To practice physical therapy in the United States, every physical therapist and physical therapist assistant must go through a state-specific licensure process. Whether you’re a recent graduate, applying from another state, or received your physical therapy education abroad, you need to understand the licensing steps before applying for a position.
In this 2025 guide, I’m breaking down physical therapy license requirements by state, how the PT Compact works, what to expect during the exam and renewal process, and how Flagstar Rehab can support you every step of the way.
A physical therapy license is a state-issued authorization required to legally practice physical therapy or work as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Each state board manages its own licensure requirements and rules. Without a license, you cannot legally provide physical therapy services.
To receive your initial licensure, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The NPTE exam includes 225 questions and must be completed within a five-hour time limit. It’s offered on fixed testing dates throughout the year and can be taken up to three times within 12 months.
Passing the NPTE is a national physical therapy requirement and part of every state’s licensure process. The exam fee is $485, with an additional Prometric testing center fee. This exam is required for PTs and PTAs.
Every state has its own process, but most require the following:
Some states offer temporary permits for recent graduates who are waiting to take the NPTE. These allow you to work under direct supervision until you receive your exam results.
Provisional licenses may also be available for applicants who meet all licensure requirements except for NPTE results or final approval.
If you’re already licensed in one state and are moving to another, you may apply through licensure by endorsement.
The PT Compact is an agreement between participating states that allows licensed PTs and PTAs to practice in multiple states without needing a separate license for each.
If you completed your physical therapy education outside of the U.S., you must meet additional requirements.
Licensed PTs and PTAs must complete professional development activities to maintain licensure.
| State | Initial Licensure | NPTE / Jurisprudence Exam | Temporary Permit / Provisional License | PT Compact Member | Continuing Education Hours | License Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | NPTE + 2-hr Jurisprudence Course | Temporary License for Recent Graduates | No | 10 per year | Oct 1 annually |
| Arizona | Yes | NPTE + Jurisprudence Exam | Not Available | Yes | 20 every 2 years | Aug 31 (even years) |
| California | Yes | NPTE + CAL-Law Exam | Yes – Prior to NPTE Results | No | 30 every 2 years | Licensee’s birth month |
| Colorado | Yes | NPTE Only | Yes – Awaiting NPTE Results | Yes | 30 every 2 years | Oct 31 (even years) |
| Florida | Yes | NPTE + Florida Laws Exam | Yes – Supervised Work Allowed | Yes | 25 every 2 years | Nov 30 (odd years) |
| Georgia | Yes | NPTE + GA Law Exam | Not Available | Yes | 30 every 2 years | Dec 31 (odd years) |
| Illinois | Yes | NPTE + 1-Hour Jurisprudence Course | Yes – Until NPTE Exam | Yes | 40 every 2 years | Sep 30 (even years) |
| New York | Yes | NPTE (Jurisprudence Optional) | Temporary License for 6 Months | No | 36 every 3 years | Licensee’s birth month |
| North Carolina | Yes | NPTE + Jurisprudence Exercise | Not Available | Yes | 30 every 25 months | Jan 31 annually |
| Texas | Yes | NPTE + TX JAM | Yes – Until Exam Results | Yes | 30 every 2 years | Licensee’s birth month |
| Washington | Yes | NPTE + WA Law Exam | Yes – 90 Days for Endorsement Applicants | Yes | 32 every 2 years | Licensee’s birthday |
| Massachusetts | Yes | NPTE + Jurisprudence Questionnaire | Yes – Supervised Practice Until Results | Yes | 24 every 2 years | Licensee’s birthday |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | NPTE + Child Abuse Training | Yes – 6 Months | Yes | 30 every 2 years | Nov 1 (odd years), $90 fee |
| Ohio | Yes | NPTE + OH Jurisprudence Assessment | Not Available | Yes | 24 every 2 years | Jan 31 (even years) |
| Oregon | Yes | NPTE + OR-JAM | Yes – 90 Days with Supervision | Yes | 24 every 2 years | March 31 (even years) |
| Michigan | Yes | NPTE + Jurisprudence Test | Not Available | No | 24 every 2 years | $198.50 fee |
| Minnesota | Yes | NPTE + Jurisprudence Exam | Yes – $25 Fee | Yes | 20 every 2 years | Licensee’s birthday |
| Nevada | Yes | NPTE + State Law Exam | Yes – Until Exam Results | Yes | 15 every year | Feb 28 (odd years) |
| Indiana | Yes | NPTE + Fingerprint Background Check | Yes – Supervised Until Exam | Yes | 22 every 2 years | June 30 (even years) |
| District of Columbia | Yes | NPTE + DC Law Exam | Yes – 90 Days (Endorsement Only) | Yes | 40 every 2 years | Jan 31 (odd years) |
Notes:
At Flagstar Rehab, we assist therapists with the entire licensure process so they can focus on practicing. Whether you’re applying for initial licensure, moving to a new state, or renewing your license, we provide resources and guidance.
Licensing requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants vary by state, but the process always starts with meeting education requirements, passing the NPTE, and completing any state-specific steps such as jurisprudence exams or background checks. If you’re a new applicant, already licensed in another state, or educated internationally, understanding the full licensure process is key to starting or continuing your career.
At Flagstar Rehab, we work with licensed PTs and PTAs across the country. We provide guidance on state licensure, help with compact privilege, and support job placement in compact and non-compact states. Whether you’re applying for your first license or planning to work in multiple states, we’re here to help make the process easier and faster.
If you’re ready to apply, need help verifying your license, or want to explore job opportunities in your state or beyond, contact our team today.
Yes. Every physical therapist and physical therapist assistant must hold a license to practice in each state where they provide physical therapy services. If you are licensed in a compact member state and meet the eligibility requirements, you may apply for compact privilege through the PT Compact. This allows you to practice physical therapy in other compact states without obtaining a separate license for each one.
In Washington, the average processing time to receive a physical therapy license is about four to six weeks. This includes submitting a completed application, passing the NPTE exam, completing a background check, and passing the state’s jurisprudence exam. Delays can occur if required documents, such as official transcripts or fingerprint results, are incomplete or late.
To become a licensed PT in New Jersey, you need to graduate from an accredited program, pass the national physical therapy examination, complete the state’s jurisprudence assessment module, and submit to a criminal background check with fingerprinting. You must also pay all state board application fees and meet any additional documentation requests before receiving full licensure.
As of 2025, more than 30 states participate in the PT Compact. These participating states include Texas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. If you hold an unencumbered license in a compact member state and live there, you may qualify to practice in other compact member states using compact privilege. The list of current member states is maintained at ptcompact.org.