South Carolina Physical Therapist License
South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Passport-Style Photo — A 2x2 standard photograph of the head and shoulders.
- Social Security Card Copy — A signed copy of your Social Security card.
- Government-Issued ID — A legible copy of a valid driver's license or passport.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
- Form C-20 (Verification of Graduation) — Verification of completion of graduation requirements, sent directly from the school.
How to Apply
-
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the electronic application through the SCLLR portal and pay the $120 non-refundable application fee.
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Register for the NPTE ▾Register and pay for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Register with FSBPT -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Contact your physical therapy program registrar to have official transcripts sent directly from the school to the Board in a sealed envelope.
-
Submit Supplemental Documents ▾Upload or mail required documents including a 2x2 passport-style photo, a copy of your Social Security card, and a copy of your government-issued ID.
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Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Wait for the Board to send specific fingerprinting instructions via email after your application is received. Do not complete this step until instructed.
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Pass the NPTE ▾Once the Board approves your eligibility, take and pass the NPTE. Scores are automatically reported to South Carolina if you selected it as your primary state.
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.
Steps
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the online application for licensure by endorsement and pay the $120 fee.
-
Request NPTE Score Transfer ▾Request an official score transfer from the FSBPT Score Transfer Service to be sent to the South Carolina Board.
Transfer Scores -
Verify Current License (Form C-10) ▾Submit Form C-10 to your current state board to verify your permanent license. The form must be mailed directly from that board to South Carolina.
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Submit Educational Evidence ▾Provide official transcripts sent directly from your physical therapy program.
-
Complete Background Check ▾Follow the fingerprinting instructions sent by the Board after your application is processed.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
South Carolina Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners 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 |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Premature Background Check
▾
Completing fingerprints before receiving the Board's specific instructions can result in the results not being linked to your application, requiring a re-do.
Non-Direct Transcripts
▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school; the Board will not accept copies provided by the applicant.
Missing Supplemental Forms
▾
Failing to upload the required photo, ID, or Social Security card copy during the online application process will halt the review.
Incomplete License Verification
▾
Delays often occur when other state boards take several weeks to process the Form C-10 verification request.
Questions
Is there a Jurisprudence Exam required in South Carolina?
▾
No, South Carolina does not currently require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for initial licensure or endorsement.
How many CEUs are required for renewal?
▾
Licensees must complete 3.0 CEUs (30 contact hours) every two years. At least 15 hours must be 'Certified Activities,' and 3 hours must be in Ethics, Professionalism, or Jurisprudence.
When does my license expire?
▾
Physical Therapy licenses in South Carolina expire on December 31st of every even-numbered year.
Does South Carolina participate in the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, South Carolina is an active member of the Physical Therapy Compact, allowing for compact privileges if you hold a home state license in another member state.
What is the fee for a Physical Therapist license?
▾
The initial application fee for both Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants is $120.