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  • GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

    Note: The requirement that applicants for an initial license submit fingerprints has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Please note that applicants may still submit fingerprints and are encouraged to submit such; for example, fingerprinting will be required for license renewal for any individual who has not previously met the requirement. Information on this page will be updated when the fingerprinting requirement is back in effect.

     

    See the Apply By Exam and Apply By Endorsement tabs for Quick Links to the application and further resources. 

     

    You must hold a current, unexpired Texas license (and the current status of the license and the expiration date must appear on the Board’s License Verification page) to practice occupational therapy in any way (including consulting) or to represent yourself as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. 
     
    What follows is general application information. Please see the OT Rules and OT Practice Act for further information and requirements. Chapter 364 details initial licensure requirements.
     

    Licensure Method:

    All applicants must apply by either examination or endorsement. In addition, all applicants must also meet the requirements in §364.1, Requirements for Licensure, of the OT Rules.
    • Initial License by Examination: Please see the Apply by Exam tab for further information and requirements.
      • The applicant must apply by examination and also meet the requirements in §364.2, Initial License by Examination, if the applicant:
        • has not passed the NBCOT certification examination; or
        • has passed the NBCOT certification examination and
          • is not currently licensed as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in another state or territory of the U.S.; or
          • if not currently licensed in another state or territory of the U.S., is applying from the U.S. military or a non-licensing state or territory of the U.S and cannot substantiate occupational therapy employment for at least two years immediately preceding application for a Texas license.
    • Licensure by Endorsement: Please see the Apply by Endorsement tab for further information and requirements.
      • The applicant must apply by endorsement and also meet the requirements in §364.4, Licensure by Endorsement, if the applicant has passed the NBCOT certification examination and:
        • is currently licensed as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in another state or territory of the U.S.; or
        • if not currently licensed in another state or territory of the U.S., is applying from the U.S. military or a non-licensing state or territory of the U.S. and can substantiate occupational therapy employment for at least two years immediately preceding application for a Texas license.
     

    General Information for all Applicants:   

    Applying and Fees:
    Please see the Quick Links on the Apply by Exam and Apply by Endorsement tabs to access the application and for current fees. 
                Those applying online may pay by credit card or electronic check.
                Those applying by paper application may pay by check or money order.
     
    Fees are non-refundable.
     
    Once an application has been processed, the applicant will be emailed a password with which to access the online applicant status checklist. Please see the “Check Status” tab for additional information regarding the checklist and processing times.
     
    Please note that materials in addition to the application must be submitted.  
     
    Military Applicants: Please see the information below under "Military Applicants" and the "Military Applicants" tab regarding fees and further information regarding the application process.
     
    Board Contact Information:
    Please use the following to contact or send information and required items to the Board.
                Mailing Address: ECPTOTE, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, TX 78701-3942
                Email Address: info@ptot.texas.gov
                Phone Number: (512) 305-6900   
     
    Change in Information: 
    You are required to notify the Board in writing within 30 days of changes in name, residential address, mailing address, email address, and work address (and change in supervisor if you have obtained your temporary license). You may not be employed yet, but when you are, send that information to the Board via mail, email, or by submitting such online. You can change your address contact information online, as well: please click this link for the online form. For a name change, the Board also requires a copy of the documentation evidencing the change (such as a marriage license or divorce decree).
     
    Eligibility Exceptions:
    If you already had a Texas license that has been expired one year or more and wish to restore the license, you may not apply by initial licensure. Instead, you must restore according to §370.3 of the OT Rules; see the Restoration page for additional information. 
     
    In a hurry?
    Use overnight mail to mail items to our street address.
     
    All licenses are sent by USPS.  If you are in a rush, you can mail or email the Board as an attachment a pre-paid FedEx or UPS overnight air bill or send us a pre-paid overnight envelope. If you send an alternate means of delivery, when the license is approved, it may be sent by the indicated method. Please send such to the Board in a timely manner so it will be received prior to license issuance and note that the dimensions of the regular license are  8 1/2 x 11 inches.
     
