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Licensed Physical Therapist
Total cost: $885
Governing Authority
State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board (staffed by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing)
Official website →Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Allowed
Dry Needling
Required
Jurisprudence
24 hrs
CE Hours
$885
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
24 hours
Per 2 years (biennial); all licenses expire june 30 of even-numbered years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial); all licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
Ethics and professional responsibility, Evidence-based practice, Clinical competency areas
Renewal Fee
$200 (biennial renewal fee for physical therapist)
DPT Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CAPTE Accreditation
Required
CAPTE Details
Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is required
Program Length
3 years (post-baccalaureate)
Clinical Hours
1440 hrs
Prerequisite Courses
Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. Programs typically take 3 years and include extensive clinical education hours. Prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics is required.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedNPTE Required
National Physical Therapy Examination
250
Questions
5 hrs
Time Limit
Scaled score of 600 out of 800
Passing Score
$485
NPTE Fee
Format: Computer-based at Pearson VUE; 250 questions (200 scored + 50 pretest); multiple choice
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Details
Jurisprudence questionnaire required
Retake Policy
90-day waiting period between attempts; maximum 6 lifetime attempts
The NPTE is a computer-based exam administered by the FSBPT (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy). It consists of 250 multiple-choice questions with a 5-hour time limit. Many states also require a separate jurisprudence exam on state-specific laws and regulations.
Overall licensing difficulty: 18/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
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Physical Therapy Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination)
Questions
250 questions
Time Limit
5 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score of 600 out of 800
Format
Computer-based at Pearson VUE; 250 questions (200 scored + 50 pretest); multiple choice
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $485Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination).
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NPTE
Prepare for your NPTE with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Study guides for the NPTE-PT licensing exam.
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Patient Direct Access Details
VerifiedDirect Access Allowed
Patient access without physician referral
Evaluation Only
No
Treatment Duration Limit
No statutory time limit
Limitations
Unrestricted direct access; no physician referral required
Referral Required For
Direct access allows patients to receive physical therapy services without a physician referral. Most states allow some form of direct access, though limitations on treatment duration, evaluation-only provisions, and conditions requiring referral vary by state.
Physical Therapist Assistant Supervision
VerifiedPTA Supervision Required
PT-to-PTA Ratio
1:2
Supervision Type
General supervision
Telehealth Supervision
Telehealth supervision permitted with state-specific requirements
Aide Supervision
Direct on-premises supervision required for physical therapist aides
Physical therapists are responsible for supervising physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and aides. Supervision ratios, types (direct vs. general), and telehealth supervision rules vary by state. PTAs must work under the direction and supervision of a licensed PT.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $150 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee | $200 |
Background Check Fee Fingerprinting required since August 2024 | $50 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $200 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($150), NPTE ($485), license ($200), and background check (~$50) | $885 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial); all licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$200 (biennial renewal fee for physical therapist)
Biennial renewal
Regulatory Board
Physical therapist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as ethics, pain management, and evidence-based practice. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our physical therapist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact
Member State
Endorsement Available
Yes
PT Compact Details
Alaska is an active member of the PT Compact, issuing and accepting compact privileges.
Endorsement Requirements
The Physical Therapy Compact allows licensed PTs and PTAs to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying credentials, passing the NPTE, and submitting additional documentation.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alaska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Alaska joined the PT Compact in May 2025 and implemented fingerprinting requirements in August 2024, making it one of the more recent states to adopt both provisions.
Alaska provides unlimited direct access with no physician referral required.
No jurisprudence exam is required in Alaska.
Alaska joined the PT Compact effective May 2025.
Fingerprinting has been required for all applicants since August 2024.
Dry needling is permitted within PT scope of practice.
24 CE hours required per biennial renewal cycle.
Effective May 1, 2025 Alaska is an active member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact
Physical Therapist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $885 | 162–180 wks | |
| Washington | $694 | 162–180 wks | → |
| Hawaii | $635 | 162–180 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Alaska
See how Alaska compares: Physical Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Alaska is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed physical therapists from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
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Physical Therapist Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physical Therapist license to Alaska →
Alaska requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, Alaska offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board (staffed by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.