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Get licensed as an occupational therapist

Who decides, in the order you will meet them: the accreditor, the exam body and the state board. We point to each; they decide.

National certification + state license51 state boards

At a glance

Occupational therapist
How it is regulated
Certified nationally, then licensed by the state
Credential issued by
NBCOT certification, then a state license
Program accreditor
ACOTE
Exam
NBCOT
Interstate compact
Enacted, not yet issuing privileges

The route

The national steps first, then the state. Each step names the body that decides it.

  1. Step 1

    Graduate from a ACOTE-accredited program

    The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education accredits the programs that lead to this credential. Check a program's accreditation with the accreditor itself before you enroll, not only with the school.

    Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education acoteonline.org (official site)
  2. Step 2

    Earn NBCOT certification

    The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certifies you nationally. National certification and the state license are separate credentials, and each has its own renewal.

    National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy nbcot.org (official site)
  3. Step 3

    Apply to the board of the state where you will practice

    The state board decides whether you are eligible and issues the license. Anything beyond the national steps, such as a jurisprudence exam or a background check, is set there.

    Find your state's board below
  4. Step 4

    Practicing in more than one stateOptional

    The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact lets a licensee in one member state practice in another under a privilege, without a second full license. A privilege rests on your home-state license.

    Where the compact stands

State boards

Each state's board, linked to its official site. Choose a state on Get licensed and yours is highlighted here.

