Alabama Physical Therapist License
Alabama Board of Physical Therapy
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board showing the degree and date conferred.
- NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT to the Alabama Board. Request Score Transfer
- AL JAM Score Report — Results from the Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module taken via FSBPT.
- Proof of Legal Presence — Copy of a Star ID, U.S. Passport, or Birth Certificate to verify lawful presence in the U.S.
- Background Check Results — Fingerprint results sent directly from Fieldprint to the Board. Fieldprint Portal
How to Apply
-
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application for licensure and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee through the Board's online services portal.
Apply Online -
Register for Fingerprinting ▾After submitting your application, register with Fieldprint Alabama using the code 'FPABPTLicensees' to schedule your fingerprint-based background check. Do not do this before applying.
Fingerprinting Instructions -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Have your CAPTE-accredited PT program send official transcripts directly to the Board via email (info@pt.alabama.gov) or U.S. Mail. Transcripts must show the degree conferred.
-
Register for NPTE ▾Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Register for NPTE -
Complete the AL JAM ▾Register and pass the Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AL JAM) through FSBPT. A passing score of 80% is required for all new applicants.
-
Submit Proof of Legal Presence ▾Upload or mail a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of legal presence (e.g., Birth Certificate, Passport, or Star ID).
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the online application and select 'By Endorsement'. Pay the $100 application fee.
Endorsement Application -
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a PT license to be sent directly to the Alabama Board.
-
Complete Background Check ▾Follow the Fieldprint instructions to complete the mandatory fingerprint-based background check.
Background Check Info -
Pass the AL JAM ▾All endorsement applicants must pass the Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AL JAM) via FSBPT.
Register for AL JAM -
Submit CE Certificates ▾Provide proof of 10 hours of continuing education completed within the 12 months immediately preceding the application.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Alabama Board of Physical Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Alabama Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Premature Fingerprinting
▾
If fingerprints are submitted before the application is on file, the Board cannot access them, and the applicant must pay for and undergo the process again.
Background Check Expiration
▾
Background check results are only available to the Board for 30 days. If other application components are not received within this window, the check may expire.
Transcript Delivery Method
▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school. Hand-delivered or student-uploaded transcripts are not accepted and will cause delays.
Missing Proof of Legal Presence
▾
Applications are often held up because the applicant failed to provide a copy of their Star ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate.
Questions
When is the license renewal period in Alabama?
▾
Licenses must be renewed annually between July 1 and September 30. All licenses expire on October 1.
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
PTs are required to complete 10 hours of CE annually. PTs practicing via Direct Access must complete 12 hours.
Is the Alabama Jurisprudence Exam required for every renewal?
▾
No. The AL JAM is required for initial licensure. For renewals, 2 hours of Alabama Jurisprudence CE are only required in years ending in '0' or '5'.
What is the fee for a PT license renewal?
▾
The annual renewal fee for a Physical Therapist is $130.
Does Alabama participate in the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, Alabama is an active member of the Physical Therapy Compact, allowing for compact privileges if eligibility requirements are met.