    Military Applicants:
    Please see the Military Applicant tab for information regarding fee waivers for U.S. military service members, veterans, and military spouses.
     
    For applicants who are active U.S. military service members or U.S. veterans, any military service, training or education verified and credited by an accredited OT or OTA program is acceptable to the Board.
     
    Applicants shall mail a copy of the Uniformed Services Military ID Card and notify the Board of their military affiliation.
     
    Starting Work: 
    Once your license has been approved, your license number and expiration date will be shown on the the Board’s License Verification page.
     
    The new OT or OTA temporary or regular licensee may provide occupational therapy services according to the terms of the license upon online verification of current licensure and license expiration date from the Board’s License Verification page. There is no longer the need for the licensee to wait to have the license physically in hand before providing occupational therapy services. 
     
    Do not promise a start work date if you do not know when you will obtain your Texas license and be able to verify such as noted above.
     
    Prior Criminal History:
    Prior to applying for licensure, an individual may request that the Board review the person’s criminal history to determine eligibility for licensure based solely on the person’s criminal background up to that point in time. Click this link and select the "Request a Criminal History Evaluation" link for further information.
     
    This can reduce the application processing time if the evaluation is requested well before applying. If applying now or within a short period of time, the review will be conducted as part of the regular application process.
     
    An individual may always apply for licensure, regardless of the Board’s decision provided in the criminal history evaluation letter.
     
    In addition, from the link below, one may access the Best Practices Guide: Applying for an Occupational License After Conviction or Deferred Adjudication from the State Auditor's Office.
     
    Other Information:
    There are no refunds for application fees; applications and NBCOT score reports remain on file for one year.

    INITIAL LICENSE BY EXAMINATION

    Note: The requirement that applicants for an initial license submit fingerprints has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Please note that applicants may still submit fingerprints and are encouraged to submit such; for example, fingerprinting will be required for license renewal for any individual who has not previously met the requirement. Information on this page will be updated when the fingerprinting requirement is back in effect.

     

    Quick Links:

    Apply Online for an OT License

    Apply Online for an OTA License

    OT Application Jurisprudence Exam

    OT and OTA School Codes - US and International

    Current Fees               Read FAQs

     
    Further Resource: Overview of Initial Licensure Process and Information for New Licensees
    Initial Licensure - General Overview (pdf of a PowerPoint presentation)
     

    Please see the General Tab for further information regarding general requirements and who should apply by Initial License by Examination.

    Please see the OT Rules and OT Practice Act for further information and requirements. Chapter 364 details initial licensure requirements. 

     

    REQUIRED APPLICATION ITEMS FOR INITIAL LICENSE BY EXAM:

    Please note that items in addition to those listed below may be required.  
     
    You will receive an applicant password after your application has been processed. Please use this password to access your applicant status and the checklist of required items based on your application. Please note that current processing times are approximately 1-3 business days. 
     
    Please see the Check Status tab for further information.
     

    1. APPLICATION FORM & FEE: Complete the online application (see the Quick Links above) or paper application with application & fee(s). Be sure to answer all questions and supply all required information, including a current email address.

    2. SSN:  The Board requires your Social Security Number (SSN). If you did not list an SSN on your application because you do not have one yet, download the SSN Statement (pdf), which states that you do not currently have an SSN, and send us the signed form either by mail or scanned as an attachment and emailed to info@ptot.texas.gov.

              You do NOT need to send the Board a copy of your Social Security card.

    3. PHYSICAL HOME ADDRESS:  A P.O. Box may be used for your mailing address, but you must also supply a physical home address and a contact phone number on your application. All applicants must select an address of record. The address of record is the information provided to the public. Until licensees select an address of record, the business address will be used as the default. If no business address is available, the mailing address will be used. If no alternate address is available, the home address will be used. Applicants and licensees may update this information at any time.

     Please click this link to change your contact information.  

    4. SCHOOL CODE: You must provide your school code. Look up your code from the following link: OT and OTA School Codes - US and Foreign. Retain this code for future reference.