Occupational therapist licensing boards by state
StateLicensing boardUpdated
Alabama ALAlabama State Board of Occupational Therapy ot.alabama.gov (official site)Laws and rules ot.alabama.gov (official site)License lookup ot.alabama.gov (official site)Renew alabamainteractive.org (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Alaska AKState Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board commerce.alaska.gov (official site)Part of Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional LicensingLaws and rules commerce.alaska.gov (official site)License lookup commerce.alaska.gov (official site)Renew professionallicense.alaska.gov (official site)Occupational therapy is regulated by a combined State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board, which also licenses occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.October 10, 2026
Arizona AZArizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners ot.az.gov (official site)Laws and rules ot.az.gov (official site)License lookup azus-bote.us.ongovcore.com (official site)Renew azus-bote.us.ongovcore.com (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are also licensed under the same practice act and board.October 10, 2026
Arkansas ARArkansas State Medical Board armedicalboard.adh.arkansas.gov (official site)Part of Arkansas Department of HealthLaws and rules armedicalboard.adh.arkansas.gov (official site)License lookup armedicalboard.adh.arkansas.gov (official site)Renew armedicalboard.adh.arkansas.gov (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board, assisted by the Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee.October 10, 2026
California CACalifornia Board of Occupational Therapy bot.ca.gov (official site)Part of California Department of Consumer AffairsLaws and rules bot.ca.gov (official site)License lookup search.dca.ca.gov (official site)Renew bot.ca.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are also licensed by the board.October 10, 2026
Colorado COOffice of Occupational Therapy dpo.colorado.gov (official site)Part of Colorado Division of Professions and OccupationsLaws and rules dpo.colorado.gov (official site)License lookup apps2.colorado.gov (official site)Renew apps2.colorado.gov (official site)Colorado has no occupational therapy board; the Office of Occupational Therapy within the Division of Professions and Occupations licenses occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Connecticut CTConnecticut Department of Public Health portal.ct.gov (official site)Laws and rules cga.ct.gov (official site)License lookup elicense.ct.gov (official site)Renew portal.ct.gov (official site)Connecticut has no separate occupational therapy board; the Department of Public Health licenses occupational therapists and, through a separate license, occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Delaware DEBoard of Occupational Therapy Practice dpr.delaware.gov (official site)Part of Delaware Division of Professional RegulationLaws and rules regulations.delaware.gov (official site)License lookup delpros.delaware.gov (official site)Renew delpros.delaware.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
District of Columbia DCBoard of Occupational Therapy dchealth.dc.gov (official site)Part of DC HealthLaws and rules dcregs.dc.gov (official site)License lookup dohenterprise.my.site.com (official site)Renew dohenterprise.my.site.com (official site)The DC Health board page also covers occupational therapy assistants, who have their own municipal regulations.October 10, 2026
Florida FLFlorida Board of Occupational Therapy floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov (official site)Part of Florida Department of HealthLaws and rules floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov (official site)License lookup mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us (official site)Renew mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Georgia GAGeorgia State Board of Occupational Therapy sos.ga.gov (official site)Part of Georgia Secretary of StateLaws and rules sos.ga.gov (official site)License lookup goals.sos.ga.gov (official site)Renew goals.sos.ga.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Hawaii HIOccupational Therapy Program cca.hawaii.gov (official site)Part of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionLaws and rules cca.hawaii.gov (official site)License lookup mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov (official site)Renew mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov (official site)Hawaii has no occupational therapy board; the Occupational Therapy Program in the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division licenses occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Idaho IDOccupational Therapy Licensure Board dopl.idaho.gov (official site)Part of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional LicensesLaws and rules dopl.idaho.gov (official site)License lookup edopl.idaho.gov (official site)Renew edopl.idaho.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Illinois ILIllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation idfpr.illinois.gov (official site)Laws and rules idfpr.illinois.gov (official site)License lookup online-dfpr.micropact.com (official site)Renew idfpr.illinois.gov (official site)Licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which is advised by its Occupational Therapy Licensure Board and also licenses occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Indiana INIndiana Occupational Therapy Committee in.gov (official site)Part of Indiana Professional Licensing AgencyLaws and rules in.gov (official site)License lookup mylicense.in.gov (official site)Renew mylicense.in.gov (official site)Occupational therapy is regulated through the Indiana Occupational Therapy Committee within the Professional Licensing Agency; occupational therapy assistants are covered by the same rules.October 10, 2026
Iowa IAIowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy dial.iowa.gov (official site)Part of Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and LicensingLaws and rules dial.iowa.gov (official site)License lookup amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us (official site)Renew amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us (official site)Occupational therapy is regulated by a combined Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy, which also licenses occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Kansas KSKansas State Board of Healing Arts ksbha.ks.gov (official site)Laws and rules ksbha.ks.gov (official site)License lookup kansas.gov (official site)Renew boha.ks.gov (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.October 10, 2026
