California PTA Laws Practice Exam

What is the maximum number of years after expiration that a physical therapy license can be renewed without taking a new application and NPTE?

1. 2 years

2. 3 years

3. 5 years

4. 10 years

The correct answer is: 5 years

In California, a physical therapy license can be renewed for up to five years after its expiration without the need for submitting a new application or retaking the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). This provision allows licensed professionals some leeway to maintain their credentials and avoid unnecessary re-examination, supporting their ability to return to practice after a lapse in active status. Understanding this timeline is important for practitioners to effectively manage their professional licensure and ensure compliance with renewal requirements. By knowing that they have five years to renew, physical therapists can plan accordingly, whether they're temporarily stepping back due to personal reasons or seeking to re-establish their practice after a period away.