FSBPT to Implement Updated Coursework Tool for International PT Applicants in 2027

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is updating a key regulatory tool, Coursework Tool 7 (CWT7), which is used to evaluate internationally educated applicants. This update is scheduled to take effect on January 1st, 2027.

Each state decides whether to adopt the updated tools. In Washington, the Board of Physical Therapy accepts the coursework tool that corresponds with the year an applicant graduated if the program was not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

What is the Coursework Tool?

Coursework Tool 7 is a standardized framework used to compare an internationally educated applicant’s academic and clinical education with CAPTE-accredited U.S. programs.

The tool helps determine whether an applicant’s education is substantially equivalent to U.S. standards, which is required for licensure.

For physical therapists, Coursework Tool 7:

• Benchmarks education against the U.S. Doctor of Physical Therapy degree

• Reviews advanced curriculum, credit hours, and clinical education

• Assesses readiness for independent practice, including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning

Why this matters

For patients and providers in Washington, the updated tools help:

• Protect patients by applying consistent educational standards

• Ensure transparency and fairness for internationally educated applicants

• Support workforce integrity while maintaining safe access to care