Physiotherapist exam questions
MSK, neuro, cardiopulmonary, electrotherapy and professional practice.
DHA PHY5121Pass 50%4 papers · 582 Qs
What is riding on this exam
~AED 880
Exam fee, per attempt
Published by DHA. Paid again on every re-sit.
3
Attempts - in total
The cap is three across all UAE authorities, not three each.
50%
Pass mark
Pass or fail only. Your score is never released.
One failed attempt costs you the fee again, plus months of delay on your licence, your visa and your start date. This bank costs about a 4th of one exam fee.
Try two questions from this bank
Real questions from the bank - pick an answer to see the rationale and reference.
Q1Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
According to Maitland's classification, which grade of oscillatory mobilization is a small-amplitude movement performed at the end of the available range and is used primarily to increase joint mobility?
Choose an answer to see the rationale.
Q2Cardiopulmonary / Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
A day-one post-operative patient after abdominal surgery is reluctant to cough because of pain. The most effective physiotherapy strategy to promote an effective cough is to:
Choose an answer to see the rationale.
Not sure where you stand? Sit 25 of these questions free, timed at real exam pace, and see which domains you are weakest in.
Take the free mock exam →Liked those? The full bank has 582 questions at this standard - every one with a rationale and a reference.
Get the full bank - AED 249What's inside
- ✓4 full-length papers (~150 Q each)
- ✓582 questions, no overlap between papers
- ✓Four options, one unambiguous best answer
- ✓A full rationale on every question
- ✓A real guideline or textbook reference
- ✓Every sub-topic in the published blueprint
Exam route by authority
| Authority | Delivered by | Specialist title |
|---|---|---|
| DHA - Dubai | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| DOH - Abu Dhabi | Pearson VUE | Computer-based MCQ |
| MOHAP - Northern Emirates | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| SCFHS - Saudi Arabia | Prometric / Pearson | Computer-based MCQ |
| QCHP - Qatar | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| NHRA - Bahrain | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| OMSB - Oman | Prometric | MCQ then oral viva |
Assessment mode depends on your licence title as well as your profession. Confirm your own route on your Sheryan / TAMM eligibility notice.
What the Physiotherapist exam covers
The published blueprint for this exam breaks into 12 domains and 195 testable sub-topics. Our bank covers every one of them - here is the full map, so you can see exactly what you are expected to know.
Anatomy, Physiology & Basic Sciences~12%16 topics
- Musculoskeletal anatomy: bones, joints, ligaments, muscles - origins, insertions, actions and innervation
- Surface anatomy and palpation landmarks
- Peripheral nervous system: spinal nerve roots, plexuses (brachial, lumbosacral), dermatomes and myotomes
- Central nervous system organization: cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem, spinal cord tracts (corticospinal, dorsal columns, spinothalamic)
- Muscle physiology: sliding filament theory, motor unit recruitment, fiber types (I/IIa/IIx), length-tension relationship
- Neurophysiology: action potential, synaptic transmission, reflex arcs, muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ
- +10 more in the bank
Kinesiology, Biomechanics & Ergonomics~8%15 topics
- Planes and axes of movement; osteokinematics vs arthrokinematics
- Joint classification, arthrokinematic motions (roll, glide, spin) and convex-concave rule
- Muscle mechanics: agonist/antagonist/synergist, force couples, active and passive insufficiency
- Levers, torque, moment arms and mechanical advantage
- Newton's laws, force, vectors, center of gravity and base of support
- Normal gait cycle: stance and swing phases, kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity
- +9 more in the bank
Patient Assessment, Clinical Decision Making & Differential Diagnosis~8%17 topics
- Subjective history taking and clinical interview
- Observation, inspection and postural screening
- Palpation of soft tissue, joints and bony landmarks
- Active, passive and resisted range of motion testing; goniometry
- Manual muscle testing (Oxford/MRC grading 0-5)
- Joint end-feel interpretation (normal and abnormal)
- +11 more in the bank
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation~12%18 topics
- Spinal conditions: mechanical low back pain, disc herniation, radiculopathy, spondylolisthesis, stenosis
- Cervical conditions: cervical spondylosis, whiplash, cervicogenic headache, torticollis
- Shoulder disorders: rotator cuff tears/tendinopathy, impingement, adhesive capsulitis, instability, AC joint
- Elbow/wrist/hand: lateral and medial epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's, Dupuytren's
- Hip disorders: osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, bursitis, labral tears
