ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
*- Musculoskeletal System*
*- Neuromuscular System*
*- Cardiovascular/Pulmonary System*
*- Integumentary System*
*- Metabolic/Endocrine System*
*- Lymphatic System*
*- Genitourinary System*
*- Cognitive/Vision/Perception/Communication*
*- Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards*
*- Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act Compliance*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level physical therapist competency across clinical practice
domains. The exam measures critical knowledge and skills required for safe, effective patient care including
evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes assessment. The multiple-choice and scenario-
based format emphasizes real-world clinical decision-making, requiring candidates to apply theoretical
knowledge to practical situations. Questions test foundational sciences, evidence-based practice, regulatory
compliance, ethical standards, and professional judgment essential for licensure and clinical practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
,A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with low back pain. The patient reports pain radiating below the
knee with numbness in the lateral foot. Which dermatome is most likely affected?
A. L4
B. L5
C. S1
D. L3
🟢 C. S1
🔴 RATIONALE: S1 dermatome covers the lateral foot and posterior calf. Pain radiating below the knee with
lateral foot numbness is characteristic of S1 radiculopathy, commonly from L5-S1 disc herniation.
Question 2
According to the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act, what is the maximum number of continuing education
hours required for PT license renewal?
A. 20 hours
B. 30 hours
C. 40 hours
D. 50 hours
🟢 C. 40 hours
,🔴 RATIONALE: Illinois requires Physical Therapists to complete 40 continuing education hours each
licensure cycle (typically 2 years). PTAs require 20 hours.
Question 3
A patient with COPD is being treated in pulmonary rehabilitation. Which exercise intensity parameter is MOST
appropriate for this patient?
A. 85-90% heart rate reserve
B. 60-80% heart rate reserve
C. 40-50% heart rate reserve
D. 95% maximum heart rate
🟢 B. 60-80% heart rate reserve
🔴 RATIONALE: For patients with COPD, moderate intensity (60-80% heart rate reserve) is recommended to
improve endurance while avoiding excessive dyspnea and oxygen desaturation.
Question 4
A physical therapist is treating a patient 3 days post-ACL reconstruction. Which intervention is contraindicated
at this stage?
, A. Quadriceps setting exercises
B. Heel slides
C. Open kinetic chain hamstring curls against resistance
D. Ankle pumps
🟢 C. Open kinetic chain hamstring curls against resistance
🔴 RATIONALE: Early post-ACL reconstruction (first 4-6 weeks), resistant open kinetic chain hamstring
exercises place excessive strain on the graft and are contraindicated. Quadriceps sets, heel slides, and ankle
pumps are appropriate early interventions.
Question 5
Which of the following is a requirement for initial physical therapy licensure in Illinois?
A. Minimum 2 years of clinical experience
B.Graduation from an accredited PT program
C. Completion of 1000 clinical hours
D. National board certification as a specialist
🟢 B. Graduation from an accredited PT program
🔴 RATIONALE: Illinois requires graduation from an accredited physical therapy program and passing the
NPTE for initial licensure. Clinical experience and specialist certification are not initial licensure requirements.
Question 6
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
*- Musculoskeletal System*
*- Neuromuscular System*
*- Cardiovascular/Pulmonary System*
*- Integumentary System*
*- Metabolic/Endocrine System*
*- Lymphatic System*
*- Genitourinary System*
*- Cognitive/Vision/Perception/Communication*
*- Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards*
*- Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act Compliance*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level physical therapist competency across clinical practice
domains. The exam measures critical knowledge and skills required for safe, effective patient care including
evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes assessment. The multiple-choice and scenario-
based format emphasizes real-world clinical decision-making, requiring candidates to apply theoretical
knowledge to practical situations. Questions test foundational sciences, evidence-based practice, regulatory
compliance, ethical standards, and professional judgment essential for licensure and clinical practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
,A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with low back pain. The patient reports pain radiating below the
knee with numbness in the lateral foot. Which dermatome is most likely affected?
A. L4
B. L5
C. S1
D. L3
🟢 C. S1
🔴 RATIONALE: S1 dermatome covers the lateral foot and posterior calf. Pain radiating below the knee with
lateral foot numbness is characteristic of S1 radiculopathy, commonly from L5-S1 disc herniation.
Question 2
According to the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act, what is the maximum number of continuing education
hours required for PT license renewal?
A. 20 hours
B. 30 hours
C. 40 hours
D. 50 hours
🟢 C. 40 hours
,🔴 RATIONALE: Illinois requires Physical Therapists to complete 40 continuing education hours each
licensure cycle (typically 2 years). PTAs require 20 hours.
Question 3
A patient with COPD is being treated in pulmonary rehabilitation. Which exercise intensity parameter is MOST
appropriate for this patient?
A. 85-90% heart rate reserve
B. 60-80% heart rate reserve
C. 40-50% heart rate reserve
D. 95% maximum heart rate
🟢 B. 60-80% heart rate reserve
🔴 RATIONALE: For patients with COPD, moderate intensity (60-80% heart rate reserve) is recommended to
improve endurance while avoiding excessive dyspnea and oxygen desaturation.
Question 4
A physical therapist is treating a patient 3 days post-ACL reconstruction. Which intervention is contraindicated
at this stage?
, A. Quadriceps setting exercises
B. Heel slides
C. Open kinetic chain hamstring curls against resistance
D. Ankle pumps
🟢 C. Open kinetic chain hamstring curls against resistance
🔴 RATIONALE: Early post-ACL reconstruction (first 4-6 weeks), resistant open kinetic chain hamstring
exercises place excessive strain on the graft and are contraindicated. Quadriceps sets, heel slides, and ankle
pumps are appropriate early interventions.
Question 5
Which of the following is a requirement for initial physical therapy licensure in Illinois?
A. Minimum 2 years of clinical experience
B.Graduation from an accredited PT program
C. Completion of 1000 clinical hours
D. National board certification as a specialist
🟢 B. Graduation from an accredited PT program
🔴 RATIONALE: Illinois requires graduation from an accredited physical therapy program and passing the
NPTE for initial licensure. Clinical experience and specialist certification are not initial licensure requirements.
Question 6
