Arkansas — autumn in the Ozarks

Arkansas Physical Therapist License

Arkansas 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

  • Notarized Application Form — The official application for licensure, signed and notarized.
  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the registrar of your physical therapy education program.
  • Jurisprudence Exam Certificate — Proof of passing the Arkansas-specific jurisprudence exam. Take Exam
  • NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred to the Arkansas Board via FSBPT. Transfer Scores
  • Background Check Identity Verification Form — Required for processing state and federal criminal history records.

How to Apply

  1. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Download and complete the Application for Licensure by Examination. The form must be notarized and mailed to the Board with the current application fee ($5.00 through June 2026).
  2. Register for Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Register and pay for the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam online. You must pass this exam with a score of at least 70% as a prerequisite for licensure.
    Register for Jurisprudence Exam
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    After your application is received, the Board will email (in-state) or mail (out-of-state) a Background Check (BGC) and Fingerprint (FP) packet with specific instructions.
  4. Request Official Transcripts ▾
    Have your official transcripts sent directly from your CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program to the Board office. Electronic transcripts are accepted if sent via a secure delivery service.
  5. Register for the NPTE ▾
    Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through FSBPT. The Board must approve your eligibility before you can schedule your test date.
    Register for NPTE
  6. Final License Issuance ▾
    Once all documents, background check results, and passing exam scores are received, the Board will issue your permanent license.
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

  1. Submit Reciprocity Application ▾
    Complete the Application for Licensure by Reciprocity, have it notarized, and mail it with the $5.00 fee.
  2. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    Request official verification of all current and previous licenses to be sent directly to the Arkansas Board. The Board may verify online if primary source verification is available.
  3. Pass Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    All reciprocity applicants must pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam.
    Register for Jurisprudence Exam
  4. Background Check ▾
    Complete the background check process using the instructions sent by the Board after application submission.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arkansas Board of Physical Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

Arkansas Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arkansas Board of Physical Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Results can take 2-6 weeks to reach the Board. Delays often occur if the applicant does not follow the specific instructions in the BGC packet.
Missing Notarization ▾
Applications submitted without a proper notary seal or original ink signature will be returned, delaying the process.
Transcript Delivery ▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school. Hand-carried or student-provided copies are not accepted.

Questions

What are the current application fees? ▾
From July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026, application fees are reduced to $5.00 for PT and PTA applicants. The Jurisprudence exam fee is $10.00.
How often do I need to renew my license? ▾
Licenses must be renewed annually by March 1st. Renewal fees are currently reduced to $4.00 for PTs and $2.00 for PTAs.
What are the CE requirements for PTs? ▾
Physical Therapists must complete 20 contact hours (2.0 CEUs) every two years (biennium). This must include passing the Jurisprudence exam in odd-numbered years.
Is Arkansas a member of the PT Compact? ▾
Yes, Arkansas is a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Eligible PTs can apply for compact privileges at ptcompact.org.

Board Info

Arkansas Board of Physical Therapy
Phone(501) 228-7100
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25