Skip to main content

Licensure is managed by individual state regulatory boards and is required to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States.

Licensure is required in order to practice as a physical therapist or work as a physical therapist assistant in the United States.

You must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.


Recommended Content

About the National Physical Therapy Examination

May 1, 2020

The NPTE is administered by FSBPT. You must pass the NPTE if you are seeking to become a licensed PT or PTA in the United States.

About PT and PTA Licensure

May 1, 2020

Licensure is required in order to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States. Licensure is managed by individual state regulatory boards.

State Practice Acts and Licensing Authorities

May 30, 2020 / Website

Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

Aug 1, 2019 / Article

Extending Reach to Patients and Clients With the PT Compact

Aug 1, 2022 / Feature


Additional Licensure Content

PT Compact: 101

Aug 5, 2020 / Podcast

T.J. Cantwell of FSBPT answers some common questions about the PT Compact, including requirements for eligibility, what happens if you move, and much more.

Prepping for the NPTE

Jun 3, 2020 / Podcast

Scott Giles, PT, DPT, wants to make sure that you're not only prepared to take the NPTE, but you're over prepared.

Compact but Growing

Jun 1, 2020 / Column

An increasing number of states are joining the Physical Therapy Compact.

License to Delegate?

Jun 1, 2020 / Column

A busy PT is taken to task.

CMS Officially Recognizes Compacts

May 8, 2020 / News

Now available: a CMS resource verifying the agency’s recognition of interstate license compacts.

CMS Resolves Compact Snag, Says Privilege Satisfies Requirements

Feb 25, 2020 / News

CMS says that PTs and PTAs with Physical Therapy Compact privileges are considered valid license-holders for purposes of meeting Medicare licensure requirements.

How I Made a Perfect Score on the PTA NPTE

Jun 26, 2019 / Perspective

It's never too early to start studying. 

Expanding Opportunities In a Compact Way

Dec 1, 2018 / Column

Do you want to provide physical therapist services in more than one state? The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact may help you achieve your goal.

Are You Making the NPTE Harder Than It Needs to Be?

Jun 11, 2018 / Perspective

Here are ways that you can actually reduce the amount of test anxiety you have about the exam.

Name Game

Dec 1, 2017 / Column

Can a PT simply drop the title, without consequences?