Podiatric medicine students and graduates take the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE), run by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME). This page has free practice sets grouped by topic, worked explanations for sample questions, and the key exam facts: 205 items, a passing scaled score of 75, 4 hours of testing, and a fee of $925 per examination.
The DPM has 205 questions, takes about 4 hours and costs $925[1][2][3] (National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE, verified Oct 25, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 205 items (150 scored + 55 pretest)[1] | National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 4 hours of testing (5-hour appointment)[2] | National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 75 (scale 55–99)[1] | National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $925 per examination[3] | National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake policy | No limit on attempts (state boards may restrict)[4] | National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | Meazure Learning test centers (U.S.)[2] | National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Students and graduates of CPME-accredited colleges of podiatric medicine[2] | National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE · Oct 25, 2026 |
According to National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE, “The APMLE consists of 205 items. One hundred fifty items are calibrated and scored.”[1]
The APMLE is the licensing examination for podiatric physicians in the United States. NBPME runs it, and state licensing boards use the results when they decide on licensure.
Who can sit for it. Only students and graduates of CPME-accredited colleges of podiatric medicine are eligible. If you are unsure whether you qualify, check with your college and with NBPME before you register.
Delivery and timing. You take the exam at a Meazure Learning test center in the U.S. An appointment lasts up to 5 hours. That covers 4 hours of testing plus about an hour for check-in and breaks.
Format and scoring. The exam has 205 items. Only 150 of them are calibrated and scored. The other 55 are pretest items, and you cannot tell which ones they are, so answer every question carefully. Scores are reported on a scale from 55 to 99, and you need 75 or higher to pass.
Fees and retakes. Each examination costs $925. NBPME does not limit how many times you can attempt the exam. Some state boards do set their own limits, so if you need more than one attempt, check the rules of the state where you plan to practise.
Policies can change. Before you register, confirm the current details at apmle.com and in the NBPME Policies and Procedures document.
Prepare for the DPM - Doctor of Podiatric Medicine exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: Which muscle is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait?
Answer: C. Tibialis anterior
Explanation:
Tibialis anterior is correct. It is the main dorsiflexor of the ankle. During swing phase it contracts concentrically to lift the foot so the toes clear the ground. Just after heel strike it works eccentrically to lower the forefoot under control.
Rule to remember: the anterior compartment muscles dorsiflex the ankle and are what you need for swing-phase clearance. When the tibialis anterior is weak, the result is foot drop and a steppage gait.
Question: What structure provides the connection between the tibia and fibula?
Answer: A. Syndesmosis joint
Explanation:
Syndesmosis is correct. The tibia and fibula are joined by fibrous tissue: the interosseous membrane along the shafts, and the distal tibiofibular ligaments at the ankle. A fibrous joint like this allows only slight movement. It holds the ankle mortise together around the talus.
Rule to remember: when you are asked to classify a joint, start with the tissue that connects the bones. Ligament or membrane means a fibrous joint. An injury to the distal syndesmosis is called a high ankle sprain.
Question: A patient taking metformin for type 2 diabetes requires an IV contrast study for a vascular foot lesion. What is the primary concern regarding metformin?
Answer: B. Lactic acidosis risk from contrast-induced nephropathy
Explanation:
Lactic acidosis risk is correct. Metformin is cleared by the kidneys. Iodinated contrast can cause contrast-induced nephropathy. If kidney function drops, metformin builds up and can cause lactic acidosis, which is rare but can be fatal.
Rule to remember: for a patient on metformin who needs iodinated contrast, assess kidney function first. Follow local protocol on holding the drug around the study, and check kidney function before restarting it.
Start with a baseline. Take one set from each broad area untimed: Foot & Ankle Anatomy, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Podiatric Pathology and Biomechanics & Gait Analysis. Write down which topics you miss most often.
Work on weak areas first. For every missed question, read the explanation and write the general rule in your own words. Then go to the related set, for example Diabetic Foot Care, Wound Care or Diagnostic Imaging, and practise until you get those questions right without looking at the options.
Use the official material. Read the NBPME Policies and Procedures document and the candidate pages at apmle.com. They cover test-day rules, ID requirements and scoring. Our sets are practice questions we wrote ourselves, not real exam items.
Build stamina. As your exam date gets closer, string several sets together in one sitting to get close to the 4-hour testing block. Answer every item, because you cannot tell which items are scored and which are pretest.
You need a scaled score of 75 or higher. APMLE scores run from 55 to 99. Scaled scores are not percentages, so 75 does not mean you answered 75 percent of questions correctly. Only the 150 calibrated items count toward your score. NBPME explains how scoring works in its Policies and Procedures document.
The APMLE has 205 items: 150 scored and 55 pretest items. You cannot tell which items are pretest, so treat every question as if it counts. You get 4 hours of testing inside an appointment of up to 5 hours, which also covers check-in and breaks.
The fee is $925 for each examination, according to the official APMLE FAQ. Retakes are charged the same fee as separate examinations, so budget for that if you might need more than one attempt. Check apmle.com for the current fee and payment rules before you register.
Only students and graduates of CPME-accredited colleges of podiatric medicine can take the APMLE. If you trained outside this pathway, contact NBPME directly before trying to register. Your college can also confirm when you are eligible to sit for the exam.
Yes. NBPME does not limit how many times you can attempt the exam. Some state licensing boards do restrict attempts, so check the rules of the state where you plan to be licensed before you schedule a retake. You pay the $925 examination fee each time.
The exam is given at Meazure Learning test centers across the U.S. You schedule through the APMLE registration process once your eligibility is confirmed. Plan to arrive early, because check-in counts toward your appointment of up to 5 hours.
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