    5. PHOTO: A current color, passport-type 2” x 2” photograph is required. This is a head-and-shoulders shot. The photo MAY NOT be faxed. DO NOT send a copy of your passport or driver's license.

    The photo may be submitted in paper or electronic form. See below.

       Submitted in paper form: Photos must be on standard photographic paper, with the printed name and DOB of the applicant on the reverse side. For information regarding passport photo requirements, see the link below. Mail the photo to ECPTOTE, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, TX  78701. 
                                           
       Submitted in electronic form: An emailed digital photo is acceptable if it adheres to the U.S. Department of State specifications; see the link below. Email a digital photo as an attachment in JPG, PDF, or PNG form to exam@ptot.texas.gov. Include in the body of your email your name as it appears on your application and your DOB; be sure to indicate that the photo is concerning your application for an initial OT or OTA license. 
     
    6. **See above regarding the temporary suspension of this requirement.**
    NEW LICENSURE REQUIREMENT (Effective January 1, 2019) - FINGERPRINTING
    Please see the announcement on the homepage to access the fingerprinting instructions. Fingerprinting is a required item for license issuance on or after January 1, 2019.  
    **The agency's Service Code must be used when scheduling/registering for fingerprinting. See the fingerprinting instructions for further instructions.**
    The agency's Service Code may be accessed from the applicant password email (which is sent after the application is first received and processed) and/or the online applicant status checklist (accessible from the homepage using the password in the aforementioned email). Current applicants needing further assistance may send an email to exam@ptot.texas.gov to request the Service Code. 

    7. PASSING NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION SCORE REPORT: This must be sent by NBCOT directly to the Board.

                This is NOT a Verification of Certification, an Authorization to Test letter (ATT), or the Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility to Examine Form.

    8. PASSING JURISPRUDENCE EXAM: The Board requires a 20-question, open-book online Jurisprudence Exam (JP) based on the OT Rules and OT Practice Act. You may take the online JP exam at any time during the application process. There is no fee to take the exam, and you may take it until you pass. 

    Steps for taking the JP:
    Access the downloaded or printed OT Rules and OT Practice Act (and any adopted amendments since the PDF was compiled, if applicable) or have them opened in a new tab or window.

    Click here to take the Application JP Exam.

    • Select the exam link for new applicants. 
    • Do not use the forward, back, or refresh buttons on your browser during the exam.
    • The exam will time out after a period of time (usually two hours). Try to take the exam in one sitting to reduce technical difficulties.
    • Individuals using Internet Explorer as their browser may experience problems when taking the exam, especially if using an older version of Internet Explorer. There have been reports of error messages and time-out issues. We suggest using Google Chrome or Firefox, for example, as alternatives to Internet Explorer. 
    • After you pass the exam, you must enter and submit your personal information; be sure to complete all steps. After you have done so, you will receive a message that your score has been reported to the Board.

     

    Additional Information:

    Exam Score:
    The application for license must be received no later than two years following the date of the passing examination. If the application is received after this time, the applicant must take and pass the NBCOT examination for licensure purposes only. The applicant must request Board approval to take this examination and submit a copy of the receipt showing that an NBCOT score report has been ordered for the Board. The score report must be sent directly to the Board by NBCOT.
     
    Re-Exam:
    An applicant who fails an examination may take additional examinations by sending in the appropriate fee with the Board's re-exam form.
     
    History of Licensure in a State or Territory of the U.S.:
    The applicant must submit a verification of license for any of the occupational therapy licenses (past and current) that the Board cannot verify, including disciplinary action. The verification must be an original verification sent directly to the Board by the licensing board of the U.S. state or territory. Disciplinary action must be reported to the Board. See below for further information.
     
                This is NOT a copy of your license or an online lookup of your license that you send the Board.
     
       After the initial licensure application and required fees have been processed, applicants may check their applicant status checklist (using the password they are emailed), for information regarding the licenses in other U.S. states that the Board was able to verify online (and for which the applicant does not need to order a verification). The checklist will also indicate the licenses the Board was not able to verify and for which verification must be ordered by the applicant. 

