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Physiotherapy Specialist Examination: free practice test

Start with 10 free questions to see what needs more practice. Finish to see your score, weakest units and every option explained.

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Practice test questions with answers and explanations

Try the questions in the test above first, then open each one here to see the correct answer and why every other option is wrong.

01A worker has a well-adjusted chair but remains still for hours. Which change is appropriate?

Practice question Unit: Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Ergonomics

  1. AVary posture and take movement breaks ✓ Correct answer

    Movement interrupts prolonged static loading.

  2. BKeep the same posture all day

    Comfort does not remove the need to move.

  3. CTighten the backrest to prevent movement

    Preventing movement worsens the static-work problem.

  4. DReplace sitting with uninterrupted standing

    Prolonged standing also lacks postural variation.

Reference: OSHA Computer Workstations, position changes. https://www.osha.gov/etools/computer-workstations/positions

02Which messenger initiates skeletal muscle excitation at the motor end plate?

Practice question Unit: Anatomy and Physiology

  1. AAcetylcholine ✓ Correct answer

    Motor neurons release ACh to activate end-plate receptors.

  2. BInsulin

    Insulin is a metabolic hormone, not the motor-end-plate transmitter.

  3. CThyroxine

    Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone, not the local neuromuscular signal.

  4. DCortisol

    Cortisol is a steroid hormone, not the transmitter released here.

Reference: NISMAT Muscle Physiology Primer, motor end plate. https://nismat.org/patient-care/patient-education/fitness/exercise-physiology-primer/muscle-physiology-primer/

03New unilateral calf pain and swelling raise concern for DVT. What is appropriate?

Practice question Unit: Clinical Decision Making and Differential Diagnosis

  1. AUrgent medical assessment ✓ Correct answer

    Unilateral calf pain and swelling can indicate DVT and warrant urgent assessment.

  2. BRoutine review next month

    Waiting a month postpones assessment of a potentially dangerous clot.

  3. CIgnore swelling without bruising

    Bruising is not required among the listed DVT warning symptoms.

  4. DComplete exercise before referral

    Completing the exercise session must not delay medical assessment of suspected DVT.

Reference: NHS, Urgent advice. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/

04A patient has new unexplained pain and wants to start home TENS. What comes first?

Practice question Unit: Physical Agents

  1. ASeek clinical assessment ✓ Correct answer

    Establish the cause before self-treatment.

  2. BUse maximum current

    High current does not establish a diagnosis.

  3. CIgnore the cause

    An unexplained symptom needs assessment.

  4. DUse it during sleep

    Sleep is an unsafe use setting.

Reference: What TENS is for. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/

05A healthy adult asks for the WHO weekly moderate aerobic activity range. Which is correct?

Practice question Unit: Therapeutic Exercises and Techniques

  1. A150–300 minutes ✓ Correct answer

    The recommendation is expressed in weekly minutes.

  2. B15–30 minutes

    This is below the recommended weekly range.

  3. C150–300 seconds

    Seconds are the wrong unit.

  4. D150–300 minutes every day

    The stated range is weekly, not daily.

Reference: WHO Europe Physical activity, 2021, Adults, aerobic recommendation. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/physical-activity

06An older adult completes the CDC TUG in exactly 12 seconds. How should this result be classified?

Practice question Unit: Physical Therapy in Special Populations

  1. AMeets the fall-risk time threshold ✓ Correct answer

    The CDC threshold includes 12 seconds.

  2. BBelow the fall-risk time threshold

    The threshold is inclusive, not strictly greater than 12.

  3. CConfirms a neurological diagnosis

    This is a risk indicator, not a neurological diagnosis.

  4. DInvalid unless repeated barefoot

    Regular footwear is permitted.

Reference: CDC STEADI assessment, p.1. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/media/pdfs/STEADI-Assessment-TUG-508.pdf

07For stable COPD, which rehabilitation decision matches the ATS recommendation?

Practice question Unit: Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy

  1. AOffer pulmonary rehabilitation ✓ Correct answer

    This matches the stated recommendation or component.

  2. BWait for another exacerbation

    Stability is not a reason to defer.

  3. CExclude all stable patients

    Stable COPD is included.

  4. DRequire lung surgery first

    Surgery is not required.

Reference: Summary of Recommendations, 1. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202306-1066ST

08A young athlete feels ready to resume practice after concussion. What is required before returning?

Practice question Unit: Sports Physical Therapy

  1. AHealthcare-provider approval and supervision ✓ Correct answer

    Clinical approval and supervision are required.

  2. BCoach approval alone

    The coach cannot replace medical clearance.

  3. CA fixed three-day wait only

    Recovery is not established by a fixed three-day delay.

  4. DA normal appetite alone

    Appetite alone does not establish readiness.

Reference: CDC HEADS UP, 15 September 2025, 6-Step introduction. https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/guidelines/returning-to-sports.html

09A stable stroke survivor wants to walk farther to nearby shops. Which rehabilitation approach best targets that goal?

Practice question Unit: Neurorehabilitation

  1. AProgressive practice of walking tasks ✓ Correct answer

    Repeated practice directly addresses the chosen mobility task.

  2. BPassive ankle movement alone

    Passive movement does not practise the walking task.

  3. CEducation without movement practice

    Information alone omits the required task practice.

  4. DUnchanging exercise unrelated to walking

    Training should progress and match the functional goal.

Reference: Canadian Stroke Best Practices, 2025, recommendation 4.1.1. https://www.strokebestpractices.ca/recommendations/stroke-rehabilitation-delivery/4-lower-extremity-balance-mobility-and-aerobic-training

10Which presentation fits chronic primary low back pain?

Practice question Unit: Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

  1. AFour months without an identified underlying disease ✓ Correct answer

    Duration and absence of an explanatory disease fit the definition.

  2. BTwo days after a fall

    This short history does not meet the chronic definition.

  3. CPain explained by an established spinal infection

    An identified underlying disease excludes the primary category.

  4. DOne week of symptoms

    One week is below the duration threshold.

Reference: WHO low back pain quick reference, p.1. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/mca-documents/ageing/lbp/summary_who_guideline_lower-back-pain_brochure_v7.pdf?sfvrsn=80aec829_1

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