NPTE, PTA, OT, and SLP Compared
If you’re planning to take a licensure exam, whether it’s the NPTE, the PTA version, or the OT or SLP boards, you’re probably asking the same question everyone asks at the start: How long should I study?
The short answer is that it depends. The longer answer is that there are some clear trends and recommendations that can help you figure out the right study timeline based on your exam, schedule, and learning style.
In this guide, we’ll walk through average study times, what affects how long you should study, and tips for pacing yourself whether you’re fitting in a few hours a week or planning a full-time prep schedule.
What Do We Mean by Licensure Exams?
We’re talking about the major board exams for therapy professionals in the United States:
- NPTE (Physical Therapist)
- NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant)
- NBCOT (Occupational Therapist and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant)
- Praxis (Speech-Language Pathologist)
Each of these exams is designed to assess whether you’re ready to provide safe and effective care in your profession. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to show that you’re ready to practice independently and responsibly.
While each exam tests different content, they all require a combination of academic knowledge, clinical reasoning, and test-taking skills. That’s why the amount of time you spend preparing and how you use that time matters.
General Rule of Thumb: 8 to 12 Weeks of Study Time
Across all four exams, most successful candidates fall somewhere in the eight to twelve week range for studying. This typically means setting aside one to two hours per day during the week and extending that time on weekends as the exam date gets closer.
That timeline gives you space to:
- Review and reinforce key content areas
- Focus on the topics you’re least confident in
- Complete multiple rounds of practice exams
- Avoid burnout by building in rest days
For most people, this range allows a steady, consistent study approach that doesn’t feel overwhelming. It also leaves room for adjustments if life throws something unexpected into your schedule.
Let’s take a closer look at how that timeline shifts depending on the exam.
NPTE (Physical Therapist)
Recommended study time: 10 to 12 weeks
The NPTE is one of the more intensive exams in this category. With 200 scored questions and a wide range of content, it requires both breadth and depth of knowledge. You’ll be tested on everything from musculoskeletal conditions to clinical research and professional responsibilities.
Most PTs find that a ten to twelve week timeline gives them enough time to build a structured study plan. This includes time for diagnostic testing, review of major systems, non-systems content, and several full-length practice exams.
If you’re studying while working or finishing clinicals, you may need to stretch that timeline a bit. And if you’re returning to the exam after a gap or retaking it, you’ll want to give yourself even more time to build confidence and review foundational content.
Don’t rush the process. The NPTE rewards consistency and endurance, not cramming.
NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant)
Recommended study time: 6 to 8 weeks
The PTA exam is shorter than the NPTE and typically more focused. It still covers all major body systems, safety protocols, assistive devices, and professional ethics, but the level of detail isn’t as deep.
Most candidates do well with six to eight weeks of study time, especially if they use a structured plan. That timeline allows you to review content thoroughly, take practice exams, and reinforce any weaker areas without feeling overwhelmed.
Although the test may feel more manageable on paper, it still requires thoughtful preparation. Many people find it helpful to study with a partner, use flashcards, and review case-based questions that reflect real clinical decisions.
If you’re working full-time or juggling other responsibilities, it’s worth extending your study period to ensure you’re fully prepared.
NBCOT (OTR and COTA Exams)
Recommended study time: 8 to 10 weeks
Occupational therapy exams tend to surprise people with how scenario-based they are. You’ll need more than content knowledge—you’ll need to apply it in practical, client-centered situations. That means working through simulated cases, analyzing priorities, and selecting appropriate interventions.
OTR candidates should plan to spend at least eight to ten weeks reviewing all domains: evaluation, intervention planning, ethics, documentation, and emerging practice areas.
COTA candidates benefit from a similar timeline, with added focus on supporting the intervention process and working collaboratively within the care team.
Study tools like the NBCOT study pack, practice exams, and case simulations are especially helpful. It also helps to talk through reasoning strategies with peers or mentors to strengthen your clinical judgment.
Praxis (SLP Exam)
Recommended study time: 6 to 8 weeks
The Speech-Language Pathology exam is structured a bit differently. It includes approximately 132 questions and covers a mix of content areas including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and professional issues.
Because it covers such a broad scope, many SLP candidates choose to organize their study plan by domain. This makes it easier to chunk the content into manageable pieces and see progress over time.
Six to eight weeks of focused study is usually enough, though some candidates start earlier to reduce pressure as the test date approaches. Practice questions are key here, as they help you develop familiarity with the test’s structure and logic.
Make time for both passive review (reading and highlighting) and active recall (quizzing, teaching others, applying information to scenarios).
What Factors Should Influence Your Study Timeline?
No two people will have the exact same timeline, even if they’re taking the same exam. Your plan should reflect your personal situation, including:
- How long it’s been since you graduated
- Whether you’re working, in school, or managing other responsibilities
- How confident you feel about the material going in
- How well you typically perform on standardized exams
- How much time you can realistically dedicate each week
The biggest mistake people make is trying to follow someone else’s plan without adjusting it for their own needs. You don’t need to study eight hours a day to be successful, but you do need to be intentional with the time you do have.
If you’re not sure where to start, aim for the middle of the recommended time range, then adjust based on your practice test results and your day-to-day energy levels.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try This Study Framework
- Begin with a diagnostic test
Use a full-length or sectioned practice test to figure out where you’re strong and where you need the most review. - Map out your timeline
Divide your total study time by content areas. Give more time to the topics you struggled with in your diagnostic. - Use a mix of study methods
Don’t just read and highlight. Use question banks, case studies, video reviews, study groups, and timed quizzes to deepen your learning. - Track your progress
Set milestones every two weeks to make sure you’re on track. If your scores aren’t improving, revisit your approach. - Practice test endurance
Schedule at least two or three full-length timed exams. These help you build stamina and get comfortable with the pacing and mental load of test day.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how long you should study for a licensure exam. But you can start with the timelines that work for most candidates and customize your plan from there.
Whether you’re preparing for the NPTE, the PTA boards, the NBCOT, or the SLP exam, remember that your study schedule should serve you and not stress you out. The goal is steady progress, not perfection.
Stick with a plan, listen to your energy levels, and adjust as you go. You’ve already made it through your academic program. Now you’re just putting the final piece in place.
You’re capable. You’re ready. You’ve got this.