Kentucky Occupational Therapist License
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
Total Fee
$175
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the school or a third-party clearinghouse to the Board.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam or current NBCOT certification. NBCOT Website
- Jurisprudence Exam Completion — Proof of passing the Kentucky-specific law exam.
- Verification of Licensure — If previously or currently licensed in other states, verifications must be uploaded or sent to the Board.
How to Apply
-
Create an Account ▾Register for an account on the Kentucky Department of Professional Licensing (DPL) eServices portal to begin your application.
Start Application -
Submit Initial Application ▾Complete the online application for 'OT Full Initial Licensure' and pay the required fee ($110 if applying between Sept 1 and May 31).
Apply Online -
Request NBCOT Score Transfer ▾Contact NBCOT to have your official score report or electronic verification of current certification sent directly to the Kentucky Board.
-
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Have your official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution to the Board via email (ot@ky.gov) or mail.
-
Complete Jurisprudence Exam ▾Take the online, open-book Jurisprudence Exam covering Kentucky statutes and regulations. A $10 fee applies.
-
Board Review ▾The Board reviews applications during their monthly meetings. Ensure all documents are received 10 business days prior to the meeting date.
Total Fee
$175
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
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Kentucky offers 'Reciprocal Licensure' for OTs currently licensed in good standing in another state.
-
Submit Reciprocal Application ▾Apply through the DPL eServices portal selecting the reciprocal/endorsement option.
Apply for Reciprocity -
Upload State Verifications ▾Upload or request official license verifications from every state where you have ever held an OT license.
-
Provide NBCOT Certification ▾Submit a copy of your current NBCOT certificate or request an electronic verification.
NBCOT Verification
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Kentucky Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $175 |
| Endorsement application | $175 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Missing Transcripts
▾
Applications are not reviewed until official transcripts are received directly from the institution.
Meeting Deadlines
▾
Documents must be received 10 business days before the monthly board meeting; missing this window delays review by a full month.
Incomplete State Verifications
▾
Failure to provide verifications from ALL states where a license was held will stall the application.
Questions
How long does it take to get a license in Kentucky?
▾
The average turnaround time is 2-3 weeks once the application is complete and reviewed at a monthly Board meeting.
When do Kentucky OT licenses expire?
▾
All licenses expire annually on October 31, regardless of the initial issue date.
What are the continuing education requirements?
▾
Licensed OTs must complete 12 Continuing Competence Units (CCUs) annually by October 31. Suicide assessment training is required every 6 years.
Can I practice with a temporary permit?
▾
Yes, if you have completed education requirements but not yet passed the NBCOT exam, you may apply for a temporary permit to practice under supervision.
What is the fee for an initial OT license?
▾
The fee is $110 if applying between September 1 and May 31, or $60 if applying between June 1 and August 31.