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New York Occupational Therapist License

New York Office of the Professions — OT

Total Fee
$396
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
MorphoTrust / IdentoGO
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Form 1: Application for Licensure — The primary application form submitted online with the fee.
  • Form 2: Certification of Professional Education — Must be completed by your school and mailed/emailed directly to NYSED.
  • NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Website
  • Infection Control Training Certificate — Proof of completion of the NYS mandated Infection Control course.
  • Child Abuse Reporting Certificate — Proof of completion of the NYS mandated Child Abuse Identification and Reporting course.

How to Apply

  1. Submit Online Application (Form 1)
    Complete the Online Form 1 Application for licensure and pay the required $294 fee using a credit card.
  2. Request Certification of Professional Education (Form 2)
    Contact your university's registrar to complete Form 2 and have them send your official transcripts directly to the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
  3. Transfer NBCOT Exam Scores
    Log in to your NBCOT account and request that your official OTR examination scores be sent directly to the New York State Board.
  4. Complete Mandated Training
    Complete the New York State mandated training in Infection Control and Child Abuse Identification and Reporting from an approved provider.
  5. Submit Verification of Other Licenses (Form 3)
    If you are or have ever been licensed in another state or jurisdiction, you must have that state board complete Form 3 and send it directly to NYSED.
  6. Wait for Board Review
    The board will review your application once all documents (Forms 1, 2, 3, scores, and training) are received. You can check your status online.
    Check Application Status
Total Fee
$396
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

  1. Submit Form 1
    Complete the standard online application for licensure and pay the $294 fee.
  2. Verify Out-of-State Licenses
    Request that every jurisdiction where you have held a license complete Form 3 and send it directly to NYSED.
  3. Verify NBCOT Certification
    Request an official verification of your current NBCOT certification status be sent to the board.
    NBCOT Verification
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New York Office of the Professions — OT

Keeping Your License Active

New York Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New York Office of the Professions — OT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Visit board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$294
Endorsement application$294
Fingerprint check$102.00
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Third-Party Document Delays
Waiting for schools or other state boards to send Form 2 or Form 3 is the most common cause of delay. Follow up with these institutions early.
NBCOT Score Transfer
NYSED will not accept personal copies of exam results; they must come directly from NBCOT.
Missing Mandated Training
Failure to complete the specific NYS Infection Control or Child Abuse Reporting courses will halt the application.

Questions

How long does the licensing process take in New York?
Processing times vary but typically take 6 to 8 weeks once all required documentation (transcripts, scores, and forms) has been received by the Office of the Professions.
Does New York require fingerprinting for OT licensure?
No, fingerprinting is not a standard requirement for Occupational Therapist licensure through the Office of the Professions, though it may be required separately by employers (e.g., school districts).
Can I get a temporary permit to practice while waiting for my license?
Yes, if you have met all requirements except the exam or are waiting for exam results, you can apply for a limited permit for a $70 fee. It is valid for one year or until you receive your license.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
Occupational Therapists in New York must complete 36 hours of approved continuing competency activities during each three-year registration period.

Board Info

New York Office of the Professions — OT
Sources
New York Office of the Professions — OT
Last verified 2026-02-25