North Dakota Occupational Therapist License
North Dakota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Total Fee
$100
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.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing scores sent directly from NBCOT.
- Verification of Licensure — Required from all jurisdictions where the applicant has ever held a license.
- Fingerprint Cards — Completed fingerprint cards for the criminal background check.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education ▾Graduate from an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass the NBCOT Exam ▾Register for and pass the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
NBCOT Registration -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application through the North Dakota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice website. This includes the integrated Jurisprudence Exam.
Start Application -
Pay Fees ▾Pay the $50 application fee and the initial license fee (typically $150 for OTs) via credit or debit card during the online application process.
Fee Schedule -
Complete Background Check ▾Undergo a criminal background check, which includes submitting fingerprints to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
-
Submit Supporting Documents ▾Arrange for official transcripts and NBCOT score reports to be sent directly to the Board.
Total Fee
$100
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 Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold a current, unencumbered license in another state with requirements substantially equivalent to North Dakota.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the online application for licensure by endorsement on the Board's website.
Apply by Endorsement -
License Verification ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have been licensed to be sent directly to the North Dakota Board.
-
Jurisprudence Exam ▾Complete the open-book Jurisprudence Exam covering North Dakota laws and rules, typically integrated into the online application.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Dakota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Keeping Your License Active
North Dakota Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Dakota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Criminal background checks can take several weeks to process. Start this step early to avoid delays.
Missing Verifications
▾
Delays often occur when the Board is waiting for official transcripts or license verifications from other states.
Incomplete Applications
▾
Failing to answer all questions or provide required documentation will stall the review process.
Questions
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensed Occupational Therapists in North Dakota must complete 20 contact hours of continued competency every two years.
When do North Dakota OT licenses expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on June 30 of even-numbered years.
Is North Dakota a member of the Occupational Therapy Compact?
▾
Yes, North Dakota has enacted the Occupational Therapy Compact, allowing for easier practice across member states.
What are the application fees for an OT license?
▾
There is a $50 application fee plus an initial license fee that ranges from $75 to $150 depending on the time of year the application is received.