California Physical Therapy Jurisprudence
Examination / Laws & Rules Module: Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best defines the practice of physical
therapy in California?
A. Performing surgical interventions to improve musculoskeletal
function
B. Evaluating and treating patients with movement-related
disorders to restore function
C. Prescribing medications for pain management
D. Diagnosing diseases unrelated to the musculoskeletal system
B
Rationale: Physical therapy is defined as the evaluation and
treatment of patients with movement-related impairments to
, improve function, not surgical intervention or medication
prescription.
2. Which of the following actions requires a valid California physical
therapist license?
A. Providing exercise instructions to a friend
B. Conducting a patient evaluation in a clinic setting
C. Offering general wellness tips on social media
D. Assisting someone with stretching in a community class without
payment
B
Rationale: Only professional evaluations and treatments in a
clinical or patient-care setting require a licensed PT; informal
advice or unpaid community guidance does not.
3. What is the minimum educational requirement to sit for the
California Physical Therapy licensing examination?
A. High school diploma
B. Associate degree in health sciences
C. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent
D. Bachelor’s degree in any field
C
Rationale: California requires completion of a professional
, physical therapy program accredited by CAPTE, which is a DPT or
equivalent.
4. How often must a licensed physical therapist in California renew
their license?
A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
B
Rationale: California PT licenses are renewed biennially, and
licensees must complete continuing education requirements.
5. Which of the following is true regarding supervision of physical
therapist assistants (PTAs)?
A. PTAs can evaluate patients independently
B. PTAs must work under the direction and supervision of a
licensed PT
C. PTAs can prescribe treatments without PT oversight
D. PTAs cannot participate in patient care
B
Rationale: PTAs provide treatment under PT supervision; they
cannot independently evaluate or prescribe interventions.
, 6. Which of the following is considered unprofessional conduct for a
physical therapist in California?
A. Documenting treatment accurately
B. Maintaining patient confidentiality
C. Practicing beyond one’s scope of competence
D. Referring patients appropriately
C
Rationale: Practicing beyond one’s education, training, or scope
of practice is considered unprofessional and may result in
disciplinary action.
7. In California, which entity has the authority to discipline a licensed
physical therapist?
A. California Department of Public Health
B. California Physical Therapy Board
C. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
D. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
B
Rationale: The California Physical Therapy Board regulates PT
licensure, investigates complaints, and can impose disciplinary
action.
Examination / Laws & Rules Module: Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best defines the practice of physical
therapy in California?
A. Performing surgical interventions to improve musculoskeletal
function
B. Evaluating and treating patients with movement-related
disorders to restore function
C. Prescribing medications for pain management
D. Diagnosing diseases unrelated to the musculoskeletal system
B
Rationale: Physical therapy is defined as the evaluation and
treatment of patients with movement-related impairments to
, improve function, not surgical intervention or medication
prescription.
2. Which of the following actions requires a valid California physical
therapist license?
A. Providing exercise instructions to a friend
B. Conducting a patient evaluation in a clinic setting
C. Offering general wellness tips on social media
D. Assisting someone with stretching in a community class without
payment
B
Rationale: Only professional evaluations and treatments in a
clinical or patient-care setting require a licensed PT; informal
advice or unpaid community guidance does not.
3. What is the minimum educational requirement to sit for the
California Physical Therapy licensing examination?
A. High school diploma
B. Associate degree in health sciences
C. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent
D. Bachelor’s degree in any field
C
Rationale: California requires completion of a professional
, physical therapy program accredited by CAPTE, which is a DPT or
equivalent.
4. How often must a licensed physical therapist in California renew
their license?
A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
B
Rationale: California PT licenses are renewed biennially, and
licensees must complete continuing education requirements.
5. Which of the following is true regarding supervision of physical
therapist assistants (PTAs)?
A. PTAs can evaluate patients independently
B. PTAs must work under the direction and supervision of a
licensed PT
C. PTAs can prescribe treatments without PT oversight
D. PTAs cannot participate in patient care
B
Rationale: PTAs provide treatment under PT supervision; they
cannot independently evaluate or prescribe interventions.
, 6. Which of the following is considered unprofessional conduct for a
physical therapist in California?
A. Documenting treatment accurately
B. Maintaining patient confidentiality
C. Practicing beyond one’s scope of competence
D. Referring patients appropriately
C
Rationale: Practicing beyond one’s education, training, or scope
of practice is considered unprofessional and may result in
disciplinary action.
7. In California, which entity has the authority to discipline a licensed
physical therapist?
A. California Department of Public Health
B. California Physical Therapy Board
C. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
D. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
B
Rationale: The California Physical Therapy Board regulates PT
licensure, investigates complaints, and can impose disciplinary
action.
