Physical Therapist Licensure Board Exam: Application Requirements, Coverage, and Schedule

Now ready to take the next move and earn the Professional Identification Card for a physical therapist’s practice in the Philippines? If so, this is a must-read.

We will advise you of all you will need to provide to take the Physical Therapist Licensure Board Examination, including the requirements you must present, the opening and closing dates for filing paperwork, and, most notably, what questions will be asked on the day of the exam.

Keep reading if you’ve decided to get your license.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists are evidence-based clinicians that identify and manage people of all ages who are suffering from medical complications or other disorders of fitness, which impair their ability to travel around and do practical tasks in their everyday lives.

These treatments provide cost-effective services that increase movement and alleviate discomfort, minimize the need for medication and surgery, and enable patients to engage in a rehabilitation process tailored to meet their individual needs. Physical therapists also cooperate with people to avoid movement deterioration before it happens by creating healthy and more active lifestyle exercise and nutrition programs.

What is the Physical Therapist Licensure Exam?

The Physical Therapist Licensure Board Exam is administered by the PRC, the government committee in the Philippines responsible for all license assessments, except for the bar examination.

Applicants wishing to take a licensure examination for Physical Therapy must hold an academic, college, or university degree in BS in Physical Therapy.

These requirements are compulsory for the competence of the personnel created after undergoing a license examination for physical therapists. They only encourage you to be able to add the essential skills and practice material to your experiences.

Requirements for the Physical Therapy Board Examinations

The following are all of the requirements you must meet before applying to take the Physical Therapist Licensure Board Exam for those with a BS in Physical Therapy:

• A Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate;
• Passport-sized image of the applicant with a white background and collared attire;
• Documentary stamps;
• A copy of the marriage contract from the NSO or the PSA for married female applicants;
• Transcript of Records accompanied by a scanned image and the remarks “For Board Review Purposes”;
• A valid NBI Clearance;
• Certification of ten (10) months of internship signed by the Dean and Registrar with school seal;
• An examination payment of Php 900.00 (complete)
• A refresher course if the applicant has failed the licensure examination three times

Physical Therapist Licensure Examination Registration Procedure

For all license examinations, the PRC LERIS system simplifies the data structure. The PRC advises all candidates to confirm their appointments on the PRC LERIS Website before applying the paperwork specifications to a regional or PRC Satellite Office of your choice.

If you are unable to get started, our step-by-step process will help you schedule an appointment date – or if you already have a clear understanding of the protocol, head directly to the PRC LERIS website for the registration.

Physical Therapist Board Exam Coverage

The Physical Therapist Licensure Examination will cover two basic aspects which is the Medical and the PT aspect respectively. We will detail the subject topics covered in both aspects below:

Medical Aspect

Anatomy 1: Anatomy and Histology of the Back and Limbs

1. Fundamentals of Anatomy
   1. Basic nomenclature/terminologies (anatomic position, planes, movements, etc.)
   2. General Structural Organization
   3. Gross and Histologic Anatomy of
   4. Joints (Diarthropodial and Synarthrodial)
   5. Skin and its Appendages
2. Back and Spine
   1. Vertebral Column (bones, articulations, and ligaments)
   2. Movements and muscle of the back and spine
3. Upper Extremity (Shoulder, Girdle, Shoulder, Elbow, Forearm, Wrist, and Hand)
   1. Bony Anatomy
   2. Innervation
   3. Muscles and Joints
   4. Vascular Supply

Anatomy 2: Internal Organs, Face and Neuroanatomy

1. Organ System Anatomy
   1. Cardiovascular system
   2. Respiratory System
   3. Circulatory System
   4. Other Systems of the Body
2. Face and Neck with Emphasis on
   1. Muscles of facial expression
   2. Facial nerve
   3. Triangles of the neck
   4. Muscle of the head and neck
3. Neuroanatomy
   1. Functional Organization of the Nervous System
   2. Cerebral Circulation and the Ventricular System
   3. Cerebral Cortex
   4. Brainstem
   5. Cerebellum
   6. Spinal Cord