- Knee disorders: ACL/PCL/meniscal injuries, patellofemoral pain, OA, tendinopathies
- +12 more in the bank
Neurological Physiotherapy & Neurorehabilitation~12%18 topics
- Stroke (CVA): types, hemiplegia management, motor recovery stages (Brunnstrom), synergies
- Traumatic brain injury: cognitive and physical rehabilitation, Rancho Los Amigos levels
- Spinal cord injury: complete/incomplete, ASIA scale, level-specific outcomes, autonomic dysreflexia
- Parkinson's disease: rigidity, bradykinesia, gait freezing, cueing strategies, LSVT BIG
- Multiple sclerosis: fatigue management, spasticity, exacerbation considerations
- Guillain-Barre syndrome and peripheral neuropathies
- +12 more in the bank
Cardiopulmonary / Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy~8%16 topics
- Respiratory assessment: auscultation, breath sounds, chest expansion, cough evaluation
- Interpretation of ABGs, pulse oximetry (SpO2), spirometry and PFTs
- Airway clearance techniques: postural drainage, percussion, vibration, ACBT, autogenic drainage
- Breathing exercises: diaphragmatic, pursed-lip, segmental, incentive spirometry
- COPD and asthma management and pulmonary rehabilitation
- Pneumonia, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and restrictive lung disease
- +10 more in the bank
Electrotherapy, Physical Agents & Hydrotherapy~10%18 topics
- Principles of electrotherapy: current types (DC, AC, pulsed), parameters and dosage
- TENS: conventional, acupuncture-like, burst modes; electrode placement and pain modulation
- Interferential current (IFC) and Russian/NMES for muscle stimulation
- Electrical stimulation for muscle re-education and denervated muscle
- Iontophoresis: drug delivery principles
- Therapeutic ultrasound: continuous vs pulsed, thermal and non-thermal effects, BNR, dosage
- +12 more in the bank
Therapeutic Exercise & Exercise Prescription~10%17 topics
- Range of motion exercises: passive, active-assisted, active
- Stretching techniques: static, dynamic, ballistic, PNF (hold-relax, contract-relax)
- Strength training principles: overload, progression, specificity, SAID principle
- Types of muscle contraction training: isometric, isotonic (concentric/eccentric), isokinetic
- Resistance training methods: free weights, machines, elastic bands, body weight
- Endurance and aerobic conditioning; FITT principle
- +11 more in the bank
Physical Therapy in Special Populations~12%17 topics
- Pediatric conditions: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), Erb's palsy
- Developmental milestones, reflexes and delay assessment
- Pediatric handling, positioning and family-centered care
- Geriatric physiotherapy: age-related physiological changes, sarcopenia, frailty
- Falls risk assessment and prevention in the elderly
- Dementia, cognitive impairment and rehabilitation adaptations
- +11 more in the bank
Sports Physiotherapy~8%15 topics
- Sports injury mechanisms and classification (acute vs overuse)
- Acute injury management: PRICE/POLICE principles
- Common sports injuries: hamstring strain, groin, ankle sprain, ACL, tennis/golfer's elbow
- Concussion recognition and graded return-to-play protocols
- On-field/pitch-side assessment and immediate management
- Pre-participation screening and injury prevention programs (e.g. FIFA 11+)
- +9 more in the bank
Integumentary, Wound Care & Tissue Management~4% (est.)12 topics
- Skin structure, function and healing physiology
- Wound assessment: staging of pressure ulcers, wound bed characteristics, measurement
- Pressure ulcer prevention: positioning, offloading, support surfaces
- Wound cleansing, debridement principles and dressing selection
- Scar management: massage, pressure garments, silicone
- Burn wound classification (superficial, partial, full thickness) and rehabilitation
- +6 more in the bank
Professional Practice, Ethics, Safety & Evidence-Based Practice~6% (est.)16 topics
- Professional standards, scope of practice and regulatory frameworks (DHA/DOH/MOHAP/SCFHS/QCHP/NHRA/OMSB)
- Ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice; informed consent
- Patient confidentiality and data protection
- Documentation, record keeping and medico-legal responsibilities
- Infection prevention and control; standard precautions and hand hygiene
- Patient safety, risk management and incident reporting
- +10 more in the bank
Before you book your exam
Physiotherapist licensing in the GCC
Requirements, timelines and salary by country
Do I need to sit a Prometric exam?
Check the format and pass mark for your authority
Am I eligible to apply?
Free eligibility check against the PQR criteria
Licensing in the UAE
DHA, DOH and MOHAP compared
Exam preparation support
One-to-one guidance alongside the question banks
Guides and articles
Dataflow, PCC, exam booking and relocation
Frequently asked questions
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Your route depends on your profession, your licence title and the authority. We have guided over 1,000 professionals through GCC licensing - tell us your situation and we will confirm exactly what you need to sit.