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NCSPrep.com offers learning by problem-solving rather than pure memorization. It is intended to support and augment self-study in preparation for the NCS exam by testing your knowledge through complex cases and thoroughly explaining the reasoning behind each answer. The NCSPrep resources now also include extensive checklists to identify gaps in knowledge, study plans to keep you on track, and study advice specific to the 2027 exam.
97% pass rate vs 67% national average
Free Study Resources
Preparing for the NCS exam can be challenging, but there are many free resources to help you. Check out our recommended resources - and before you go, don't forget to read the interviews with past test takers for valuable insights.
These are checklists created by the content creators at NCSPrep and adjusted each year to reflect the many subtopics on the NCS exam. Use these lists to identify gaps in knowledge and to ensure you don't miss any essential information. These lists can also be found in each chapter of NCS Exam: 115 Case-Based Questions, Explanations, and Study Plan (2027)
This is a virtual test environment to practice the actual computer software you’ll be using to take the exam. It is important to be comfortable with navigating through the exam questions and practice how to use all the features that will augment your test, including the ability to highlight parts of a case, flag questions to return to later, and create comments.
Knowing which outcome measures have the highest evidence based on each patient population is essential for tackling the complex cases on the NCS Exam. This section gives you access to the most recent recommendations compiled by the APTA Edge Task Force. Each measure is separated by inpatient, outpatient, acute, or chronic, and is organized by component of the ICF model.
Making judgment calls based on best-available evidence is a cornerstone of the NCS exam. Pertinent research articles are integrated throughout the NCS Prep books and the cases are designed to integrate all articles from the recommended article list created by the ANPT.
Learn by problem-solving through case-based study questions in the same format, complexity, and challenge of the questions on the NCS exam. Each practice question is hand-picked to target a different aspect of the various topics needed for evidenced-based practice in neurologic rehabilitation. All questions include detailed explanations and cite relevant research articles so the reader can find more information on any of the topics covered on the NCS exam.
This section gives you a sample of a weekly study plan and calendar to help keep you on track. Use these tools to spend the right amount of time on each topic and to ensure you pace yourself during your long study journey. This study plan can be used either as a self-study guide, or in conjunction with video-based prep courses.
Coming soon! These fact sheets can be used to supplement niche topics and bring you up to date on current recommendations.
Three individuals share their insights on how they successfully navigated the study process, managed all the complex information, and tackled the exam. During this online focus group, they were able to discuss what worked and what didn't work for them, providing valuable advice to help you with your studying journey.
Coming soon! This section will give free detailed reviews to summarize and highlight key points of these high impact articles. Estimated completion date: 8/15/26
#1
TRUSTED SOURCE
15
YEARS OF SUCCESS
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The Shepherd & Adams Method
Time Tested
For over 15 years, the Shepherd & Adams NCS Exam Study Series has served as the definitive, trusted companion for physical therapists preparing to earn their Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) board certification. As the largest and longest-running prep resource available, our materials are designed specifically to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world clinical practice. Unlike generic, high-volume question banks, NCSPrep.com offers learning by problem-solving rather than pure memorization. It is intended to support and augment self-study in preparation for the NCS exam by testing your knowledge through complex cases and thoroughly explaining the reasoning behind each answer. The NCSPrep resources now also include extensive checklists to identify gaps in knowledge, study plans to keep you on track, and study advice specific to the 2027 exam.
Flagship Study Guide
Our 250-page guide centers on case-based learning. Designed to teach clinical judgment rather than simple rote recall, every edition features multi-layered complex cases, an evidence-based rationale for every answer, and extensive references grounded in current research, APTA Neurology Section resources, and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs).
Every question, explanation, research reference, and strategy in the Shepherd & Adams series is authored entirely by veteran clinical leaders who are deeply versed in neurologic practice and how the ABPTS creates questions to reflect this. The products by Shepherd & Adams have not used AI in any form.
Take Advantage of our Free Resources
From a structured, 5-phase study guide and day-to-day preparation calendar to diagnostic checklists and difficulty-level ratings, our platform and materials are built to help you pinpoint knowledge gaps and streamline your study time where it matters most. Explore our additional free study resources, practice tools, and verify you hold the latest edition right here at NCSPrep.com.
Explore the Collection
Learn by problem-solving through case-based study questions in the same format, complexity, and challenge of the questions on the NCS exam. Each practice question is hand-picked to target a different aspect of the various topics needed for evidenced-based practice in neurologic rehabilitation. All questions include detailed explanations and cite relevant research articles so the reader can find more information on any of the topics covered on the NCS exam.