Kentucky KYKentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy bot.ky.gov (official site)Part of Kentucky Department of Professional LicensingLaws and rules bot.ky.gov (official site)License lookup oop.ky.gov (official site)Renew oop.ky.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are regulated by the same board.October 10, 2026
Louisiana LALouisiana State Board of Medical Examiners lsbme.la.gov (official site)Laws and rules lsbme.la.gov (official site)License lookup online.lasbme.org (official site)Renew lsbme.la.gov (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, which has an occupational therapy advisory committee.October 10, 2026
Maine MEBoard of Occupational Therapy Practice maine.gov (official site)Part of Maine Office of Professional and Occupational RegulationLaws and rules maine.gov (official site)License lookup pfr.maine.gov (official site)Renew licensing.web.maine.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Maryland MDBoard of Occupational Therapy Practice health.maryland.gov (official site)Part of Maryland Department of HealthLaws and rules health.maryland.gov (official site)License lookup mdbot.mylicense.com (official site)Renew health.maryland.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are regulated by the same board.October 10, 2026
Massachusetts MABoard of Allied Health Professions mass.gov (official site)Part of Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions LicensureLaws and rules mass.gov (official site)License lookup checkahealthlicense.mass.gov (official site)Renew mass.gov (official site)Occupational therapy is regulated by the Board of Allied Health Professions, which also licenses occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists and athletic trainers.October 10, 2026
Michigan MIMichigan Board of Occupational Therapists michigan.gov (official site)Part of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory AffairsLaws and rules michigan.gov (official site)License lookup aca-prod.accela.com (official site)Renew aca-prod.accela.com (official site)Licenses are issued through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing; occupational therapy assistants are licensed under the same board.October 10, 2026
Minnesota MNMinnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice mn.gov (official site)Laws and rules mn.gov (official site)License lookup otp.hlb.state.mn.us (official site)Renew mn.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed under the same statute and board.October 10, 2026
Mississippi MSMississippi State Department of Health msdh.ms.gov (official site)Laws and rules msdh.ms.gov (official site)License lookup msdhpl.webapps.ms.gov (official site)Renew msdh.ms.gov (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health through its Professional Licensure office.October 10, 2026
Missouri MOBoard of Occupational Therapy pr.mo.gov (official site)Part of Missouri Division of Professional RegistrationLaws and rules pr.mo.gov (official site)License lookup mopro.mo.gov (official site)Renew mopro.mo.gov (official site)The board licenses occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Montana MTBoard of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov (official site)Part of Montana Department of Labor and IndustryLaws and rules boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov (official site)License lookup aca-prod.accela.com (official site)Renew aca-prod.accela.com (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the combined Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals; the former occupational therapy page now points there.October 10, 2026
Nebraska NEBoard of Occupational Therapy Practice dhhs.ne.gov (official site)Part of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure UnitLaws and rules dhhs.ne.gov (official site)License lookup nebraska.gov (official site)Renew dhhs.ne.gov (official site)Licenses are issued through the Department of Health and Human Services Licensure Unit, which works with the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice; occupational therapy assistants are licensed in the same program.October 10, 2026
Nevada NVState Board of Occupational Therapy nvot.org (official site)Laws and rules leg.state.nv.us (official site)License lookup nvot.org (official site)Renew nvot.org (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
New Hampshire NHOccupational Therapy Governing Board oplc.nh.gov (official site)Part of New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and CertificationLaws and rules oplc.nh.gov (official site)License lookup forms.nh.gov (official site)Renew oplc.nh.gov (official site)The Occupational Therapy Governing Board sits under the Allied Health Professionals Governing Board and also licenses occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
New Jersey NJOccupational Therapy Advisory Council njconsumeraffairs.gov (official site)Part of New Jersey Division of Consumer AffairsLaws and rules njconsumeraffairs.gov (official site)License lookup newjersey.mylicense.com (official site)Renew newjersey.mylicense.com (official site)New Jersey regulates occupational therapy through the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council in the Division of Consumer Affairs; occupational therapy assistants are licensed in the same program.October 10, 2026
New Mexico NMBoard of Occupational Therapy rld.nm.gov (official site)Part of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentLaws and rules rld.nm.gov (official site)License lookup nmrldlpi.my.site.com (official site)Renew nmrldlpi.my.site.com (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
New York NYNew York State Education Department op.nysed.gov (official site)Laws and rules op.nysed.gov (official site)License lookup eservices.nysed.gov (official site)Renew op.nysed.gov (official site)Licenses are issued by the State Education Department through its Office of the Professions, which also regulates occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
North Carolina NCNorth Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy ncbot.org (official site)Laws and rules ncbot.org (official site)License lookup ncbot.org (official site)Renew ncbot.org (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