       States and territories that do not have sufficient information on their websites for primary source verification and for which verifications must be ordered include Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands*. The verification can be emailed to exam@ptot.texas.gov or mailed directly from the other board. *For other territories of the U.S., contact us.

    History of a Name Change:
    If the Board will be receiving documents for your application that list a name other than the legal name you listed on the application, send the Board a copy of documentation (such as a marriage certificate or decree of divorce) evidencing the name change.  
     
    Temporary License:
    For information regarding a temporary license, please see the Temporary License page and §364.3, Temporary License, and §373.2, Supervision of a Temporary Licensee, of the OT Rules.

     

     

    LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT

    Note: The requirement that applicants for an initial license submit fingerprints has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Please note that applicants may still submit fingerprints and are encouraged to submit such; for example, fingerprinting will be required for license renewal for any individual who has not previously met the requirement. Information on this page will be updated when the fingerprinting requirement is back in effect.

     

    Quick Links:

    Apply Online for an OT License

    Apply Online for an OTA License

    OT Application Jurisprudence Exam

    OT and OTA School Codes - US and International 

    Current Fees               Read FAQs

     

    Further Resource: Overview of Initial Licensure Process and Information for New Licensees
    Initial Licensure - General Overview (pdf of a PowerPoint presentation)

     

    Please see the General Tab for further information regarding general requirements and who should apply by Licensure by Endorsement.
     
    Please see the OT Rules and OT Practice Act for further information and requirements. Chapter 364 details initial licensure requirements. 

     

    REQUIRED APPLICATION ITEMS FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT:

    Please note that items in addition to those listed below may be required.  
     
    You will receive an applicant password after your application has been processed. Please use this password to access your applicant status and the checklist of required items based on your application. Please note that current processing times are approximately 1-3 business days. 
     
    Please see the Check Status tab for further information.
     

    1. APPLICATION FORM & FEE: Complete the online application (see the Quick Links above) or paper application with application & fee(s). Be sure to answer all questions and supply all required information, including a current email address

    2. SSN: The Board requires your Social Security Number (SSN). If you did not list an SSN on your application because you do not have one yet, download the SSN Statement (pdf), which states that you do not currently have an SSN, and send us the signed form either by mail or scanned as an attachment and emailed to info@ptot.texas.gov.

                You do NOT need to send the Board a copy of your Social Security card.

    3. PHYSICAL HOME ADDRESS:  A P.O. Box may be used for your mailing address, but you must also supply a physical home address and a contact phone number on your application. All applicants must select an address of record. The address of record is the information provided to the public. Until licensees select an address of record, the business address will be used as the default. If no business address is available, the mailing address will be used. If no alternate address is available, the home address will be used. Applicants and licensees may update this information at any time.

     Please click this link to change your contact information.  

    4. SCHOOL CODE: You must provide your school code. Look up your code from the following link:OT and OTA School Codes - US and Foreign. Retain this code for future reference.

    5. PHOTO: A current color, passport-type 2” x 2” photograph is required. This is a head-and-shoulders shot. The photo MAY NOT be faxed. DO NOT send a copy of your passport or driver's license.

    The photo may be submitted in paper or electronic form. See below.

       Submitted in paper form: Photos must be on standard photographic paper, with the printed name and DOB of the applicant on the reverse side. For information regarding passport photo requirements, see the link below. Mail the photo to ECPTOTE, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, TX  78701. 
                                           
       Submitted in electronic form: An emailed digital photo is acceptable if it adheres to the U.S. Department of State specifications; see the link below. Email a digital photo as an attachment in JPG, PDF, or PNG form to exam@ptot.texas.gov. Include in the body of your email your name as it appears on your application and your DOB; be sure to indicate that the photo is concerning your application for an initial OT or OTA license. 
     
