Written examinations

15. The written examination provided for in sections 12 and 13 of P.L.1983, c.296 (C.45:9-37.22 and C.45:9-37.23) and section 21 of P.L.2003, c.18 (C.45:9-37.34b) shall test the applicant's knowledge of basic and clinical sciences as they relate to physical therapy and physical therapy theory and procedures and any other subjects the board may deem useful to test the applicant's fitness to practice physical therapy or act as a physical therapist assistant. Examinations shall be held within the State at a time and place to be determined by the board. The board shall give adequate written notice of the examination to applicants for licensure and examination. If an applicant fails his first examination, the applicant may take a second examination no more than two years from the date of the initial examination. Additional examinations may be given at the discretion of the board. The board shall allow a student enrolled in an accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education program and who has completed all the required didactic coursework, to take the National Physical Therapy Examination prior to graduation, provided the student submits with the application a letter on the official letterhead of the accredited educational institution where the applicant is completing an accredited educational program that includes the signature of the program director, the department chairperson or a similarly authorized person of the university or college that states: a. The applicant is a candidate for a degree as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant at the next scheduled graduation date; b. The date the national examination for licensure is to be taken by the applicant is the one nearest to and before the applicant's expected graduation date and is not more than 120 days before the date of the applicant's expected graduation date; and c. The applicant meets any other established requirements of the accredited educational program, if applicable.