What you need to become a licensed physical therapist

A physical therapy license is not something you renew like a driver's license — it is a credential you earn once through education and examination, then maintain through continuing education. To practice as a physical therapist (PT), you must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and register with your state's licensing board. The entire process typically takes seven to eight years from high school graduation.

The path is standardized across all 50 states, though each state's licensing board sets its own renewal requirements and continuing education hours. You cannot practice physical therapy without a license, and the credential is specific to the state where you register — if you move, you will need to register in your new state, though many states have reciprocity agreements that speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program before you can sit for the licensing exam.
  • The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a computer-based test administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) that you must pass to become licensed.
  • After passing the NPTE, you register with your state's physical therapy licensing board, which issues your license and sets the renewal cycle (typically every one to three years depending on your state).
  • Most states require 20 to 40 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle to keep your license active, though the exact requirement varies by state.

Step 1: Complete a DPT degree program

Before you can take the licensing exam, you must graduate from a Doctor of Physical Therapy program accredited by CAPTE. These programs are three years long and require prerequisites completed before admission — typically anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, and physics. Most students complete prerequisites during a four-year undergraduate degree, though some take them separately at a community college.

DPT programs combine classroom instruction with clinical internships. You will study biomechanics, neurology, orthopedics, and patient assessment, then spend time in clinics observing and treating patients under supervision. Admission is competitive; programs consider your GPA, prerequisite grades, performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), clinical experience, and personal statement. Many programs require at least 100 to 200 hours of observation or volunteer work in a physical therapy clinic before you explore.

The cost of a DPT program ranges widely depending on whether you attend a public or private school. Public universities typically cost $30,000 to $60,000 total; private programs often cost $90,000 to $150,000 or more. Most students take out loans to cover tuition, and federal student loans are available through the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Step 2: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination

After you graduate from your DPT program, you become may be able to access to sit for the NPTE. This is a computer-based exam administered by the FSBPT at testing centers across the country. The exam covers five content areas: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and pulmonary, integumentary, and other systems. You have four hours to answer 250 questions, and the exam is offered year-round.

To register for the NPTE, you submit an process through the FSBPT website and pay the exam fee, which is currently $395. You choose your testing date and location, and you receive your score when ready after completing the exam. A passing score is set by the FSBPT and does not change; you either pass or fail. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam, though some states limit the number of attempts or require a waiting period between attempts.

Most graduates pass the NPTE on their first attempt. If you do not pass, review the content areas where you scored lowest, use study materials provided by the FSBPT, and schedule a retake. Some graduates work with a tutor or take a review course before their second attempt.

Step 3: Register with your state licensing board

Once you pass the NPTE, you register with the physical therapy licensing board in the state where you want to practice. Each state has its own board — for example, the California Physical Therapy Board, the Texas Physical Therapy Board, or the New York State Department of Health. You submit an process to your state board that includes your NPTE passing score, proof of your DPT degree, and any other documents the board requires (such as official transcripts or a background check).

Most state boards charge a registration or licensure fee, typically between $100 and $400. Processing times vary by state but usually take two to six weeks. Once your process is approved, your state board issues you a license number and a physical license certificate. You are now legally permitted to practice physical therapy in that state.

If you want to practice in multiple states, you must register in each one. Some states participate in reciprocity agreements through the FSBPT's Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact), which allows you to hold one multistate license that is valid in all participating states. As of 2024, about 30 states participate in the PT Compact, though this number changes. Check your state board's website to see if your state is part of the compact.

Step 4: Complete continuing education to renew your license

Physical therapy licenses must be renewed periodically — the renewal cycle is typically every one to three years depending on your state. To renew, you must complete a set number of continuing education hours, usually between 20 and 40 hours per renewal cycle. Continuing education can come from workshops, online courses, conferences, or university courses related to physical therapy practice.

Your state board specifies which types of continuing education count toward renewal. Most accept courses from accredited providers, and some states require a certain number of hours in specific areas (such as ethics or jurisprudence). You pay a renewal fee when you submit your renewal process, typically $100 to $300, and you must renew before your license expires or you cannot legally practice.

Keep records of all continuing education you complete — course certificates, dates, and hours — because your state board may audit your file to verify you met the requirement. If you do not renew before your license expires, you must reapply and may face penalties or additional requirements to restore your license.

What happens if you move to another state

If you are licensed in one state and move to another, your options depend on whether your new state is part of the PT Compact. If it is, and you hold a multistate license, your license is automatically valid in your new state — you do not need to do anything. If your new state is not part of the compact, or if you hold a single-state license, you must register with your new state's licensing board.

Registration in a new state is usually faster than the initial licensure process because you have already passed the NPTE and hold a valid license elsewhere. Many states waive the exam requirement and allow you to register by endorsement, meaning you submit proof of your current license, your NPTE passing score, and your education credentials. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, and you pay a registration fee. Some states may require additional documentation or a background check, so check your new state board's website for specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I practice physical therapy with a bachelor's degree instead of a DPT?

No. As of 2016, all physical therapy programs in the United States award a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which is required for licensure. A bachelor's degree in physical therapy or a related field does not meet the requirement. If you hold an older PT license from before 2016, you may have been licensed with a bachelor's degree, but new graduates must have a DPT.

How long does it take to get a physical therapy license from start to finish?

The typical timeline is seven to eight years. This includes four years of undergraduate prerequisites and coursework, three years for the DPT program, and several months for exam preparation, testing, and state registration. Some people complete prerequisites faster or slower depending on their starting point, so the total time varies.

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapy assistant?

A physical therapist (PT) holds a DPT degree and a license, and can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, and design treatment plans. A physical therapy assistant (PTA) holds an associate degree and a separate license, and works under the supervision of a PT to carry out treatment. PTAs cannot evaluate patients or create treatment plans independently. The PTA path takes two years instead of seven.

Do I need to pass a background check to get a physical therapy license?

Most states require a background check as part of the licensing process, though the specific requirements vary. Convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but your state board reviews your record and may deny licensure or require additional documentation depending on the nature and timing of any convictions. Check your state board's website for details.

Can I hold a physical therapy license in more than one state at the same time?

Yes. If your states are part of the PT Compact, you hold one multistate license valid in all of them. If they are not, you must hold separate licenses in each state and renew each one according to that state's schedule and requirements. You pay renewal fees in each state where you hold a license.