OT License Requirements
All 50 States, Verified

The total cost to get licensed as an occupational therapist ranges from $592 in Arkansas to $990 in Alaska, with an average cost of $825. This includes application fees, the required NBCOT examination fee, licensing fees, and background check costs. The NBCOT exam alone costs $540 and is required in all states.

All occupational therapists must pass the N/A examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This is a computer-based exam with 170 scored multiple-choice questions plus clinical simulation items, taking approximately 4 hours to complete. Some states also require additional jurisprudence exams covering state-specific laws and regulations.

Continuing education requirements for occupational therapists vary significantly by state, ranging from 10 to 40 hours per renewal period, with an average of 22 hours. 2 states have no continuing education requirement for license renewal. Most states require CE every 2 years, though some require it annually.

0 states accept occupational therapist licenses from other states through endorsement or reciprocity. Many states participate in the OT Licensure Compact, which allows easier practice across state lines. Transfer typically requires having an active license in good standing, meeting education requirements, passing the NBCOT exam, and completing a background check.

All states require a N/A from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program. You must also complete supervised fieldwork experience, including Level II fieldwork of at least 24 weeks full-time. Programs typically take 2-3 years for a Master's degree or 3-4 years for a doctoral degree (OTD).

After completing your education and fieldwork requirements, the licensing process typically takes 6-12 weeks once you submit your application. This includes time for the state board to review your application, process background checks, and issue the license after you pass the NBCOT examination. Some states may process applications faster or slower depending on their procedures.

Yes, 51 out of 51 jurisdictions (all 50 states plus Washington DC) require occupational therapists to be licensed to practice. There are no states where you can work as an occupational therapist without proper licensure. All jurisdictions have established regulatory boards that oversee the profession and enforce licensing requirements.