North Carolina Occupational Therapist License
North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy
Total Fee
$163
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / SBI
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Passport-style Photograph — One head and shoulders photograph taken within the past six months, 2x2 inches in size.
- Moral Character Forms — Two signed statements from licensed OTs or OTAs attesting to the applicant's good moral character.
- NBCOT Certification Verification — Official verification of passing the NBCOT exam, sent directly from NBCOT to the Board. NBCOT Website
- License Verification (if applicable) — Official verification from every state where you have ever held an OT or OTA license. Verification Info
How to Apply
-
Purchase Application Access ▾Submit an Application Request Form and pay a $10 fee to receive unique login credentials for the online application portal.
Purchase Application Online -
Complete Online Application ▾Log in using the credentials emailed to you and fill out the personal, educational, and employment history sections.
Edit Application Online -
Pass the Jurisprudence Exam ▾Complete the online, open-book Jurisprudence Exam covering the NC Practice Act and Board Rules. A score of 100% is required, and it can be retaken until passed.
Jurisprudence Exam Info -
Submit Moral Character Forms ▾Request two licensed OTs or OTAs to complete the Moral Character Forms provided within your application portal and submit them directly to the Board.
-
Request NBCOT Score Transfer ▾Request an official score transfer from NBCOT to be sent directly to the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy.
-
Pay Licensure Fee ▾Pay the $100 initial licensure fee via the online portal once all application components are ready for submission.
View Fee Schedule
Total Fee
$163
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
-
Purchase Application ▾Follow the standard initial application process by purchasing access for $10.
Purchase Application -
Request State Verifications ▾Contact every state board where you hold or have held a license and request they send official verification directly to NCBOT.
-
Complete NC Jurisprudence Exam ▾All endorsement applicants must pass the NC Jurisprudence Exam regardless of experience level.
Jurisprudence Exam
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
North Carolina Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $125 |
| Endorsement application | $125 |
| Fingerprint check | $38.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Delayed NBCOT Score Transfer
▾
Failing to request the score transfer at the time of the exam can add 10-15 days to the process.
Missing Moral Character Forms
▾
Applications remain incomplete until both references submit their forms directly to the Board.
Incomplete State Verifications
▾
The Board requires verification from every state of prior licensure; missing even one will stall the application.
Questions
Does North Carolina offer a temporary license?
▾
No, North Carolina does not offer temporary or provisional licenses. You must be fully licensed before beginning practice.
How long does the application process take?
▾
Once all documents are received, licenses are typically issued on Fridays within 1 to 2 weeks.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Licensees must earn 15 continuing competence activity (CCA) points annually, including at least 1 point in ethics.
When do North Carolina OT licenses expire?
▾
All licenses expire annually on June 30th. The renewal window opens on April 1st.