Michigan — sleeping bear dunes lakeshore

Michigan Occupational Therapist License

Michigan LARA — Occupational Therapy

Total Fee
$188
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 educational institution to the Board.
  • NBCOT Score Report — Official certification of passing scores sent directly from NBCOT. Request Scores
  • Jurisprudence Exam Results — Passing score (75% or higher) submitted directly by PSI. PSI Exams
  • Fingerprint/Background Check — Completed via IdentoGO using the specific Customer ID provided by LARA. IdentoGO Michigan
  • Verification of Licensure — If you hold or have ever held a license in another state, verification must be sent directly from that state's board.

How to Apply

  1. Create a MiPLUS Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS) to begin the application process.
    Register/Login to MiPLUS
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the Occupational Therapist by Examination application and pay the required fee of $187.40 via credit or debit card.
    Start Application
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    After submitting your application, you will receive an Application Confirmation letter with a Customer ID. Use this to schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  4. Pass the NBCOT Exam ▾
    Register for and pass the OTR exam. Arrange for NBCOT to send your official score report directly to the Michigan Board.
    NBCOT Exam Registration
  5. Pass the Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Schedule and pass the Michigan Jurisprudence Exam through PSI. The exam covers the Michigan Public Health Code and Administrative Rules.
    Schedule Jurisprudence Exam
  6. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Request your ACOTE-accredited educational program to send official transcripts directly to the Bureau of Professional Licensing.
  7. Complete Required Trainings ▾
    Ensure you have completed the one-time Human Trafficking training and the required Implicit Bias training (2 hours) before license issuance.
Total Fee
$188
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you hold an active license in another state. Requirements differ if you have practiced for more or less than 5 years.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the MiPLUS portal and pay the $187.40 fee.
    Apply via MiPLUS
  3. Submit License Verifications ▾
    Request all states where you have ever held a license to send verification directly to Michigan LARA.
  4. Pass Michigan Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    All endorsement applicants must pass the Michigan-specific laws and rules exam through PSI.
    Schedule Exam
  5. Complete Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprinting process once the application is filed and the Customer ID is received.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Michigan LARA — Occupational Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

Michigan Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Michigan LARA — Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$188
Endorsement application$188
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Premature Fingerprinting ▾
Fingerprinting before receiving the official Customer ID from LARA will result in the results not being linked to your application.
Missing Verifications ▾
Delays often occur when other state boards fail to send license verifications promptly. Applicants should follow up with those states.
Incomplete Training Documentation ▾
Failing to complete the specific Michigan requirements for Human Trafficking or Implicit Bias training can stall final approval.
Transcript Delivery Issues ▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school; student-uploaded copies are not accepted.

Questions

Does Michigan offer a temporary license for new graduates? ▾
No, Michigan does not offer temporary or limited licenses for new graduates waiting to take the NBCOT exam.
How many CE hours are required for renewal? ▾
20 hours of continuing education are required every 2-year renewal cycle, including 1 hour in pain and symptom management and 2 hours in implicit bias training.
Is the Jurisprudence Exam required for endorsement? ▾
Yes, all applicants for licensure by endorsement must take and pass the Michigan Jurisprudence Exam.
What is the passing score for the Jurisprudence Exam? ▾
A passing score of at least 75% is required.
How long is an application valid? ▾
An application is valid for 2 years from the date it is received by the department.

Board Info

Michigan LARA — Occupational Therapy
Phone(517) 335-0918
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25