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West Virginia Physical Therapist License

West Virginia 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

  • Universal Licensure Application (Form 1) — Must be notarized and include a 2.5x3 inch color photo of your head and shoulders. Download Form 1
  • Official Conferred Transcript — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board via email (wvbopt@wv.gov) or mail.
  • NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred via FSBPT. Request Score Transfer
  • Criminal History Record Check Results — Fingerprint-based state and federal background check results processed through IdentoGO. IdentoGO Website
  • Proof of West Virginia Residency — Required for Universal Licensure; submit a copy of a WV driver's license, ID, or voter registration card.

How to Apply

  1. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Download and complete the Universal Licensure Application (Form 1). Submit the completed, notarized form as a PDF via email to wvbopt@wv.gov.
  2. Account Activation and Fee Payment ▾
    After the Board receives your PDF application, they will manually create an online account for you. You will receive an email from Thentia Cloud to activate your portal and pay the required licensing fees.
    Licensee Portal
  3. Register for the NPTE ▾
    Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
    FSBPT Registration
  4. Complete Criminal History Background Check ▾
    Schedule a fingerprint-based background check through IdentoGO. This should only be done AFTER submitting your application and paying the fees.
  5. Submit Required Supporting Documents ▾
    Request official conferred transcripts to be sent directly from your school to the Board. Ensure your NPTE scores are transferred to West Virginia.
  6. License Issuance ▾
    Once all documents, background check results, and exam scores are verified, the Board will issue your license. You can print your license from the online portal.
    Print License
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

  1. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete the Universal Licensure Application (Form 1) and email it to the Board as a PDF.
  2. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    Request official license verifications from every jurisdiction where you have ever held a license. Verifications must be sent directly from the other state boards to West Virginia.
  3. Transfer NPTE Scores ▾
    Contact FSBPT to have your historical NPTE scores transferred to the West Virginia Board.
    FSBPT Score Transfer
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Follow the fingerprinting instructions provided on the Board's website for endorsement applicants.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

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

Fees

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

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Criminal history record checks can take several weeks and cannot be expedited. Start this process as soon as you have paid your application fees.
Third-Party Document Delivery ▾
Delays often occur while waiting for transcripts or license verifications from other states. Follow up with your school and other state boards early.
Incomplete or Un-notarized Forms ▾
Applications that are missing the required photo, notarization, or signatures will be returned, delaying the manual account creation process.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Physical Therapists must complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education every two-year licensing period.
When does my West Virginia PT license expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on December 31st. Renewal season typically opens on October 1st.
Can I obtain a temporary permit while waiting for my exam results? ▾
Yes, if you have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited program and have a secured place of employment in West Virginia. The permit is valid for 90 days.
What are the fees for initial licensure? ▾
For Physical Therapists, the endorsement fee is $245 and the exam-based application fee is $270 (which includes a $25 processing fee).

Board Info

West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy
Phone(304) 558-0367
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25