Loading...
Loading...
Licensed Physical Therapist
Total cost: $635
Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Allowed
Dry Needling
Not Required
Jurisprudence
30 hrs
CE Hours
$635
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per 2 years (biennial) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
Ethics, professionalism, and/or South Carolina jurisprudence (minimum 3 hours, certified activity), Clinical competency areas (certified and approved activities), Evidence-based practice
Renewal Fee
$80
DPT Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CAPTE Accreditation
Required
CAPTE Details
Graduation from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) at a school, college, or university located within the continental United States or its territories 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.
Browse Physical Therapist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam) practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
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.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Study guides for the NPTE-PT licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Patient Direct Access Details
VerifiedDirect Access Allowed
Patient access without physician referral
Evaluation Only
No
Treatment Duration Limit
30 days before referral required, but treatment may continue after referral is made
Limitations
30 days without physician referral
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
1:3 (recommended maximum)
Supervision Type
General supervision; PTA must function under supervision of a licensed PT; PT must conduct initial patient evaluation before PTA treatment; licensed PTA may supervise PTA students and PT aides
Telehealth Supervision
Telehealth supervision permitted with state-specific requirements
Aide Supervision
On-site supervision required for PT aides; licensed PTA may also supervise 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 | $110 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $110 |
Jurisprudence Fee No separate jurisprudence exam required; 3 CE hours in ethics/professionalism/jurisprudence required per renewal | N/A |
Background Check Fee State (SLED) and federal (FBI) criminal background check; approximate cost | $40 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $80 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($110), NPTE ($485), and background check (~$40) | $635 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$80
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
South Carolina 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 South Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
South Carolina's dry needling requirements are distinctive: PTs must have 2 years of licensed practice and 50 hours of face-to-face training including instructor-verified psychomotor skills demonstration, and dry needling cannot be delegated to any other personnel. Additionally, SC's direct access provision allows PTs to continue treating after the 30-day mark as long as a written referral communication is provided to the patient.
South Carolina does not require a separate jurisprudence exam for initial licensure; 3 CE hours in ethics/professionalism/jurisprudence are required per biennial renewal.
Dry needling is permitted with 50 hours of face-to-face training and 2 years of licensed PT practice experience.
Direct access allows treatment for 30 days; after 30 days the PT must provide a written referral communication to the patient but may continue treating.
South Carolina is an active PT Compact member state with a $45 compact privilege fee.
Biennial renewal requires 30 CE hours (3.0 CEUs), due December 31 of even-numbered years, reported through CE Broker.
Dry needling may not be delegated to PTAs or other support personnel.
State (SLED) and federal (FBI) fingerprint-based criminal background checks are required for licensure.
2024 legislation refined the direct access referral requirement, clarifying that the PT provides written communication to the patient rather than requiring a physician order.
Physical Therapist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | $635 | 162–180 wks | |
| Georgia | $665 | 162–180 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $685 | 162–180 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in South Carolina
See how South Carolina compares: Physical Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ PT Compact Compact State — South Carolina is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact. Licensed physical therapists from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Compare physical therapist requirements across all states →
Physical Therapist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure physical therapist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does South Carolina compare to other states for physical therapist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your physical therapist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
Physical Therapist Schools in South Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to South Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physical Therapist license to South Carolina →
Transfer your Physical Therapist license from South Carolina to: Georgia → | North Carolina →
South Carolina requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, South Carolina offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.