Physical Therapy Aide Certification (CPTA) 2025 Exam Update!

December 13, 2024
American Allied Health (AAH) updates its certification exams every three years to align with industry advancements. Starting February 3, 2025, the Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) exam will include updated content reviewed by the AAH Board of Examiners. Read to learn more.

• • • • • CPTA EXAM UPDATE GOES LIVE FEBRUARY 3, 2025 • • • • •

 

2025 Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) Exam Update

The physical therapy field is evolving, and American Allied Health (AAH) is committed to keeping pace with industry advancements. To maintain the relevance and rigor of its certification exams, AAH updates its national certification exams on a three-year rotating cycle. The AAH Board of Examiners meticulously reviews each update to ensure alignment with the latest industry standards. As part of this process, the Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) exam will feature updated content starting February 3, 2025.

 

Key Changes to the CPTA Exam

The upcoming updates to the CPTA exam are designed to reflect the evolving landscape of physical therapy. These updates focus on ensuring that candidates have the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to excel in their roles. 

 

Who is impacted?

What Does This Mean for Testing Partners?

Testing partners who prepare students for PTA testing will want to make sure they have the updated KSAs to properly prepare students for the six updated and consolidated competencies. Starting on February 3, 2025, you can log in and view our updated topical study guide and our new extensive premium study guide. The premium study guide, which costs $39, can be purchased under resources in your member account. 

What Does This Mean to an Individual Currently Registered for the PTA Exam?

If you are registered to take the CPTA exam and plan to test on or after February 3, 2025, ensure you are familiar with the updated competencies. The new topical study guide and practice exams will be fully updated, and we advise you to utilize both resources before taking your exam on or after February 3rd. 

 

The New Six Core Competency Areas

 

The Updated KSAs for AAH’s CPTA Exam

Medical Terminology and Abbreviations

Master the use of medical terminology, including abbreviations, acronyms, and word parts (prefixes, roots, and suffixes). Gain the skills to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues while performing job-related tasks accurately.

Law, Ethics, and Professionalism

Learn to navigate healthcare laws confidently, uphold professional behavior, and apply ethical decision-making strategies in daily workplace scenarios.

Safety and Infection Control

Develop proficiency in safe patient handling, transfer, and mobility techniques. Emphasize the use of personal protective equipment, adherence to infection control practices, and standard precautions to maintain a safe healthcare environment.

Anatomy and Physiology

Acquire a thorough understanding of key systems' anatomy and physiological functions, including the musculoskeletal, cardiac, neurologic, and integumentary systems, to enhance patient care and treatment.

Medical Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy

Identify and understand common conditions treated with physical therapy across different body systems. Explore the unique considerations for special populations, such as pediatric and older adult patients, ensuring inclusive and effective care.

Physical Therapy Modalities

Gain expertise in applying physical therapy principles, modalities, and specialized clinical procedures. Learn to effectively treat common medical conditions and improve patient outcomes.

 

New Physical Therapy Aide Premium Study Guide

AAH is launching a new Premium Study Guide to support educators and students in preparing for the updated Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) exam. This comprehensive resource enhances exam preparation by providing targeted content aligned with the revised exam structure.

Why Choose the Premium Study Guide?

The Premium Study Guide is crafted to:

  • Simplify complex concepts.
  • Align with AAH’s practice exam material
  • Offer actionable insights to build confidence for test day.

Availability:

  • Release Date: February 2025
  • For Educators: Request a Premium Study Guide code for your students by emailing us at Partners@AmericanAlliedHealth.com.
  • For Students: Students paying for the exam independently can purchase the Premium Study Guide directly through their AAH account upon registration.

 

New Physical Therapy Aide Topical Study Guide & Practice Exams

To support educators and students in preparing for the updated CPTA exam, AAH has updated the topical study guide and practice exams to reflect the new consolidated competencies and provide relevant sample test questions.  

Availability:

  • Release Date: February 2025
  • For Educators: You can find the updated topical study guide within the Support tab under Resources in your Partner Dashboard. 
  • For Students: Once registered for the exam, you will receive instant access to the topical study guide and practice exams. You can access both after logging into your account. You can log in here.

 

Start Your Journey as a Physical Therapy Aide

Becoming a Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) is a gateway to a fulfilling career in healthcare. PTAs are critical in helping patients recover and improve their quality of life. 

AAH’s online certification exam makes gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed easier than ever. With a free topical study guide and free practice exams, the streamlined certification process empowers you to prepare for the exam on your schedule so you can certify with confidence and become a nationally certified PTA. PTAs are in high demand, offering you job stability, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives.

Embrace the opportunity to join the growing community of Certified Physical Therapy Aides; take the first step toward a rewarding career in physical therapy and register today. If you have already registered, you can log in here.  

For more details, contact us at Support@AmericanAlliedHealth.com.