North Carolina Physical Therapist License
North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Total Fee
$138
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / SBI
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from your CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program to the Board.
- Two Character References — Forms must be completed by individuals who have known you for at least one year (non-family) and sent directly to the Board.
- Passport-Style Photo — A recent digital headshot with a white background to be uploaded during the online application.
- NPTE Scores — Request an official score transfer from FSBPT to the North Carolina Board. Request Score Transfer
- Fingerprint Cards — Required for the criminal background check; instructions provided after application submission.
How to Apply
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Create Online Account ▾Register for an account on the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (NCBPTE) portal to begin the application process.
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Submit Online Application and Fee ▾Complete the online application for PT licensure and pay the non-refundable $150 application fee.
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Complete Criminal Background Check ▾After submitting your application, you will receive instructions via email to complete the FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
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Register for NPTE ▾Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
FSBPT Website -
Complete Jurisprudence Exercise ▾Complete the online Jurisprudence Exercise I, which covers North Carolina state laws and rules. This is an open-book exercise.
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Submit Required Documents ▾Ensure all official transcripts, character references, and score transfers are sent directly to the Board.
Total Fee
$138
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
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active, unencumbered PT license in another state or jurisdiction.
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Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the online application and select 'Endorsement' as the application type.
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Request License Verification ▾Request official verification of your current license to be sent directly from the other state board to NCBPTE.
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Complete NC Jurisprudence Exercise ▾All endorsement applicants must complete the Jurisprudence Exercise I online.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
North Carolina Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $38.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
The FBI criminal background check can take several weeks to process. Start this immediately after receiving instructions.
Missing Character References
▾
Applications are not reviewed until both character reference forms are received directly from the references.
Transcript Delays
▾
Ensure your university sends official transcripts directly to the Board; student-submitted copies are not accepted.
Questions
How many continuing education points are required for renewal?
▾
Physical Therapists must complete 30 points of continuing competence activities every 25-month reporting period.
When does my North Carolina PT license expire?
▾
Licenses expire annually on January 31st. Renewal opens in early January.
Is North Carolina a member of the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, North Carolina is an active member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.
What is the application fee for a PT license?
▾
The application fee is $150, which is non-refundable.