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Montana Physical Therapist License

Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board showing degree conferral.
  • NPTE Scores — Official score report sent directly from FSBPT. Request Scores
  • Jurisprudence Exam — Completed open-book exam on Montana statutes and rules.
  • Fingerprint Cards — Completed fingerprint cards for the required background check.
  • License Verifications — Verification of any professional licenses held in other jurisdictions, sent directly from the issuing board.

How to Apply

  1. Create an E-Biz Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Citizen Portal to begin the application process.
    Citizen Portal
  2. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Complete the online application for Physical Therapist licensure and pay the required application fee ($100).
    Start Application
  3. Complete Fingerprint Background Check ▾
    Submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a state and federal criminal history background check. This must be done after the application is submitted.
  4. Register for NPTE ▾
    Register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
    NPTE Registration
  5. Pass Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Complete the Montana Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination, which is an open-book test on state laws and rules.
  6. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Request that your CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program send official transcripts directly to the Board.
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. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure you hold an active, unencumbered license in another state with standards substantially equivalent to Montana.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the Citizen Portal, selecting the 'Endorsement' path and paying the $125 fee.
    Apply by Endorsement
  3. Submit Verification of Licensure ▾
    Request official verification from every state where you have ever held a professional license.
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Follow the same fingerprinting process as initial applicants.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Montana Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners 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

Incomplete Fingerprint Cards ▾
Fingerprint cards that are smudged or missing information will be rejected by the DOJ, requiring a re-submission.
Missing License Verifications ▾
Delays often occur when applicants fail to request verifications from all states where they have held any professional license, not just PT licenses.
Transcript Delays ▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school; student-uploaded copies are not accepted for final licensure.

Questions

How long does the application process take? ▾
Routine applications are processed within 10-14 business days once all materials are complete.
What are the CE requirements for renewal? ▾
Physical Therapists must complete 30 hours of CE every two years by the March 31st deadline of odd-numbered years.
Can I get a temporary license? ▾
A temporary license is available for $100 for applicants who have graduated and are waiting to take the NPTE for the first time.
When does my license expire? ▾
Montana PT licenses expire on March 31st of odd-numbered years.

Board Info

Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Phone(406) 841-2371
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25