Licensing Path
There is no active interstate compact route for occupational therapist licensing in District of Columbia. Plan on endorsement through DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies.
- Endorsement fee
- $314
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 Weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Available
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies
From the board
Endorsement Steps
-
Step 1
Complete Education & Fieldwork
Earn a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program and complete specific fieldwork requirements.
-
Step 2
Pass the NBCOT Examination
Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam for OTRs.
-
Step 3
Submit Application and Fees
Complete the state application, undergo a background check if required, and submit the necessary licensing fees.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 Weeks
- Renewal fee
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Application
- N/A
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
License Types
Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR): The standard credential to practice occupational therapy independently in District of Columbia.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA): Requires an associate degree and practicing under the supervision of a licensed OTR.
Required Documents
- Official Transcripts: Sent directly from your educational institution.
- NBCOT Score Report: Official verification of passing the NBCOT exam.
Board Contact
- Board
- DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies
- Department
- DC Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA)
- Phone
- (202) 442-8336
- See board website
- Board site
- https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/occupational-therapy-licensing
- Compact source
- https://otcompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is . Renewal cycle: Every 2 years.
District of Columbia Occupational Therapist Licensing FAQ
How much does a District of Columbia OT license cost?
The initial application and licensing fee varies, often around to . Check the specific fee breakdown.
Is NBCOT certification required?
Yes, passing the NBCOT exam is a standard requirement for initial licensure across all states.
Does District of Columbia have reciprocity for occupational therapists?
No interstate compact currently covers occupational therapist practice in District of Columbia. To work in District of Columbia, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my occupational therapist license to District of Columbia?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 6 Weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in District of Columbia while my endorsement application is processing?
A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.