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Licensed Physical Therapist
Total cost: $577
Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Allowed
Dry Needling
Not Required
Jurisprudence
30 hrs
CE Hours
$577
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per 2 years (expires october 31 of even-numbered years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years)
Required CE Topics
4 topic areas
Professional Development Learning Plan required, Ethics and professional responsibility, Evidence-based practice, +1 more
Renewal Fee
$100
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
Not Required
Details
No jurisprudence exam 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)
Browse study guides
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 Colorado has among the lowest PT licensing fees in the nation | $100 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee Included in application/renewal fee | $52 |
Background Check Fee | $40 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($52), NPTE ($485), and background check (~$40); among the lowest total initial costs | $577 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$100
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
Colorado 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 Colorado with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Colorado has the lowest PT renewal fee in the nation at just $52 biennially and uniquely requires a Professional Development Learning Plan in addition to the 30 CE hours, emphasizing self-directed professional growth.
Colorado has the lowest PT renewal fee in the nation at $52 biennially.
No jurisprudence exam is required.
Unrestricted direct access with no physician referral or time limitations.
Colorado was a pioneer in authorizing Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) for PTs.
Colorado is a PT Compact member state.
30 CE hours plus a Professional Development Learning Plan required per biennial renewal cycle.
Physical Therapist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Colorado
See how Colorado compares: Physical Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — Colorado 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 Colorado
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Colorado? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physical Therapist license to Colorado →
Transfer your Physical Therapist license from Colorado to: Arizona → | Kansas → | Nebraska → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma → | Utah → | Wyoming →
Colorado requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, Colorado offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the Colorado State Physical Therapy Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.