How exam scores and score reports work: NBCOT, NPTE, and the SLP exam
The NPTE is reported on a 200 to 800 scale and FSBPT states the passing standard is a scaled score of 600. ASHA states the current passing score on the national SLP exam for ASHA certification is 162 on a 100–200 scale. NBCOT releases OTR and COTA results on its scoring calendar and sends a feedback report after a failed attempt; NBCOT’s handbook points to a separate scoring document, so no NBCOT passing score is quoted here.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
NBCOT (OTR and COTA)
NBCOT’s Certification Exam Handbook (PDF, ID 40 rev092526), checked November 10, 2026, answers “HOW ARE THE EXAMS SCORED?” this way: “For information on how the certification exams are scored, please review the Foundations of the NBCOT Certification Exams.” That document was not read for this page, so no NBCOT scale or passing score is given.
On results, the handbook states: “After the exam is administered, your exam will be scored by NBCOT. Scores are released according to the NBCOT Exam Scoring Calendar. You can view your results through your MyNBCOT account after the exam has been scored.” NBCOT’s Scoring page states that if you want your result on a specific scoring date, “you MUST take your exam a minimum of three days before that score release date.” The calendar on that page did not render in a plain read on November 10, 2026, so no score dates are copied.
NBCOT’s After your exam page states: “If you pass the exam, you will be notified via email when your exam result has been posted online.” It says you will also receive a congratulatory letter “that includes your overall score”. If you do not pass, it states: “If you do not pass the exam, you will receive a feedback report in your MyNBCOT account.” The handbook states that the feedback report “will include the overall score along with domain-level performance information and an explanation for interpreting your overall and domain-level performance.” It adds: “The information on the domain areas is provided for diagnostic purposes only.”
On reporting to states and employers, the handbook lists “Score Transfer” and “Eligibility Confirmation Notice (State and Employer)” and states: “The candidate is responsible for contacting the occupational therapy state regulatory board or employer to determine which service(s) is required.” Fees are not copied here.
FSBPT (NPTE for PTs and PTAs)
FSBPT’s NPTE Candidate Handbook (PDF, version 2025.02) states: “The NPTE uses scaled scores to make sure test scores are comparable.” It explains that raw scores are converted to scaled scores, and: “This process converts raw scores to a scale that ranges from 200 to 800.” It continues:
All jurisdiction licensing authorities have adopted the same criterion-referenced passing standard for the NPTE. Although FSBPT reports scores ranging from 200 to 800, the NPTE is a pass/fail examination.
It also states: “The passing standard is a scaled score of 600; therefore, any score of 600 or higher is a passing score, and any score below 600 is a failing score.” And: “Please note that a score of 800 does not equal a perfect score–it is only the highest score that FSBPT reports.”
FSBPT’s After the Exam page states that FSBPT will transmit your score to the licensing authority to which you applied, and: “FSBPT provides a free score report to candidates for a period of time after each fixed-date administration.” The handbook states: “The free score report posted to your dashboard includes only your scaled score and score status.” The After the Exam page also states: “ALL SCORES are subject to validation prior to being released and FSBPT is the sole authority on whether a score is released to any entity.” And: “Note: FSBPT does not release examination questions or answers.” Report fees are not copied here.
Speech-language pathology (national SLP exam)
ASHA’s SLP national examination page, checked November 10, 2026, states that the current passing score for purposes of ASHA certification is 162 (on a 100–200 scale). It states that ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology “(CFCC) appoints subject matter experts and makes a final determination for the passing score.” It also states: “The examination content, format, and passing standards will remain unchanged.” as the program moves to PSI.
On where results go, it states: “Results of the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology submitted for initial certification must come directly to ASHA from ETS.” And: “Results of the National Speech-Language Pathology Examination must come directly to ASHA from PSI.”
On state passing scores, it states: “Each state determines its passing score for professional licensure and teacher credentialing. Most states adopt the same score as required for ASHA certification, but in some states the examination score for licensure or teacher credentialing may be higher or lower than the ASHA passing score.” Check the state board in the directory.
What this page does not do
It copies no score calendars, report fees, or release dates, and it does not predict scores. For what to do after you pass, see after the exam. For what happens if you do not pass, see exam retakes.