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Massachusetts Physical Therapist License

Massachusetts Board of Allied Health — PT

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Notarized CORI Form — A signed and notarized Criminal Offender Record Information acknowledgement form.
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar of your accredited PT program to the Board.
  • NPDB Self-Query Report — A report from the National Practitioner Data Bank regarding your professional history. NPDB Website
  • Passport-Style Photo — A recent 2x2 color photograph with a white or off-white background.
  • NPTE Score Transfer — Official scores must be transferred directly from FSBPT to the Massachusetts Board. Request Score Transfer

How to Apply

  1. Create a Portal Account ▾
    Register for a new user account on the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal (BHPL).
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Log in to the portal, select 'Start a New Application', and choose 'Physical Therapist' from the list. Complete the personal and professional history sections.
  3. Complete CORI Acknowledgement ▾
    Download, sign, and notarize the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgement Form. This must be uploaded to your online application.
  4. Request Official Transcripts ▾
    Contact your CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program to have official transcripts sent directly to the Board of Allied Health Professions.
  5. Register for NPTE ▾
    Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through FSBPT. The Board must approve your eligibility before you can schedule the exam.
    Register for NPTE
  6. Perform NPDB Self-Query ▾
    Request a Self-Query from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and upload the results to your application portal.
    Request NPDB Self-Query
  7. Pay Application Fees ▾
    Pay the non-refundable application fee (approximately $221 for initial licensure) through the online portal.
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. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state where you currently hold or have previously held a professional license.
  2. Submit Reciprocity Application ▾
    Apply via the BHPL portal selecting the 'Reciprocity' or 'Endorsement' pathway.
  3. Transfer NPTE Scores ▾
    Ensure your passing NPTE scores (600 or higher) are transferred to Massachusetts via FSBPT.
    FSBPT Website
  4. Complete CORI and NPDB Requirements ▾
    Submit the notarized CORI form and NPDB self-query as required for all applicants.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Massachusetts Board of Allied Health — PT

Keeping Your License Active

Massachusetts Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health — PT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

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

Slow Downs

Non-Notarized CORI Form ▾
The CORI form must be signed in the presence of a notary. Uploading a form without a notary seal will cause immediate rejection.
Transcript Delivery Issues ▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school. Student-uploaded or hand-delivered copies are not accepted.
Missing License Verifications ▾
For endorsement applicants, failing to provide verification from ALL states where a license was held (even if expired) will delay the process.
NPDB Query Delays ▾
The NPDB self-query must be current and uploaded exactly as received from the data bank.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Physical Therapists must complete 24 continuing competence points every two-year renewal cycle, including 2 hours specifically in ethics, laws, and regulations.
When does my Massachusetts PT license expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on the licensee's birthday.
Is there a jurisprudence exam for Massachusetts PTs? ▾
There is no separate jurisprudence exam, but applicants must attest to having read and understood the state's statutes and regulations (259 CMR) during the application process.
What is the fee for initial PT licensure? ▾
The total initial application fee is approximately $221, which includes a $100 application fee and a $121 vendor processing fee.
Does Massachusetts require fingerprints for PT licensing? ▾
No, Massachusetts uses a name-based Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check rather than a fingerprint-based background check for this board.

Board Info

Massachusetts Board of Allied Health — PT
Phone(800) 414-0168
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25