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CHT Certified Hand Therapist Exam Practice Test

122 questions available

The CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) certification, administered by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), represents the pinnacle of professional achievement in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. This rigorous credential validates an occupational or physical therapist's advanced clinical competency, specialized knowledge, and commitment to evidence-based practice in treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Earning the CHT designation signifies mastery of a complex body of knowledge encompassing anatomy, pathology, surgical and non-surgical interventions, custom orthotic fabrication, and sophisticated rehabilitation protocols. It is the only certification of its kind recognized across the healthcare industry for hand therapy specialization. Holders of the CHT credential are distinguished as experts, often leading clinical programs, contributing to research, and setting the standard for patient care in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and academic institutions. The certification requires significant clinical experience and successful completion of a comprehensive examination, ensuring that CHTs possess the depth of skill necessary to manage the most challenging upper quadrant cases.

122 Practice Questions
2 hours 2 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bank 122 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
HTCC122 practice questions8 answers with a checkable referenceBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

8 of 122 answers carry a checkable reference.

Assess Upper Limb and Relevant Patient Characteristics

A 31-year-old cyclist is seen at a second-opinion visit. reports cold intolerance and color change after a table-saw digital revascularization. The digit is pink at rest, but symptoms appear after brief exposure to a cold therapy pack. The referral note is incomplete, and the patient brings a phone photo of the injury but no operative report. Which measurement is most relevant to document?

Assess Upper Limb and Relevant Patient Characteristics

A 22-year-old violin student is seen 10 days after injury. has a ring-finger laceration repaired in the emergency department. The fingertip is warm, but two-point discrimination is greater than 15 mm on one side and normal on the other. The referral note is incomplete, and the patient brings a phone photo of the injury but no operative report. Which conclusion is most appropriate?

Determine Prognosis and Individualized Plan of Care

A 17-year-old pitcher is seen after a weekend symptom flare. has mild carpal tunnel symptoms for two months, no thenar atrophy, normal two-point discrimination, and symptoms mainly at night while caring for a newborn. The referral note is incomplete, and the patient brings a phone photo of the injury but no operative report. Which initial plan is best?

Determine Prognosis and Individualized Plan of Care

A 34-year-old dental hygienist is seen 10 days after injury. has a clean zone I FDP avulsion repaired within 48 hours. The surgeon allows early protected motion, but the patient lives alone and has poor medication organization. The referral note is incomplete, and the patient brings a phone photo of the injury but no operative report. Which plan best matches prognosis and safety?

Determine Prognosis and Individualized Plan of Care

A 61-year-old seamstress is seen after immobilization was removed. has mild carpal tunnel symptoms for two months, no thenar atrophy, normal two-point discrimination, and symptoms mainly at night while caring for a newborn. The patient also reports sleep disruption and is worried about missing work, although vital signs are stable. Which initial plan is best?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

Achieving the CHT certification is a transformative career milestone that confers immediate professional credibility and industry-wide recognition. It formally distinguishes you as an expert in a highly specialized and in-demand field, directly impacting career trajectory through eligibility for advanced clinical roles, leadership positions, and increased compensation. For employers and referral sources, the CHT credential serves as a trusted benchmark of quality and expertise, enhancing practice reputation and patient trust. It demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and the highest standards of patient care, solidifying your status as a leader within the rehabilitation community and opening doors to consulting, teaching, and publishing opportunities.

Exam Blueprint

Each domain is weighted to match the real certification exam, so a full practice simulation predicts your result.

01Implement Plan of Care and Therapeutic Interventions
32%
02Assess Upper Limb and Relevant Patient Characteristics
26%
03Fundamental Knowledge and Basic Science
22%
04Determine Prognosis and Individualized Plan of Care
20%

Exam Details CHT

Exam Code CHT
Vendor HTCC
Question Types Multiple choice (100%)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the CHT exam?

Candidates must hold a current, unrestricted license as an occupational therapist or physical therapist in the United States, Canada, or equivalent. Additionally, they must have a minimum of five years of clinical experience post-licensure, with at least 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy within those years. Documentation of experience is required as part of the application process.

How is the CHT exam structured and what is the format?

The CHT exam is a computer-based test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions, of which 175 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. Candidates are allotted four hours to complete the exam. The questions are based on the official HTCC exam blueprint, which outlines the percentage of questions from each domain, including Clinical Practice, Hand Therapy Foundations, and Professional Practice.

What is the recertification process for the CHT credential?

The CHT credential is valid for five years. Recertification can be achieved either by retaking and passing the current CHT examination or by completing a minimum of 80 continuing education contact hours (CECHs) specifically related to hand and upper extremity rehabilitation during the five-year certification period, along with maintaining an active, unrestricted therapy license.

How does the CHT certification differ from a certificate program or specialization?

The CHT is a formal, legally protected certification granted by an independent accrediting body (HTCC) following a rigorous, standardized examination. It is a nationally recognized credential. Certificate programs or clinical specializations are typically educational courses offered by institutions or associations and do not confer the same level of independent validation or industry-wide portability as the CHT.

What are the primary resources recommended for CHT exam preparation?

The HTCC strongly recommends using the official 'CHT Examination Reference List' as a primary guide. Core resources include authoritative textbooks such as *Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity* (Skirven et al.), *Clinical Management of the Wrist* (Slutsky), and *Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation* (Burke et al.). Utilizing the official HTCC exam blueprint to guide study focus is considered essential.