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Maryland Physical Therapist License

Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

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 educational institution to the Board via email or mail.
  • Headshot Photo — A recent passport-style headshot photo emailed to the Board in PDF format.
  • Fingerprint Receipt — Proof of fingerprinting and the tracking number provided by the CJIS authorized location. Fingerprinting Locations
  • NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred to the Maryland Board via FSBPT. Transfer Scores

How to Apply

  1. Complete Education ▾
    Graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Create an account and complete the initial license application on the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners portal. Pay the $150 application fee.
  3. Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) ▾
    Submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check. Use CJIS Authorization #1400004045 and FBI ORI #MD920519Z. Do this no earlier than 6 weeks before applying.
  4. Register for NPTE ▾
    Register and pay for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
    Register for NPTE
  5. Complete Maryland Jurisprudence Exam (MD JAM) ▾
    Register for and pass the Maryland Jurisprudence Assessment Module (MD JAM) with a score of 90% or higher. This is an online, open-book exam.
    Register for MD JAM
  6. Submit Supporting Documents ▾
    Ensure official transcripts are sent directly from your school and email a recent headshot photo in PDF format to the Board.
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

  1. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete the online application selecting 'Endorsement' as the basis for licensure and pay the $150 fee.
  2. License Verification ▾
    Request official verification of your current unrestricted license from every state where you are or have been licensed.
  3. Background Check ▾
    Complete the Maryland-specific criminal history records check process.
  4. Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Take and pass the Maryland Jurisprudence Assessment Module (MD JAM) via FSBPT.
    Take MD JAM
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Maryland Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Visit board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Name Mismatch ▾
The name on the license application must exactly match the name used for the fingerprint background check. Discrepancies cause significant processing delays.
Fingerprinting Too Early ▾
The Board only retains background check results for 90 days. Submitting fingerprints more than 6 weeks before the application is finalized may require a re-submission.
Transcript Delays ▾
Waiting for schools to send official transcripts is a common bottleneck. Request these as early as possible.
Missing Headshot ▾
Applications are often held up because the required PDF headshot was not emailed to the Board's specific licensing email address.

Questions

What is the passing score for the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam? ▾
Applicants must achieve a score of 90% or higher on the MD JAM.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Physical Therapists must complete 30 contact hours every two years. This includes a mandatory implicit bias training for the first renewal.
Can I practice in Maryland while my endorsement application is pending? ▾
No. You must have a valid Maryland license or a PT Compact Privilege before practicing in the state.
When do Maryland PT licenses expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on March 31st. Even-numbered licenses renew in even years, and odd-numbered licenses renew in odd years.

Board Info

Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Phone(410) 764-4752
Webhealth.maryland.gov/bphte/Pages/index.aspx
Sources
Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Last verified 2026-02-25