Anatomy 3: Kinesiology and Biomechanics

1. Principles of Kinesiology and Biomechanics
   1. Theories of motion and biomechanics
   2. Factors that create or modify motion
   3. Statics (includes the effect of the center of gravity)
   4. Biomechanics of Human Motion (levers, muscle, and joint forces, etc.)
2. Kinesiology and biomechanics (theories of motion) as applied to the
   1. Shoulder (including scapulohumeral rhythm)
   2. Elbow and forearm
   3. Wrist and hand (including hand function and prehension
   4. Hip
   5. Knee
   6. Ankle and Foot (including arches of the foot)
3. Posture (sitting; standing)
4. Ambulation/Walking (including gait analysis)

Physiology 1: General Physiology and Neurophysiology

1. Cell Physiology
   1. Functional organization of the cell
   2. Chemical composition and transport of substances
   3. Electrical properties and action potential
2. Neurophysiology
   1. Synaptic transmission and the neuromuscular junction
   2. Sliding filament or cross bridging theory or mechanism of muscle contraction
   3. Length-tension and force-velocity relationship
3. Exercise or sport physiology
4. Reflex physiology with emphasis on the
   1. Muscle stretch reflex or muscle spindle
   2. Golgi tendon reflexes
5. Movement, Balance, and Coordination
6. Pain

Physiology 2: General Physiology and Neurophysiology

1. Energetics and Metabolism
   1. Role of ATP in energy production
   2. Aerobic versus anaerobic energy
   3. Basal metabolic rate and factors that affect it
   4. Energetics concerning exercise
2. Temperature Regulation
3. Blood Physiology (as a background for the study of inflammation, infection, and hemostasis)
   1. The function of the different blood elements
   2. Immune responses of the body
   3. Hemostasis
4. Circulatory system physiology
   1. Regulation of blood flow
   2. Filtration and diffusion (exchange of fluid and nutrients)
   3. Hydrostatic and osmotic pressure
   4. Control or regulation of blood pressure
   5. Blood flow in exercise
5. Cardiovascular Physiology
   1. Electrophysiology of the heart and its conductive system
   2. Regulation of the heart 5.3 Control of the coronary circulation
6. Respiratory Physiology
   1. Mechanics of breathing, ventilation, respiration
   2. Regulation and control of respiration
   3. Lung volumes and capacities
   4. Pulmonary function tests
   5. Control of pulmonary circulation
7. Other Systems Physiology
   1. Swallowing and digestion
   2. Renal Physiology
   3. Physiology of sexual function

Pathology and Microbiology: General Pathology and General Microbiology

1. Cell Injury and Cellular Adaptation
2. Inflammation (Acute and Chronic)
3. Healing and Repair
4. Fluid and Hemodynamic derangements
   1. Edema, hyperemia, congestion, etc.
   2. Ischemia, thrombosis, embolism, infarction
5. Basic Microbiology
   1. Host-environ-pathogen relationship
   2. Immunology (immune response system; hypersensitivity reactions)
6. Neoplasia
7. Genetic Disorders
8. Musculoskeletal System pathology
   1. Myositis, myopathies, etc.
   2. Fracture healing and repair; osteoporosis etc.

Psychiatry: Psychological Reactions to Disability

1. Psychotic Disorders
2. Neurotic Disorders
3. Psychological Reactions to Disability
4. Common Issues: Death and Dying

Orthotics and Prosthetics: Splinting, Casting Bandaging, Bracing, Artificial Limbs

1. Basic Principles in Orthotics
   1. Classification and functions
   2. Mechanical principles
   3. Mechanical, anatomic, kinesiologic, and technical considerations
   4. Materials used – advantage/disadvantage of each
   5. General indications and contraindications
   6. Limitations
   7. Pre-prosthetic and Post-prosthetic fitting
   8. Prescription
2. Orthotic Devices
   1. Cervical Orthosis
   2. Spinal Orthosis
   3. UE splints and orthosis
   4. LE orthosis and orthopedic shoes
3. Prosthetic Devices
   1. Components Above Flow Prosthesis
   2. Description Below Elbow Prosthesis
   3. Indications Above Knee Prosthesis
   4. Limitations Above Prosthesis
4. Assistive Devices (types, description, purpose, prescription, check-out, advantage/disadvantage, accessories)
   1. Canes, Crutches, and Walkers
   2. Wheelchairs
5. Bandaging (purposes, types, techniques, indications, contraindications/precautions, care) 6. Taping (purposes, technique of application for all major joints, indications/contraindications)

