Arkansas Occupational Therapist License
Arkansas State Medical Board — OT Section
Total Fee
$4
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Completed Application Form — A 5-page application form with original signatures in dark ink. Download Form
- Notarized Affidavit — The Medical Practices Act and Rules Affidavit, which must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from your accredited occupational therapy school to the Board.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of certification and score transfer requested through NBCOT. Request NBCOT Verification
- Passport-Style Photo — A recent passport-quality photograph must be attached to the application.
- Proof of Citizenship — Copy of a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
- License Verifications — Verification of all professional licenses ever held in other states, sent directly from the respective boards.
How to Apply
-
Download the Application Packet ▾Obtain the official OT/OTA Application Packet from the Arkansas State Medical Board website. This packet contains all necessary forms and detailed instructions.
Download OT Application Packet -
Pass the NBCOT Examination ▾Successfully complete the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Request that your official score report and verification be sent directly to the Arkansas State Medical Board.
Visit NBCOT -
Submit Application via Mail ▾Complete the application forms, including the notarized affidavit. Mail the hard copy with original signatures and the required fee to the Board office. Electronic or faxed applications are not accepted.
-
Wait for Acknowledgement ▾Once the Board receives and initializes your application, you will receive an acknowledgement email containing your FileID. Do not proceed with fingerprinting until you receive this email.
-
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Arkansas residents must submit fingerprints electronically via an approved LiveScan vendor. Out-of-state applicants must use FD-258 fingerprint cards. Follow the specific instructions provided in your acknowledgement email.
View Fingerprint Instructions -
Track Application Status ▾Use your FileID to log into the Applicant Portal to monitor the status of your application and check for any missing documents.
Access Applicant Portal
Total Fee
$4
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.
Steps
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the standard OT application packet, indicating you are applying by endorsement.
Download Packet -
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license (active or inactive).
-
NBCOT Verification ▾Ensure your current NBCOT certification is verified and sent to the Arkansas Board.
NBCOT Verification -
Background Check ▾Complete the state and federal criminal background check as required for all new Arkansas applicants.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arkansas State Medical Board — OT Section
Keeping Your License Active
Arkansas Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arkansas State Medical Board — OT Section for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $4 |
| Endorsement application | $4 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Premature Fingerprinting
▾
Attempting to complete fingerprints before receiving the Board's acknowledgement email and FileID will result in an unsuccessful transmission.
Missing Notarization
▾
Failure to have the required affidavits notarized or using a notary whose commission has expired.
Incomplete Work History
▾
Lengthy or gaps in work history that are not fully documented can lead to extended investigation times.
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts or out-of-state license verifications is the most common cause of processing delays.
Questions
How long does the licensing process take?
▾
Processing typically takes several weeks. Background checks alone can take 2-6 weeks. The Board processes applications in the order they are completed.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Licensed OTs must complete 10 contact hours of continuing education annually. Documentation must be maintained for 3 years for audit purposes.
When does my Arkansas OT license expire?
▾
Licenses must be renewed annually on or before the last day of the licensee's birth month.
Can I apply for a temporary permit?
▾
Yes, temporary permits are available for those who have met educational requirements but have not yet passed the NBCOT exam. A $1 fee applies.
Can I submit my application online?
▾
No. The Arkansas State Medical Board requires a hard copy application with original signatures and fees to be submitted via mail.
Board Info
Arkansas State Medical Board — OT Section
Phone(501) 296-1802
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25