    6. **See above regarding the temporary suspension of this requirement.**
    NEW LICENSURE REQUIREMENT (Effective January 1, 2019) - FINGERPRINTING
    Please see the announcement on the homepage to access the fingerprinting instructions. Fingerprinting is a required item for license issuance on or after January 1, 2019.  
    **The agency's Service Code must be used when scheduling/registering for fingerprinting. See the fingerprinting instructions for further instructions.**
    The agency's Service Code may be accessed from the applicant password email (which is sent after the application is first received and processed) and/or the online applicant status checklist (accessible from the homepage using the password in the aforementioned email). Current applicants needing further assistance may send an email to exam@ptot.texas.gov to request the Service Code. 
     
    7. LICENSE VERIFICATION: 
    The applicant must submit a verification of license for any of the occupational therapy licenses (past and current) that the Board cannot verify, including disciplinary action. The verification must be an original verification sent directly to the Board by the licensing board of the U.S. state or territory. Disciplinary action must be reported to the Board. See below for further information.
     
                This is NOT a copy of your license or an online lookup of your license that you send the Board.
     
       After the initial licensure application and required fees have been processed, applicants may check their applicant status checklist (using the password they are emailed), for information regarding the licenses in other U.S. states that the Board was able to verify online (and for which the applicant does not need to order a verification). The checklist will also indicate the licenses the Board was not able to verify and for which verification must be ordered by the applicant. 

       States and territories that do not have sufficient information on their websites for primary source verification and for which verifications must be ordered include Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands*. The verification can be emailed to exam@ptot.texas.gov or mailed directly from the other board. *For other territories of the U.S., contact us.

    If you are not currently licensed in a state or territory of the U.S. and are applying from the U.S. military or a non-licensing state or territory of the U.S., a Verification of Employment form (found on the Forms page of the website) must be submitted substantiating occupational therapy employment for at least two years immediately preceding application for a Texas license. 

    8. PASSING NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION SCORE REPORT: This must be sent by NBCOT directly to the Board. Contact NBCOT to arrange that this be sent to the Board.

                This is NOT a Verification of Certification.

    9. PASSING JURISPRUDENCE EXAM: The Board requires a 20-question, open-book online Jurisprudence Exam (JP) based on the OT Rules and OT Practice Act. You may take the online JP exam at any time during the application process. There is no fee to take the exam, and you may take it until you pass. 

    Steps for taking the JP:
    Access the downloaded or printed OT Rules and OT Practice Act (and any adopted amendments since the PDF was compiled, if applicable) or have them opened in a new tab or window.

    Click here to take the Application JP Exam.

    • Select the exam link for new applicants. 
    • Do not use the forward, back, or refresh buttons on your browser during the exam.
    • The exam will time out after a period of time (usually two hours). Try to take the exam in one sitting to reduce technical difficulties.
    • Individuals using Internet Explorer as their browser may experience problems when taking the exam, especially if using an older version of Internet Explorer. There have been reports of error messages and time-out issues. We suggest using Google Chrome or Firefox, for example, as alternatives to Internet Explorer. 
    • After you pass the exam, you must enter and submit your personal information; be sure to complete all steps. After you have done so, you will receive a message that your score has been reported to the Board.

     

    Additional Information:

    History of a Name Change:
    If the Board will be receiving documents for your application that list a name other than the legal name you listed on the application, send the Board a copy of documentation (such as a marriage certificate or decree of divorce) evidencing the name change.  

    APPLICATION STATUS LOOKUP

    You may check the status of your application online if you have received your Applicant Password from the Board. The Board emails you the Applicant Password once we have received and processed your application, fee, and email address. 

    If you have applied but you have not received an Applicant Password within 3 business days, request one by emailing the Board. Your applicant password will be sent to the email address that you send your request from UNLESS you specify a different email address in the text of your request. The email address you use will be added to the primary contact information we have on file for you. Work or school email addresses may change; please use a personal email address.

    To make sure that you receive emails from the Board:
      - Add info@ptot.texas.gov and admin@ptot.texas.gov to your “safe” e-mail addresses. 
      - Check your “junk mail” and “bulk mail” folders for emails from the Board.
      - Contact your email provider if you need assistance with the above.

