Colorado Occupational Therapist License
Colorado DORA — Occupational Therapy
Total Fee
$99
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / CBI
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the ACOTE-accredited institution to the Board.
- NBCOT Score Transfer — Official verification of your passing score sent directly from NBCOT.
- Affidavit of Eligibility — A required form to verify lawful presence in the U.S., usually completed within the online application flow.
- Fingerprint Results — Results from the CBI/FBI background check sent directly to DORA by the approved vendor.
How to Apply
-
Pass the NBCOT Exam ▾Successfully complete the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination to become an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
NBCOT Website -
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check ▾Schedule an appointment with an approved vendor (IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting) for a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
Fingerprinting Instructions -
Create a DPO Online Account ▾Register for an account on the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) Online Services portal.
-
Submit Initial Application ▾Log in to the portal, select 'Apply for a New License', and complete the Occupational Therapist application. You will be prompted to complete the Jurisprudence Exam during this process.
-
Request Official Documents ▾Have your official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution and your NBCOT score transfer sent directly to the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy.
-
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the required application fee (typically $60 for OTs) through the online portal at the time of submission.
Total Fee
$99
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
-
Verify Current License ▾Request verification of your current, active license in good standing from every state or jurisdiction where you are or have been licensed.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the online application via DPO Online Services, selecting the 'Endorsement' method.
-
Provide NBCOT Certification ▾Ensure your current NBCOT certification status is verified and sent to the Colorado Board.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Colorado DORA — Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Colorado Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Colorado DORA — Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $60 |
| Endorsement application | $60 |
| Fingerprint check | $39.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Delays often occur if fingerprints are rejected or if there is a backlog at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Missing Transcripts or Score Transfers
▾
The Board cannot process applications until official documents are received directly from the source (school or NBCOT).
Incomplete License Verifications
▾
Waiting for other state boards to send verification of licensure can significantly slow down the endorsement process.
Questions
How often do I need to renew my Colorado OT license?
▾
Licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years and must be renewed biennially.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Licensees must complete 24 hours of Professional Development Activities (PDA) every two years as part of the Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) program.
Is there a Jurisprudence Exam?
▾
Yes, an open-book Jurisprudence Exam covering the Colorado Occupational Therapy Practice Act and Board Rules is required during the application process.
What is the 'Deemed Status' for CE requirements?
▾
Licensees may qualify for 'Deemed Status' if they maintain current NBCOT certification or a CDE Special Service Provider license, which may satisfy Colorado's CPC requirements.
Board Info
Colorado DORA — Occupational Therapy
Phone(303) 894-7800