Licensure Reference Guide

Initial Licensure

  • Initial License Requirements for PTs and PTAs

    Description: Requirements for graduates of CAPTE accredited programs that do not hold a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another US jurisdiction.

  • Taking the NPTE Prior to Graduation

    Description: Which jurisdictions allow students to take the NPTE prior to graduation and under what circumstances it is allowed.

  • PT Education Sitting For PTA Exam

    Description: Which jurisdictions allow Physical Therapist educated individuals to sit for the Physical Therapist Assistant exam.

  • Licensure Endorsement Requirements

    Description: Requirements for graduates of CAPTE accredited programs that currently hold a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another US jurisdiction.

  • Retaking the NPTE

    Description: Which jurisdictions have limits on retaking the exam; whether or not remediation is required.

  • Foreign Educated PTs and PTAs

     

    • Requirements for Initial Licensure

      Description: Requirements for graduates of education programs NOT accredited by CAPTE that do not hold a license in another US jurisdiction.

    • Requirements for Endorsement Licensure

      Description: Requirements for graduates of education programs NOT accredited by CAPTE that currently hold a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another US jurisdiction.

    • Use of CWT for PTs

      Description: How the coursework tools are used to evaluate foreign educated physical therapist applicants.

    • Use of CWT for PTAs

      Description: How the coursework tools are used to evaluate foreign educated physical therapist assistant applicants.

    • English Language Requirements

      Description: Which jurisdictions have an English language proficiency requirement and the passing score.

  • Physical Therapy Compact Members

    Description: Which jurisdictions are members of the PT Compact.

Renewal of Licenses

Management of Licenses

  • Jurisprudence Exam Developers

    Description: Provides additional information on the use of the jurisprudence exam developer for initial licensure and renewal.

  • Temporary Licensure

    Description: Jurisdictions that give temporary licenses, for what reasons.

  • Supervision Levels by Setting

    Description: Level of supervision required for PTAs in various practice settings.

  • Supervision Ratios

    Description: If there is a limit on the number of personnel a PT can supervise, what the limit is, and which personnel are covered by this limit.

  • Role of Unlicensed Personnel

    Description: What level of supervision is required for unlicensed personnel, which personnel may supervise unlicensed personnel, and what type of assistance may be provided.

  • Direct Access

    Description: Which jurisdictions have unlimited direct access; what limits are specified for jurisdictions that have limited direct access; and from whom PTs can accept referrals.

  • Referral Requirements

    Description: Which Jurisdictions that have limited direct access and from whom PTs can accept referrals.

  • Reinstating Active License After Lapse in Licensure (Re-entry)

    Description: What jurisdictions define as time frames for re-entry into the workforce and the requirements prior to reinstating active licensure.

Jurisdiction Board Information

  • Level of Board Autonomy

    Description: What level of autonomy the licensing authorities have in developing budgets, hiring staff, developing administrative policies, discipline, etc.

  • Board Composition

    Description: What type and how many of each profession is on each licensing board.