New Jersey Occupational Therapist License
New Jersey Board of Occupational Therapy
Total Fee
$120
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 educational institution to the Board.
- Fieldwork Verification — Official copy of fieldwork experience sent directly from the school showing 24 weeks of experience.
- Certificates of Good Moral Character — Two completed certificates from individuals who can vouch for your character. Download Form
- Passport-Style Photo — A 2x2 color passport-style photograph of the applicant.
- NBCOT Score Transfer — Official passing score report sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Website
How to Apply
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Create a MyLicense Account ▾Register for a personal account on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs MyLicense portal to begin the application process.
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Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application for Occupational Therapist licensure and pay the non-refundable application fee.
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Request Official Transcripts ▾Arrange for your university to send official transcripts directly to the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council showing completion of a Master's degree (or Bachelor's if applicable).
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Submit Fieldwork Verification ▾Ensure your school sends official verification of at least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork experience directly to the Council.
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Transfer NBCOT Scores ▾Request a score transfer from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to be sent directly to the New Jersey Board.
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Complete Fingerprinting ▾After submitting your application, you will receive instructions and a service code to schedule a criminal history background check through IdentoGO.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Complete Jurisprudence Orientation ▾Complete the mandatory online Jurisprudence Orientation which covers New Jersey statutes and regulations governing occupational therapy.
Take Orientation
Total Fee
$120
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 Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state or jurisdiction where you have ever held a license, to be sent directly to the New Jersey Board.
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Submit NBCOT Verification ▾Provide proof of current NBCOT certification or a score transfer if not previously submitted.
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Complete NJ Background Check ▾Even if previously fingerprinted in another state, you must complete the New Jersey-specific criminal history background check.
IdentoGO -
Jurisprudence Orientation ▾All endorsement applicants must complete the New Jersey online jurisprudence orientation.
Online Orientation
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Jersey Board of Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
New Jersey Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Jersey Board of Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $120 |
| Endorsement application | $120 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts, fieldwork verifications, or NBCOT scores to be sent directly from the source is the most common cause of delay.
Fingerprinting Appointment Availability
▾
Delays in scheduling or attending the fingerprinting appointment can stall the background check process.
Incomplete Moral Character Forms
▾
Submitting forms that are not fully completed or signed can lead to application deficiencies.
Name Change Discrepancies
▾
Failure to provide legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree) for name changes across different documents.
Questions
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
New Jersey currently does not require any continuing education hours for the renewal of an Occupational Therapist license.
When do New Jersey OT licenses expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on September 30th of odd-numbered years.
Can I practice with a temporary license?
▾
Yes, a temporary license may be issued to applicants who have completed their education and fieldwork but are waiting to take or receive results from the NBCOT exam. Practice must be under direct supervision.
Is there a specific certification for Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs)?
▾
Yes, OTs in New Jersey must receive specific board-approved training and certification to use advanced Physical Agent Modalities.