Ohio Occupational Therapist License
Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Jurisprudence Exam Transcript — Official transcript from myicourse showing a passing score of 90% or higher.
- Certification of Entry-Level Education — Official form signed by the program director and notarized or sealed by the institution. Download Form
- BCI and FBI Background Check Results — Fingerprint-based reports sent directly from the vendor to the Board; must be less than 6 months old. Background Check Instructions
- NBCOT Verification of Certification — Official verification of your OTR status sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Website
- Verification of Licensure — Required for any applicant who has ever held a license in another state or jurisdiction. Verification Form Info
How to Apply
-
Register on eLicense Ohio ▾Create a new user account on the official Ohio professional licensure portal to begin the application process.
Create Account -
Pass the Jurisprudence Exam ▾Complete the Ohio OT Jurisprudence Exam online. A passing score of 90% is required. Ensure you request the transcript be sent to the Board upon completion.
-
Submit Online Application and Fee ▾Log in to your eLicense account, select the 'Occupational Therapist' license type, and complete the 'Examination' application. Pay the $100 application fee plus a $3.50 portal fee.
Apply Online -
Complete BCI and FBI Background Checks ▾Obtain both state (BCI) and federal (FBI) criminal records checks via a WebCheck vendor. Results must be sent directly to the Board using the correct reason code (ORC 4755.70).
Find WebCheck Locations -
Submit Education Verification ▾Have your academic program complete the 'Certification of Entry-Level Education' form or send an official transcript directly to the Board.
Education Verification Form -
Verify NBCOT Certification ▾Request that the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) send an official verification of your certification or exam score to the Ohio Board.
Request NBCOT Verification
Total Fee
$100
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
-
eLicense Registration ▾Create an account on the Ohio eLicense portal.
eLicense Portal -
Jurisprudence Exam ▾Pass the Ohio OT Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 90% or higher.
-
Endorsement Application ▾Submit the 'Occupational Therapist - Endorsement' application and pay the $100 fee.
Apply for Endorsement -
License Verification ▾Request official verification from every state where you have ever held a professional license.
Verification Instructions -
Background Checks ▾Complete the BCI and FBI fingerprinting process as required for all initial Ohio licenses.
Background Check Info
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board
Keeping Your License Active
Ohio Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Ohio OT, PT, and Athletic Trainers Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Incorrect Background Check Reason Code
▾
Using the wrong ORC code during fingerprinting prevents the Board from receiving results. Use ORC 4755.70.
Expired Background Checks
▾
Background checks are only valid for 6 months. If the license is not issued within that window, new checks are required.
Missing Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Delays often occur when applicants fail to request verifications from states where they held licenses that are now expired.
Application Abandonment
▾
Applications not completed within one year of submission are considered abandoned and the fee is forfeited.
Questions
When do Ohio OT licenses expire?
▾
Occupational Therapist licenses expire biennially on June 30 of odd-numbered years.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
OTs must complete 20 contact hours every two years, including 1 hour of ethics/jurisprudence/cultural competence and 1 hour of mental health/substance use.
Is CE required for the first renewal?
▾
No, first-time renewals are exempt from all continuing education requirements.
Can I practice while waiting for my license?
▾
No. You may not practice occupational therapy in Ohio until your license has been officially issued.
How much does it cost to renew my license?
▾
The renewal fee for an Occupational Therapist is $70, plus a $3.50 eLicense processing fee.