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Montana Occupational Therapist License

Montana Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Completed Application Form — The official Montana Occupational Therapist application form, signed and notarized if submitted by mail.
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts showing completion of an ACOTE-accredited OT program, sent directly from the school.
  • NBCOT Score/Certification — Official verification of passing the NBCOT OTR examination. NBCOT Portal
  • Fingerprint Cards — Two sets of fingerprints on standard FD-258 cards for the background check.
  • License Verifications — Official verification from every state where you have ever held a professional license.

How to Apply

  1. Submit Application ▾
    Complete the application for Occupational Therapist licensure either online via the eBiz portal or by mailing the paper application form.
    Apply Online
  2. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the non-refundable application fee of $190. If applying for a temporary permit, an additional $120 fee is required.
    Fee Schedule
  3. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Request your educational institution to send official transcripts directly to the Montana Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
  4. Provide NBCOT Certification ▾
    Request the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to send verification of your OTR certification directly to the Board.
    Request NBCOT Verification
  5. Complete Fingerprint Background Check ▾
    Follow the Montana Department of Justice instructions to submit fingerprint cards for a state and federal criminal background check.
  6. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    If you hold or have held a license in another state, you must request official verification from each state board to be sent directly to Montana.
Total Fee
$200
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

  1. Submit General Application ▾
    Montana uses the same application form for initial licensure and licensure by endorsement.
  2. Verify Current License ▾
    Ensure your current out-of-state license is in good standing and request official verification be sent to the Montana Board.
  3. Submit NBCOT Credentials ▾
    Provide proof of current NBCOT certification as an OTR.
    NBCOT Verification
  4. Background Check ▾
    All endorsement applicants must complete the fingerprint-based background check process.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Montana Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Keeping Your License Active

Montana Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Montana Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$200
Endorsement application$200
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Fingerprint results can take 4-8 weeks to process. Apply early to avoid delays in license issuance.
Incomplete Verifications ▾
Missing license verifications from other states is a frequent cause of delays. Ensure all states have sent documentation directly to Montana.
Transcript Delays ▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution; student-provided copies are not accepted.

Questions

What are the continuing education (CE) requirements? ▾
Occupational Therapists in Montana must complete 10 contact hours of CE annually. Maintenance of current NBCOT certification fulfills this requirement.
When does my license expire? ▾
Montana OT licenses expire annually on June 15th.
Is there a temporary permit available? ▾
Yes, a temporary practice permit is available for $120 for new graduates waiting to sit for the NBCOT exam. It requires direct supervision by a licensed OT.
How do I get an endorsement for Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs)? ▾
PAMs require a separate application and proof of specific training. OTs must apply for this endorsement to use modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Board Info

Montana Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Phone(406) 841-2371
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25