Arizona — Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

Arizona Occupational Therapist License

Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Total Fee
$235
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Fingerprint Clearance Card — A digital copy of the front and back of your valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. DPS Fingerprint Services
  • Statement of Citizenship — A signed form attesting to your legal presence in the United States.
  • Proof of Citizenship — A digital copy of a government-issued document such as a U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, or Permanent Resident Card.
  • Professional Recommendations — Two signed professional recommendations from supervisors or professors.
  • NBCOT Verification — Official score transfer sent directly from NBCOT to the Board. NBCOT Website

How to Apply

  1. Obtain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card ▾
    Apply for a Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is a prerequisite for licensure and can take several weeks.
    Apply for Fingerprint Card
  2. Request NBCOT Score Transfer ▾
    Request that your official NBCOT examination scores be sent directly to the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
    Request Score Transfer
  3. Request License Verifications ▾
    If you hold or have held a license in any other state, request official verification to be sent directly from that state board to the Arizona Board.
  4. Complete Statement of Citizenship ▾
    Download and complete the Statement of Citizenship form and gather a digital copy of your proof of citizenship (e.g., Passport or Birth Certificate).
  5. Submit Online Application ▾
    Create an account and complete the 'Licensure by Examination' application on the Thentia Cloud Portal. Upload all required documents including your fingerprint card and citizenship proof.
    Start Online Application
  6. Pay Application and Licensing Fees ▾
    Pay the $100 application fee and the $135 initial license fee (plus a $22 fingerprint processing fee) through the online portal.
    Pay Fees
Total Fee
$235
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility for Universal Recognition ▾
    To apply via Universal License Recognition, you must have established residency in Arizona and held an active license in another state for at least one year.
  2. Gather Proof of Arizona Residency ▾
    Prepare a digital copy of your Arizona driver's license, utility bill, or lease agreement to prove residency.
  3. Submit Universal Recognition Application ▾
    Complete the specific 'Universal License Recognition' application in the Thentia portal and upload residency proof.
    Apply via Universal Recognition
  4. Non-Resident Endorsement ▾
    If you do not yet have Arizona residency, you must apply via the 'Licensure by Examination' pathway, even if you are already licensed in another state.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Arizona Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$235
Endorsement application$235
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Fingerprint Card Processing ▾
The Arizona DPS can take several weeks to issue a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Apply for this card as the very first step to avoid delays.
Third-Party Verifications ▾
Delays often occur when other state boards or NBCOT do not send verifications directly to the Arizona Board. Follow up with these entities to ensure they have sent the documents.
Incomplete Citizenship Documentation ▾
Failure to provide both the Statement of Citizenship form and the supporting proof of identity will stall the application review.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for OTs in Arizona? ▾
Occupational Therapists must complete 20 clock-hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle.
Does Arizona require a Jurisprudence Exam? ▾
No, there is no separate Jurisprudence Exam. However, applicants must attest on their application that they have read and will comply with the Board's statutes and rules.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
No. Arizona law prohibits the practice of occupational therapy until a license has been officially issued by the Board.
How often do I need to renew my license? ▾
Licenses are renewed biennially (every two years) based on the date of original issuance.

Board Info

Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
Phone(602) 589-8353
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25