Section 2636.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall receive a license under this chapter without first successfully passing the following examinations:

(1) An examination under the direction of the board to demonstrate the applicant's knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of physical therapy in California. The examination shall reasonably test the applicant's knowledge of these laws and regulations.

(2) The national physical therapy examination for the applicant's licensure category. The examination for licensure as a physical therapist shall test entry-level competence to practice physical therapy. The examination for licensure as a physical therapist assistant shall test entry-level competence to practice as a physical therapist assistant in the technical application of physical therapy services.

(b) An applicant may take the examinations for licensure as a physical therapist or for licensure as a physical therapist assistant after the applicant has met the educational requirements for that particular category of licensure.

(c) The examinations required by the board for a license under this chapter may be conducted by the board or by a public or private organization specified by the board. The examinations may be conducted under a uniform examination system and, for that purpose, the board may make arrangements with organizations furnishing examination materials as may, in its discretion, be desirable.

(d) The board shall establish a passing score for the examinations for licensure as a physical therapist and for the examinations for licensure as a physical therapist assistant. The board shall issue a license to an applicant who is otherwise qualified for licensure under this chapter and who receives a passing score as established by the board on the examinations.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 301, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)