Colorado Physical Therapist License
Colorado DORA — Physical Therapy
Total Fee
$139
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / CBI
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board showing degree conferral.
- NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred via FSBPT to the Colorado Board. Transfer Scores
- Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) — A mandatory online profile containing practice and disciplinary history. HPPP Information
- Fingerprint Background Check Results — Results from CBI and FBI sent directly to the Board after processing by an approved vendor.
How to Apply
-
Create a DPO Online Services Account ▾Register for an account on the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) portal to start your application.
-
Submit Initial Application ▾Log in to the portal and select 'New License Application' for Physical Therapist. Complete the online form and pay the non-refundable application fee.
Start Application -
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check ▾Schedule an appointment with an approved vendor (Colorado Fingerprinting or IdentoGO) using the service code provided by DORA to submit your fingerprints for a CBI/FBI background check.
-
Register for the NPTE ▾Create an account with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Register for NPTE -
Complete Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) ▾Colorado law requires all healthcare professionals to maintain a profile. You must complete this within the DPO portal after submitting your application.
Complete Profile -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Have your CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program send official transcripts directly to the Colorado State Physical Therapy Board.
Total Fee
$139
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
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Request official verification of your current license from every state where you have ever held a license. Verifications must be sent directly to the Colorado Board.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the DPO Online Services portal, selecting the 'Endorsement' method.
Apply by Endorsement -
Transfer NPTE Scores ▾Request a score transfer from FSBPT to be sent to Colorado.
Request Score Transfer -
Complete Background Check ▾Even if licensed in another state, you must complete the Colorado-specific fingerprinting process.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Colorado DORA — Physical Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Colorado Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Colorado DORA — Physical Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $39.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP)
▾
The application cannot be approved until the HPPP is fully completed and submitted within the online portal.
Fingerprint Processing
▾
Background checks can take several weeks. Avoid delays by using electronic fingerprinting vendors rather than paper cards when possible.
Missing License Verifications
▾
Waiting for other state boards to send verifications is a common bottleneck. Request these as early as possible.
Questions
When do Colorado PT licenses expire?
▾
All Physical Therapist licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years.
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
PTs must complete 30 hours of Professional Development Activities (PDA) every two-year renewal cycle.
Is Colorado a member of the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, Colorado is an active member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.
Can I get a temporary permit while waiting for my exam?
▾
Yes, a provisional license may be issued for 120 days to applicants awaiting their first examination attempt, provided they practice under direct supervision.
Board Info
Colorado DORA — Physical Therapy
Phone(303) 894-7800