Note:The provisions of this §329.2 adopted to be effective November 16, 2000, 25 TexReg 11286.