Iowa Occupational Therapist License
Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Total Fee
$135
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited college or university and show completion of supervised fieldwork.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official passing score for the OTR exam sent directly from NBCOT. Request Scores
- Fingerprint Card/Results — Completed via Fieldprint or paper packet for the required FBI criminal history background check. Fieldprint Iowa
- Verification of Licensure — Official verification from every jurisdiction where you have ever been licensed, registered, or certified.
How to Apply
-
Create a Portal Account ▾Register for a new user account on the Iowa Professional Licensure portal to begin the application process.
Register/Login to Portal -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the Occupational Therapist license application and pay the non-refundable $120 application fee.
Start Application -
Complete Background Check ▾Follow the instructions sent after application submission to schedule a fingerprinting appointment via Fieldprint. A $55 fee applies.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Contact your university to have official transcripts confirming your OT degree and fieldwork completion sent directly to the Board.
-
Transfer NBCOT Scores ▾Request that NBCOT send your official OTR examination score report directly to the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy.
-
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾If you hold or have held licenses in other states, request official verification from each state board to be sent to Iowa.
Total Fee
$135
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
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the online portal and select the endorsement pathway if you are currently licensed in another state.
Apply Online -
Provide Proof of Practice or CE ▾Submit proof of 2,080 hours of practice in the last 2 years OR proof of 30 hours of Board-approved CE completed within the last 2 years.
-
Verify All State Licenses ▾Ensure all current and past licenses are verified by the respective state boards and sent to the Iowa Board.
-
Background Check ▾Complete the mandatory FBI background check process as required for all new Iowa applicants.
Fieldprint Scheduling
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Iowa Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $135 |
| Endorsement application | $135 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Manual fingerprint cards take significantly longer than digital Fieldprint appointments. Use Fieldprint to avoid weeks of delay.
Third-Party Document Delivery
▾
Transcripts and NBCOT scores must come directly from the source. Delays occur when applicants attempt to upload these themselves.
Incomplete Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Missing verifications from states where a license was previously held (even if inactive) will stall the application.
Questions
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
Occupational Therapists must complete 30 hours of CE every two years, with at least 20 hours directly related to clinical application.
When does my Iowa OT license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on the 15th day of the licensee's birth month.
Can I practice while waiting for my exam results?
▾
Yes, you may apply for a Limited Permit which is valid for up to six months or until exam results are available, whichever is sooner.
Is mandatory reporter training required?
▾
Yes, licensees must complete mandatory reporter training for child abuse and dependent adult abuse within six months of hire and every three years thereafter.
Board Info
Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Phone(515) 281-7074