South Carolina Occupational Therapist License
South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy
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 registrar of your ACOTE-accredited institution to the Board.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam sent directly from NBCOT.
- 2x2 Passport Photo — A standard professional passport-style photo must be attached to the application.
- Social Security Card Copy — A signed copy of your Social Security card is required for identity verification.
- Government-Issued ID — A legible copy of a valid driver's license or passport.
How to Apply
-
Graduate from an Accredited Program ▾Complete an occupational therapy educational program accredited by ACOTE.
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass the NBCOT Exam ▾Register for and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) OTR exam.
-
Submit Initial Application ▾Complete the online application via the LLR portal or mail a paper application with the $135 fee.
Apply Online -
Complete Background Check ▾Schedule and complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through IdentoGO.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Submit Supporting Documents ▾Request official transcripts and NBCOT score reports to be sent directly to the Board.
Document Submission Info -
Pass the Jurisprudence Exam ▾Once your application is reviewed, the Board will mail instructions for the online Jurisprudence Exam. You must score at least 70%.
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 Out-of-State License ▾Request verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a license.
Endorsement Instructions -
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the application for licensure by endorsement and pay the $135 fee.
Online Portal -
NBCOT Verification ▾Provide proof of current certification in good standing with NBCOT.
-
Background Check and Jurisprudence ▾Complete the fingerprinting process and pass the SC Jurisprudence Exam as required for all applicants.
IdentoGO SC
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
South Carolina Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Application Forms
▾
Missing signatures or unanswered questions on paper forms will stop the review process immediately.
Incorrect Photo Format
▾
Submitting photos that are not exactly 2x2 inches or are not passport-quality will cause delays.
Third-Party Document Lag
▾
Waiting for transcripts or NBCOT scores to arrive is the most common delay; request these as early as possible.
Background Check Processing
▾
Fingerprint results can take several weeks to be reported to the Board by SLED and the FBI.
Questions
How long does the licensing process take?
▾
The typical timeline is 4 to 6 weeks once all required documents and fees have been received by the Board.
When do South Carolina OT licenses expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on March 15th of odd-numbered years.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensees must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years, which are tracked via CE Broker.
Is a physician's referral required for OT services in SC?
▾
No, South Carolina law does not require a physician referral to initiate OT services, though reimbursement sources may require one.
Can I practice with a temporary license?
▾
The Board has discontinued the use of temporary licenses; you must have a full license to practice.