Iowa Physical Therapist License
Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited PT program to the Board.
- NPTE Score Report — Official passing scores sent directly from FSBPT. Request Score Transfer
- Fingerprint Cards/Waiver — Completed fingerprint cards or electronic submission via Fieldprint.
- Verification of Licensure — Official verification from every state where you have ever been licensed.
How to Apply
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Create an Account ▾Register for a user account on the Iowa Bureau of Professional Licensure (IBPL) portal.
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Submit Online Application ▾Complete the Physical Therapist application and pay the $120 application fee plus the $55 background check fee.
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Complete Background Check ▾After applying, you will receive instructions to complete fingerprints via Fieldprint or paper cards. This is required for all new applicants.
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Submit Official Transcripts ▾Request that your physical therapy program send official transcripts directly to the Board office.
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Register for NPTE ▾Register with FSBPT to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and ensure scores are sent to Iowa.
FSBPT Website -
Verify Other Licenses ▾If you hold or have held licenses in other states, request official verification from those boards to be sent to Iowa.
Total Fee
$100
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
-
Online Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the IBPL portal and pay the $120 fee.
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Background Check ▾Complete the mandatory FBI background check process.
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Verification of Active Practice or CE ▾Provide proof of 2,080 hours of practice in the last 2 years OR 40 hours of board-approved CE in the last 2 years.
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License Verifications ▾Submit verifications from all states where you have held a license.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Iowa Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
The FBI background check can take up to 8 weeks. Apply early to account for this timeline.
Incomplete Fingerprints
▾
Poor quality fingerprints or missing information on cards will result in rejection and require re-submission.
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts or score transfers from external institutions often slows the process.
Questions
How long does the licensing process take in Iowa?
▾
It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after all required materials, including background check results, are received.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
Physical Therapists must complete 40 hours of board-approved CE every two years, with at least 30 hours related to clinical application.
Does Iowa participate in the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, Iowa is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact, allowing eligible PTs to obtain privileges to practice in Iowa.
What is the total cost for an initial PT license?
▾
The initial application fee is $120, and the background check fee is $55, for a total of $175.
Board Info
Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Phone(515) 281-7074