Medical/Surgical 1: General Medical Conditions and Pediatric Conditions

1. Medical Conditions
   1. Rheumatic Conditions
   2. Diabetes Mellitus
   3. Hypertension
   4. Cardiac Diseases and Cardiac Rehabilitation
   5. Aging and Geriatric Rehabilitation
   6. Deleterious Effects of Inactivity
   7. Cancer and Cancer Rehabilitation
   8. Chronic Pain and its Rehabilitation
   9. Pulmonary Diseases (Chronic Obstructive and Restrictive) and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
   10. Infectious Conditions frequently encountered by the Allied Health Professional
2. Pediatric Conditions
   1. Cerebral Palsy
   2. Limping Child
   3. Spinal Dysraphism
   4. Congenital Amputation
   5. Poliomyelitis
   6. Other Congenital deformities

Medical/Surgical 2: Neurological and Neurosurgical Conditions

1. Cerebrovascular Disease
2. Conditions of the Brain
   1. Neoplasm/Tumors
   2. Infections
   3. Degenerative (Parkinson’s Disease)
   4. Demyelinating (Multiple Sclerosis)
   5. Traumatic Brain injury
3. Spinal Cord Disorders
   1. Spinal Cord injury and its rehabilitation
   2. Tumors
   3. Infection (Pott’s Disease, Transverse Myelitis
4. Peripheral Nerve injuries (including Guillain-Barre Syndrome)
5. Motor Neuron Diseases (Poliomyelitis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
6. Myopathies (Ex. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy)

Medical/Surgical 3: Orthopedic and Surgical Conditions

1. Orthopedic Conditions
   1. Fractures
   2. Isolocations
   3. Common Orthopedic Conditions are seen by PT/OT
   4. Tendon/Nerve Transfer
   5. Soft Tissue injuries
   6. Deformities of the Spine/Extremities
   7. Low back pain and Cervical pain
2. Surgical Conditions
   1. Peripheral Vascular Disease
   2. Amputations
   3. Wound Healing and Wound Care
   4. Burns and Burn Rehabilitation

PT Aspect

Therapeutic Exercise 1: Physiology of Exercise, Types, and Posture

1. General Principles and Guidelines in Therapeutic Exercise
   1. Review of the anatomy and physiology of the neuromusculoskeletal system particularly joint anatomy and factors that affect muscle strength and the effects of exercise.
   2. Prescription of Therapeutic Exercise
   3. Terminology
   4. Fundamental and Derive Positions
2. Mobility exercises (passive/active-assistive/active range of motion exercises; mechanical)
3. Stretching (manual; mechanical; continuous passive)
4. Strengthening exercises
5. Endurance or Aerobic Exercise
6. Joint Mobilization Techniques
7. Relaxation Techniques

Therapeutic Exercise 2: Specific Exercise; PRE’s

1. Pulmophysiotherapy
2. Exercises for Low Back Pain
3. Postural Exercises and Exercises for Various Deformities of the Spine (Scoliosis/Kyphosis/Torticollis)
4. Ambulation and Gait Training and Related Exercises
5. Exercises for Obstetric patients
6. Exercises for the Amputee
7. Transfer Techniques and Gait Training

Therapeutic Exercise 3: Advanced Therapeutic Exercise, PNF

1. Review of neurophysiology
2. Neurodevelopmental Techniques
   1. History
   2. Principles
   3. Components (Sensory elements, activities, and patterns)
   4. Traditional vs. Eccletic Method
   5. The technique of Application (both traditional and eccletic methods, including PNF)
   6. Indications, Precautions, Limitations
   7. Evaluation and Monitoring
3. Exercise in
   1. Stroke
   2. Multiple Sclerosis
   3. Poliomyelitis
   4. Spinal Cord Injury
4. Coordination Exercises
5. Functional Movement Therapy