North Dakota NDNorth Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice ndotboard.com (official site)Laws and rules ndotboard.com (official site)License lookup ndotboard.com (official site)Renew ndotboard.com (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Ohio OHOhio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board otptat.ohio.gov (official site)Laws and rules otptat.ohio.gov (official site)License lookup elicense.ohio.gov (official site)Renew otptat.ohio.gov (official site)Occupational therapy is regulated by the Occupational Therapy Section of a combined board with physical therapy and athletic training; occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Oklahoma OKOklahoma Medical Board okmedicalboard.org (official site)Laws and rules okmedicalboard.org (official site)License lookup okmedicalboard.org (official site)Renew okmedicalboard.org (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the Oklahoma Medical Board, which has an occupational therapy committee.October 10, 2026
Oregon OROregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board oregon.gov (official site)Laws and rules oregon.gov (official site)License lookup otlb.us.thentiacloud.net (official site)Renew otlb.us.thentiacloud.net (official site)The board licenses occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Pennsylvania PAState Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure pa.gov (official site)Part of Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational AffairsLaws and rules pa.gov (official site)License lookup pa.gov (official site)Renew pa.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Rhode Island RIBoard of Occupational Therapy Practice health.ri.gov (official site)Part of Rhode Island Department of HealthLaws and rules rules.sos.ri.gov (official site)License lookup healthri.mylicense.com (official site)Renew healthri.mylicense.com (official site)Licenses are issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health; the state's regulations also cover occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
South Carolina SCBoard of Occupational Therapy llr.sc.gov (official site)Part of South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and RegulationLaws and rules llr.sc.gov (official site)License lookup verify.llronline.com (official site)Renew llr.sc.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
South Dakota SDSouth Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners sdbmoe.gov (official site)Laws and rules sdbmoe.gov (official site)License lookup sdbmoe.gov (official site)Renew my.sdbmoe.gov (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.October 10, 2026
Tennessee TNBoard of Occupational Therapy tn.gov (official site)Part of Tennessee Department of HealthLaws and rules publications.tnsosfiles.com (official site)License lookup internet.health.tn.gov (official site)Renew apps.tn.gov (official site)Licenses are issued through the Division of Health Related Boards for the board, which also licenses occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Texas TXTexas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners ptot.texas.gov (official site)Part of Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy ExaminersLaws and rules ptot.texas.gov (official site)License lookup ptot.texas.gov (official site)Renew ptot.texas.gov (official site)The board operates under the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners and also licenses occupational therapy assistants.October 10, 2026
Utah UTUtah Division of Professional Licensing commerce.utah.gov (official site)Part of Utah Department of CommerceLaws and rules commerce.utah.gov (official site)License lookup secure.utah.gov (official site)Renew commerce.utah.gov (official site)Licenses are issued by the Division of Professional Licensing, which also licenses occupational therapist assistants; the Occupational Therapy Board was repealed and the Physical Therapies Licensing Board now meets for the profession.October 10, 2026
Vermont VTOffice of Professional Regulation sos.vermont.gov (official site)Part of Vermont Secretary of StateLaws and rules sos.vermont.gov (official site)License lookup sos.vermont.gov (official site)Renew sos.vermont.gov (official site)Vermont has no occupational therapy board; the Office of Professional Regulation licenses occupational therapists with the help of appointed advisors.October 10, 2026
Virginia VAVirginia Board of Medicine dhp.virginia.gov (official site)Part of Virginia Department of Health ProfessionsLaws and rules dhp.virginia.gov (official site)License lookup dhp.virginiainteractive.org (official site)Renew dhp.virginia.gov (official site)Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine, which has an Advisory Board on Occupational Therapy.October 10, 2026
Washington WAOccupational Therapy Practice Board doh.wa.gov (official site)Part of Washington State Department of HealthLaws and rules doh.wa.gov (official site)License lookup doh.wa.gov (official site)Renew secureaccess.wa.gov (official site)Licenses are issued by the Department of Health; occupational therapy assistants are licensed in the same program.October 10, 2026
West Virginia WVWest Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy wvbot.wv.gov (official site)Laws and rules wvbot.wv.gov (official site)License lookup wvbot.wv.gov (official site)Renew wvbot.wv.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026
Wisconsin WIOccupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board dsps.wi.gov (official site)Part of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesLaws and rules dsps.wi.gov (official site)License lookup license.wi.gov (official site)Renew license.wi.gov (official site)The Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board is part of the Department of Safety and Professional Services; occupational therapy assistants are credentialed in the same program.October 10, 2026
Wyoming WYWyoming Board of Occupational Therapy occupationaltherapy.wyo.gov (official site)Part of Wyoming Department of Administration and InformationLaws and rules occupationaltherapy.wyo.gov (official site)License lookup occupationaltherapy.wyo.gov (official site)Renew occupationaltherapy.wyo.gov (official site)Occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the same board.October 10, 2026

Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact

Enacted, not yet issuing privileges

Widely enacted, only partly live. Around thirty states have passed it; a much smaller number have finished implementation and are issuing privileges.

Enacted-state counts and issuing-state lists are both in motion, and the two are frequently reported as one number. We have not verified either against the commission's register, so neither is published here.

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