I failed the first time (Oct 30, 2013 - score of 594) but passed the Jan 29th Exam. I thought the first time was easy but failed, the second time I thought it was hard but I passed. A few words of advice for you guys:
So...I was probably right about the two tests I took. I really honestly believe the first test was indeed easier than the second time I took it (at least IMO). Meaning it had more "simple questions" and the Jan 29th had more "harder questions".
The first time I just flew by the questions I knew, read the same question 2-3 times just to be sure, answer, and move on. For the questions I had NO IDEA, I would just completely guess (25% chance)! I mean, I didn't want to waste so much time on the questions I didn't know, and just work on the questions I DID know for sure. This is why I most likely failed.
The second time around, when I came across questions I had NO IDEA of the answer (I mean, I have never even heard of this topic my entire 3 years of PT school), what I would do is look for clues in the question.
For example (and this is an easy example, but you get the gist): If it says: "The patient complains of a burning pain sensation, blah blah blah, etc..what is the most likely cause?"
A. Median nerve
B. Lateral Cutaneous nerve
C. Pronator teres trigger point
D. Partial Supinator tear
You should know the answer is a nerve problem (The word burning is the clue). Cross out any muscle, joint or other pathology, and the answer is a nerve problem. If there are 2 nerve answers, then at least you give yourself a 50% chance, rather than a 25% chance.
The NPTE is all about WORDING.
Another example.
The question finishes with: "blah blah blah, etc., What is the best exercise for this patient?".
A. 5 Reps of 10 lbs. abduction
B. 10 Reps of 5 lbs. flexion
C. Call the nurse, the patient is suffering from ketoacidosis
D. Activate the emergency system
Wow, I have no idea! But, the key word is "exercise". So I KNOW it's not answer C or D! Now I have a 50% chance by picking A or B!
HOWEVER, if it says:
The question finishes with: "blah blah blah, etc., What is the appropriate action for this patient?".
NOW, the answer can be A, B, C, or D! Then you will have to look for other clues in the question to rule out two or even 3 answer choices.
I use to think: "concentrate on what you know, and just blow off the ones you don't know because it's a waste of time, because if you dont know it, you're wasting your time thinking and you will get it wrong anyway!" Wrong!
I reasoned out every question I didn't know (and there was ALOT I didn't know this time), and I end up passing somehow. There were not a lot of simple questions (IMO) on the Jan 29th test, and just by looking at the WORDING, I believe it is why I passed.
Disclaimer: This is only my speculation and my 2 cents!