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How to become a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Alabama. NPTE-PTA exam required. Jurisprudence exam required. Supervision: General supervision. Total initial fees: ~$633 (calculated: $100 application + $485 NPTE-PTA + $48 AL JAM). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Physical Therapist Assistant
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
LPTA
Credential
Required
NPTE-PTA
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
General supervision
Supervision Type
10 hrs
CE Hours
~$633 (calculated: $100 application + $485 NPTE-PTA + $48 AL JAM)
Total Initial Fees
Education & CAPTE Accreditation
VerifiedMinimum Degree
CAPTE-approved program appropriate for preparation as a physical therapist assistant
CAPTE Accredited
Required
Program Length
2 years
Clinical Hours
Varies by program hours
Accepted Programs
PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program, typically an associate's degree. Programs include coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, and clinical rotations.
Browse approved pta training programs to find the right fit.
Browse PTA study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NPTE-PTA Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs (NPTE-PTA)
180
Questions
4 hrs
Time Limit
600/800
Passing Score
$485
Exam Fee
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
Jurisprudence Exam
Effective 10/07/2024, all applicants must pass AL JAM provided by FSBPT. Applicants must answer 80% of questions correctly to pass.
Fee: $48.00
Prepare with realistic NPTAE (Physical Therapist Assistant Exam) practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)
Study guides for the NPTE-PTA certification exam.
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Supervision by Physical Therapist
VerifiedSupervising PT Required
General supervision
Supervision Type
1 PT : 3 PTAs
PT:PTA Ratio
No
On-Site PT Required
Supervision Details
PTAs in Alabama must practice under general supervision of a licensed PT. The supervising PT must be accessible for consultation but need not be on-site.
PTAs must work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). Supervision types vary by state and may include direct, general, or on-site requirements. PT-to-PTA ratios determine how many PTAs a single PT can supervise.
State-Specific Requirements
VerifiedYes
State Licensed
Required
Background Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Not Required
CPR Certification
Jurisprudence Exam Required
Additional Requirements
Most states require PTAs to pass the NPTE-PTA, complete a background check, and meet state-specific requirements such as jurisprudence exams, CPR certification, and fingerprinting.
Not sure if you need a pta license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Online application fee | $100 (online) |
NPTE Exam Fee Fee paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
Jurisprudence Exam Fee Fee paid to FSBPT for AL JAM | $48 |
State License Fee | Temporary License Fee included with Application Fee; no separate or additional fee required |
Renewal Fee Annual renewal | $93 (online) for PTA |
Total Initial Fees Includes NPTE-PTA ($485), application fee ($100), AL JAM jurisprudence exam ($48). Does not include Prometric fee ($92). | ~$633 (calculated: $100 application + $485 NPTE-PTA + $48 AL JAM) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual
Renewal Period
10 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$93
Expires October 31 each year; late renewal after November 1 costs $193 plus $50 restoration fee
Regulatory Board
PTA licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as patient care, ethics, and state-specific physical therapy practice standards.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact Member
Yes
Reciprocity Type
PT Compact / Endorsement
Transfer Details
Alabama participates in the PT Compact, allowing PTAs with compact privileges to practice. Non-compact applicants may apply through endorsement requiring 10 CE hours completed within 12 months (unless recently graduated) plus verification from each state where licensed.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
The Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) allows PTAs to practice across member states with a compact privilege. Non-compact states may still accept out-of-state credentials through endorsement or reciprocity agreements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Alabama requires annual license renewal (not biennial). The AL JAM jurisprudence exam requirement is relatively new (effective October 2024). Jurisprudence continuing education is cyclical, required only in years ending in 0 or 5. Late renewal after November 1 incurs a $100 penalty plus $50 restoration fee.
Telehealth: Allowed
Telehealth services are permitted in Alabama for PTAs under appropriate PT supervision and must comply with state telehealth regulations
Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AL JAM) required effective October 7, 2024 for all new licensees
Fingerprint-based criminal background check required effective June 14, 2024
Alabama is a member of the PT Compact, allowing multi-state practice privileges for PTAs
Annual license renewal with 10 CE hours per year
Jurisprudence CE (2 hours) required in years ending in 0 or 5 (2025, 2030, etc.)
PTA requirements in nearby states
Alabama ranks #13 out of 51 for lowest pta licensing fees ($~$633 (calculated: $100 application + $485 NPTE-PTA + $48 AL JAM)). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Alabama is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed ptas from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
PTA Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#40 of 51
Cost
#13 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Physical Therapist Assistants (SOC 31-2021)
Entry Level
$52,610
25th percentile
Median
$60,890
-7% vs. national avg ($65,510)Experienced
$70,670
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,550 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Physical Therapist Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+10.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+10,600
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,000
per year (avg.)
103,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Physical Therapy Career Ladder+59% salary growth potential
You are here
Physical Therapist Assistant
$60,890
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
You are here
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
$60,890
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE
$97,040
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
NPTE-PTA (National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs) — 2023-2024National rate
87%
First-time Pass Rate
Approximately 85-90% first-time.
Source: FSBPT (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy) (2024)
Pass rates are approximate national averages and may vary by state, exam provider, and candidate preparation.
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–126 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy - Official Website
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy - Official Website
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Moving to Alabama? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your PTA license to Alabama →
Transfer your PTA license from Alabama to: Florida → | Georgia → | Mississippi → | Tennessee →
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Alabama requires the NPTE-PTA exam for physical therapist assistants. PTAs practice under general supervision supervision of a licensed PT. All licensing is managed through the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.