PT 1: Hydrotherapy, Introduction to Patient Care, Massage and Superficial Heat

1. Hydrotherapy
   1. Related principles
   2. Indications/contraindications, advantages/disadvantages
   3. Techniques of application (whirlpool, pool therapy, etc.)
2. Superficial Heating
   1. Physiologic effects of heat (local and general)
   2. General indications/contraindication
   3. Types of superficial heating modalities and the description, indication/contraindication, prescription, and technique of application for each)
3. Cold Therapy
   1. Physiologic effects of cold (local and general)
   2. General indications/contraindications
   3. Types of cold modalities and the description, indication/contraindication, prescription, and technique of application for each)
4. Massage (Principles, Effects, Indications/Contraindications, Limitations, Technique of Application, Precautions, Types of)
5. Traction (Principles, Effects, Indications/Contraindications, Limitations, Technique of Application, Precautions, Types of – – – with emphasis on cervical and lumbar traction)
6. Manipulation (Principles, Effects, Indications/Contraindications, Limitations, Technique of Application, Precautions, Types of)

PT 2: Electrotherapy

1. Production of Electricity and Related Principles of Current and Electricity (alternating vs. Direct Current, transformers, electric shock, electrostatic vs. Electromagnetic waves, etc.)
2. High-Frequency Current
   1. Production and Related Principles
   2. Biophysical effects of radiation
   3. Review of the effects of heat
   4. Short wage diathermy (production, description, effects, uses, indications/contraindications, advantages/disadvantages, technique of application, care of apparatus, monitoring and evaluation of patient, prescription)
   5. Microwave diathermy (production, description, effects, uses, indications/contraindications, advantages/disadvantages, technique of application, care of apparatus, monitoring and evaluation of patient, prescription)
   6. Ultrasound (production, description, effects, uses, indications/contraindications, advantages/disadvantages, technique of application, care of apparatus, monitoring and evaluation of patient, prescription)
3. Infrared Radiation (production, description, effects, uses, indications/contraindications, advantages/disadvantages, technique of application, care of apparatus, monitoring and evaluation of patient, prescription)
4. Ultraviolet radiation (production, description, effects, uses, indications/contraindications, advantages/disadvantages, technique of application, care of apparatus, monitoring and evaluation of patient, prescription)
5. Direct Current (Galvanism, Iontophoresis)
6. Low-frequency Current (Sinusoidal, Farradism, and other types of low-frequency current)
7. Medium Frequency Current (TENS, Interferential, Therapy, Microcurrent)
8. Others (Laser, Biofeedback, etc.)

PT 3: Principles of Evaluation; Techniques – ROM, MMT; History Taking and Charting

1. History Taking and Charting
2. Making a Problem list and prioritizing
3. Treatment and Discharge Planning
4. Progress Notes
5. Goniometry
6. Manual Muscle Testing
7. Special Tests

Ethics in Physical Therapy

1. Philippine Code of Ethics
2. 2. American Code of Ethics

Organization and Administration

1. Principles in Planning and Management
2. Designing a PT Clinic (architectural requirements, specifications)

Seminar 1: Clinical Correlation, Team Approach

Integration of the medical and PT subjects. Emphasis is placed on Treatment Planning of all clinical conditions listed under, particularly:

1. Assessment of clinical case
2. Making and prioritizing the problem list
3. Goal setting (long and short term goals)
4. Prescription of the PT program
5. Discharge planning
6. Designing a home program

Seminar 2: Clinical Correlation, Team Approach

Integration of the medical and PT subjects. Emphasis is placed on Treatment Planning of all clinical conditions listed under, particularly:

1. Assessment of clinical case
2. Making and prioritizing the problem list
3. Goal setting (long and short term goals)
4. Prescription of the PT program
5. Discharge planning
6. Designing a home program

Clinical Education: Introduction to Clinics

Essentially the same as Seminar, with the exception that this is something of an aggregation of all subjects studied with an emphasis on clinical application in preparation for internship. It is suggested that questions on each of these topics be empirical. Unlike Seminars, Clinical Education places a similar focus on assessment methods, history taking, and the PT student’s professional standards and attitude toward patients.

Physical Therapy Licensure Examination Schedule in 2021

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Physical Therapy Licensing Board Examinations are typically carried out at least once a year.

You can find the total schedule for all license exams right here. This indicates that applications for licensing tests for physical therapists are open and are laid down in the schedule as they are due.

You should still go to the official website of the Commission for up-to-date details and updates, if you’ve got any concerns or queries surrounding the licensing examination, particularly in light of the pandemic.