Get licensed: who decides, and where to go

Find your route

Choose a profession, and a state if you have one in mind. The next page lists the bodies in the order you will meet them, with that state's board highlighted where we list one.

Licensed by states

A state board issues the credential that authorizes practice. Some of these professions also hold a national certification first; where they do, both are needed and they are separate.

DC, ChiropractorChiropractorLicensed by each stateAccreditor CCE · Exam NBCE
PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistLicensed by each stateAccreditor CAPTE · Exam FSBPT
PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantLicensed by each stateAccreditor CAPTE · Exam FSBPT
OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistCertified nationally, then licensed by the stateAccreditor ACOTE · Exam NBCOT
OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantCertified nationally, then licensed by the stateAccreditor ACOTE · Exam NBCOT
AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerCertified nationally, then licensed by the stateAccreditor CAATE · Exam BOC
LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistLicensed by each stateExam FSMTB

Certified, not licensed

No state licenses these professions. The credential is a certification from a national body, and it is the same in every state.

What this page is not

How we keep links honest

Every board link says whether a person has confirmed it. Until someone has, the page says so beside the link.

How we source and check links

Deciding between professions? compare two professions side by side.