    What the Status Page shows: Your name, the list of required items, a received date by each item received, and NOTES at the bottom regarding additional items if necessary.

    Please allow approximately 3-5 business days for us to process items received. Status information will be updated on the checklist at the end of the business day when the item was processed. 

    TEMPORARY LICENSE FIELDS FOR EXAM APPLICANTS: If you are applying by exam, once you begin sending in required items for a temporary license (such as the temporary fee, etc.), you will see the remaining required items for the temporary license added to your checklist. Dates will be entered next to the required items as we receive such. Please see the Temporary License page for further information.

    LICENSE VERIFICATION: 
    The applicant must submit a verification of license for any of the occupational therapy licenses (past and current) that the Board cannot verify, including disciplinary action. The verification must be an original verification sent directly to the Board by the licensing board of the U.S. state or territory. Disciplinary action must be reported to the Board. See below for further information.
     
                This is NOT a copy of your license or an online lookup of your license that you send the Board.
     
       After the initial licensure application and required fees have been processed, applicants may check their applicant status checklist (using the password they are emailed), for information regarding the licenses in other U.S. states that the Board was able to verify online (and for which the applicant does not need to order a verification). The checklist will also indicate the licenses the Board was not able to verify and for which verification must be ordered by the applicant. 

       States and territories that do not have sufficient information on their websites for primary source verification and for which verifications must be ordered include Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands*. The verification can be emailed to exam@ptot.texas.gov or mailed directly from the other board. *For other territories of the U.S., contact us.

    On the checklist, each required state verification is listed separately with the two-letter state code (e.g. TX for Texas).

    HOW TO CHECK YOUR STATUS

    On the search page, enter your Applicant Password in UPPER CASE in the search box and click on the Find button. 

    If no results are returned, it may be for one of the following reasons:
    - your applicant password is entered incorrectly (Letters must be in UPPER case.)
    - your application has expired (Applications are valid for 1 year.)
    - your permanent license was mailed more than 7 days ago

    Go to the Home Page for the Applicant Status lookup.

    Senate Bill 807 (84th Legislature – 2015) allows for the waiver of application fees for military service members and military veterans who are applying for licensure by examination and by endorsement. Additionally, it allows for the waiver of application fees and the expediting of license issuance for military spouses who are applying for licensure by endorsement.

    Furthermore, the Board will expedite the issuance of a license for a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse who is applying for licensure by endorsement. For applicants who are active U.S. military service members or U.S. veterans, any military service, training or education verified and credited by an accredited OT or OTA program is acceptable to the Board. 

    Current statute (Chapter 55, Occupations Code, §55.001) includes the following definitions:

    Active duty - current full-time military service in the armed forces of the United States or active duty military service as a member of the Texas military forces, as defined by Section 437.001, Government Code, or similar military service of another state.

    Armed forces of the United States - the army, navy, air force, coast guard, or marine corps of the United States or a reserve unit of one of those branches of the armed forces.

    Military service member - a person who is on active duty. 

    Military spouse -a person who is married to a military service member.

    Military veteran - a person who has served on active duty and who was discharged or released from active duty.

     

    To apply for a waiver of application fees, please complete the Military Application Fee Waiver Request form (labeled as "Military, Military Spouses, Veterans Initial Licensure Fee Waiver) from the OT Forms page and attach a copy of the following official documentation:

    • Military Service Member: Current original orders, including signature page(s) or Military ID
    • Military Veteran: DD 214
    • Military Spouse: Military ID

    When submitting the Military Application Fee Waiver Request, please include a completed paper application for initial licensure, which is downloadable from the OT Forms page.  If you are requesting a fee waiver, do not apply online.

    For more information regarding eligibility for fee waivers and expedited services, see §364.1(d) of the OT Rules. A resource regarding further services is available from the homepage of our website; additional information may also be found on the "General" tab on this page.

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    ECPTOTE, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510 • Austin, TX 78701-3942 • Phone: (512) 305-6900
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