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Licensed Occupational Therapist
Total cost: Approximately $784 (application + NBCOT exam + license fee + background check)
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Required
NBCOT Required
Member
Compact Member
Permitted
Telehealth
Not Required
Jurisprudence
30 hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $784 (application + NBCOT exam + license fee + background check)
Total Initial Fees
Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's or Doctoral degree (OTD) in Occupational Therapy
ACOTE Accreditation
Required
Program Length
2-3 years (Master's) or 3-4 years (OTD), post-baccalaureate
Fieldwork
Level I fieldwork embedded in coursework; Level II fieldwork minimum 24 weeks full-time
Prerequisite Courses
Occupational therapists must earn a Master's degree or entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Programs include extensive fieldwork experience in clinical settings.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedNBCOT Required
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
Scaled score of 450 or higher out of 600
Passing Score
Computer-based; 170 scored multiple-choice questions plus clinical simulation items; 4 hours total
Format
$540 (online initial exam application)
NBCOT Fee
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
State Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
NBCOT exam may be retaken after 45 days; maximum 5 attempts within a 5-year eligibility period
The NBCOT OTR exam is a computer-based assessment that includes multiple choice and clinical simulation questions. A scaled score of 450 or higher is typically required to pass. Many states also require a separate jurisprudence exam on state-specific laws and regulations governing OT practice.
Overall licensing difficulty: 16/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Occupational Therapy Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for the NBCOT OTR certification exam.
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Level II Fieldwork Details
VerifiedLevel II Fieldwork Required
Minimum 24 weeks (960 hours) of full-time Level II fieldwork
Fieldwork Duration
Supervision Requirements
Level II fieldwork must be supervised by an OTR with at least 1 year of experience
Clinical Settings
Level II fieldwork is a required component of occupational therapy education, providing supervised clinical experience in various practice settings. Students must complete a minimum of 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
Practice Areas & Permissions
VerifiedAllowed
Physical Rehabilitation
Allowed
Mental Health
Allowed
Pediatrics
Allowed
Hand Therapy
Allowed
Driving Rehabilitation
Allowed
Ergonomics
Allowed
Telehealth
Advanced Practice
Dry needling is within the scope of OT in Alabama with appropriate training.
Restricted Activities
Occupational therapy scope of practice varies by state and may include physical rehabilitation, mental health services, pediatrics, hand therapy, driving rehabilitation, and ergonomic assessments. Advanced practice privileges such as dry needling vary significantly by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
NBCOT Fee Paid directly to NBCOT | $540 (online initial exam application) |
License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $140 |
Background Check Fee | $44 |
Total Initial Fees | Approximately $784 (application + NBCOT exam + license fee + background check) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2-year) renewal cycle indicated by homepage reference to online renewal portal and CE Broker integration
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
NBCOT Recertification
NBCOT certification renewal requires 36 PDUs per 3-year cycle; state licensure renewal is separate
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$140
Regulatory Board
Occupational therapy licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as ethics, evidence-based practice, and professional development. NBCOT recertification is separate from state licensure renewal.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
OT Licensure Compact
Member State
Endorsement Available
Yes
Compact Details
Alabama has enacted the OT Licensure Compact. The compact is partially operational as of early 2026.
Reciprocity Requirements
The OT Licensure Compact allows licensed occupational therapists to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NBCOT certification, completing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Alabama requires CE reporting through CE Broker and was among the early states to enact the OT Licensure Compact. Dry needling is permitted for OTs with appropriate training.
Alabama requires 3.0 CEUs (30 contact hours) biennially for OTs.
CE hours must be reported electronically through CE Broker.
No more than 1/3 of CE credits may be administration/management/academic related.
Alabama has enacted the OT Licensure Compact (partially operational as of early 2026).
Dry needling is within OT scope of practice in Alabama with appropriate training.
Licenses expire April 30 biennially.
Occupational Therapist requirements in nearby states
See how Alabama compares: Occupational Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ OT Compact Compact State — Alabama is a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. Licensed occupational therapists from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
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Occupational Therapist Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Alabama? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Occupational Therapist license to Alabama →
Transfer your Occupational Therapist license from Alabama to: Florida → | Georgia → | Mississippi → | Tennessee →
Alabama requires passing the NBCOT exam for OT licensure. As an OT Compact member state, Alabama offers multistate practice privileges. Telehealth is permitted for OT services. All licensing is managed through the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.