DPM Practice Test

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.

DPM Exam at a Glance

What changed for DPM in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Meazure Learning test centers (U.S.) (previously Meazure Learning test centers (US)).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to Students and graduates of CPME-accredited colleges of podiatric medicine (previously Students/graduates of CPME-accredited podiatric colleges).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Exam fee changed to $925 per examination (previously $925 per exam part).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to No limit on attempts (state boards may restrict) (previously Unlimited attempts (state boards may restrict)).^[4]

What the DPM is and how it works

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.

Worked examples: how to reason through DPM questions

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.

Example 1

Question: Which muscle is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait?

1. Gastrocnemius
2. Soleus
3. Tibialis anterior
4. Peroneus longus

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.

• Gastrocnemius and soleus make up the triceps surae. They plantarflex the ankle and are most active in late stance, at push-off.
• Peroneus longus everts the foot and plantarflexes the first ray. It also supports the transverse arch during stance. It does not dorsiflex the ankle.

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.

Example 2

Question: What structure provides the connection between the tibia and fibula?

1. Syndesmosis joint
2. Ball and socket joint
3. Hinge joint
4. Pivot joint

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.

• Ball and socket is a synovial joint that moves freely, such as the hip. Nothing like it exists between the tibia and fibula.
• Hinge describes the talocrural joint itself, not the tibiofibular connection.
• Pivot allows rotation around an axis, as at the proximal radioulnar joint, which is the forearm.

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.

Example 3

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?

1. Contrast allergy cross-reactivity
2. Lactic acidosis risk from contrast-induced nephropathy
3. Hyperglycemia from contrast media
4. QT prolongation interaction

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.

• Contrast allergy cross-reactivity is wrong. Metformin does not cause or worsen contrast allergy.
• Hyperglycemia from contrast media is wrong. Contrast agents are not a recognised cause of high blood sugar.
• QT prolongation is wrong. Neither metformin nor standard contrast has an established QT interaction.

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.

How to use these practice tests

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.

Sources & last verified

1. National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE — number of questions, passing score (official source). “The APMLE consists of 205 items. One hundred fifty items are calibrated and scored.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
2. National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE — time limit, delivery, eligibility (official source). “Appointments last up to 5 hours (4 hours of testing, plus 1 hour for check-in, breaks” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
3. National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE — exam fee (official source). “The fee for each examination is $925.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
4. National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) – APMLE — retake policy (official source). “NBPME does not limit the number of examination attempts;” Verified Oct 25, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.