North Dakota — Theodore Roosevelt Badlands at sunset

North Dakota Physical Therapist License

North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy

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 registrar of your CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
  • NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT to the North Dakota Board. Transfer Scores
  • Fingerprint Cards — Completed fingerprint cards for the mandatory criminal history record check.
  • Jurisprudence Exam Completion — The completed open-book exam testing knowledge of ND physical therapy laws.

How to Apply

  1. Create an Online Account
    Register for an account on the North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy (NDBPT) application portal to begin the process.
    Apply for Licensure
  2. Submit Initial Application and Fee
    Complete the online application form and pay the non-refundable $200 application fee via credit card.
    Start Application
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check
    Submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check. A fee of $41.25 is typically required for processing.
  4. Request Official Transcripts
    Have your accredited physical therapy program send official transcripts directly to the NDBPT office.
  5. Register for the NPTE
    Register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Examination.
    FSBPT Website
  6. Pass the Jurisprudence Examination
    Complete the open-book North Dakota Jurisprudence Examination, which covers the state's Practice Act and Administrative Rules.
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Current License
    Request official verification of your current license from every state or jurisdiction where you have ever been licensed.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application
    Complete the online application for licensure by endorsement and pay the $200 fee.
    Apply Online
  3. Transfer NPTE Scores
    Request an official score transfer from FSBPT to be sent to the North Dakota Board.
    FSBPT Score Transfer
  4. Complete Background Check
    Undergo the required fingerprint-based criminal history background check for North Dakota.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

North Dakota Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Visit board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incomplete Background Checks
Failure to follow specific fingerprinting instructions or missing the background check fee can delay processing by several weeks.
Transcript Delivery Issues
Transcripts must come directly from the institution; student-submitted copies are not accepted.
Missing License Verifications
Delays often occur when other state boards are slow to send official verifications for endorsement applicants.

Questions

How many continuing education units (CEUs) are required for renewal?
Physical Therapists in North Dakota must complete 25 units of continuing competence every two years.
When does my North Dakota PT license expire?
Licenses expire annually on January 31st. Renewal applications should be submitted before this date to avoid late fees.
What is the application fee for a PT license?
The initial application fee is $200, plus a separate $41.25 fee for the criminal background check.
Is North Dakota a member of the PT Compact?
Yes, North Dakota is a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing eligible licensees to practice in other member states.

Board Info

North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy
Sources
North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy
Last verified 2026-02-25