Pennsylvania Physical Therapist License
Pennsylvania Board of Physical Therapy
Total Fee
$122
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / PA State Police
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Verification of Physical Therapy Education Form — Must be completed by the Dean or Registrar of your CAPTE-accredited program and sent directly to the Board.
- NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT to the Pennsylvania Board. Request Score Transfer
- FBI Fingerprint Background Check — Fingerprint-based background check results processed through IdentoGO. Pre-register for Fingerprints
- Child Abuse CE Certificate — Proof of completion of a 3-hour Board-approved course in child abuse recognition and reporting.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education and Initial CE ▾Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program and complete a 3-hour Board-approved course in child abuse recognition and reporting.
Licensure Snapshot -
Register for the NPTE ▾Register and pay for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Register with FSBPT -
Submit PALS Application ▾Create an account on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and submit the initial application for licensure by examination with the $30 fee.
PALS Portal -
Complete FBI Background Check ▾Pre-register for fingerprinting through IdentoGO using the service code provided during your PALS application process. This is required for all new applicants as of July 2025.
IdentoGO Website -
Submit Verification of Education ▾Have your educational institution complete the 'Verification of Physical Therapy Education' form and send it directly to the Board.
-
Pass the NPTE ▾Sit for and pass the NPTE. The Board will receive your scores directly from FSBPT once they are released.
Total Fee
$122
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 Out-of-State License ▾Ensure you hold a valid, unexpired, permanent license in another state or territory.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via PALS for 'Licensure by Endorsement' and pay the $30 application fee.
Apply on PALS -
Request Letters of Good Standing ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license (active, inactive, or expired) to be sent directly to the PA Board.
-
Transfer NPTE Scores ▾Arrange for your NPTE scores to be transferred to Pennsylvania via the FSBPT Score Transfer Service.
FSBPT Score Transfer -
Complete Background Check and CE ▾Complete the FBI fingerprinting process and the 3-hour child abuse recognition course required for all new PA licensees.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Pennsylvania Board of Physical Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Pennsylvania Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Pennsylvania Board of Physical Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $22.60 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Delays
▾
Failure to use the correct service code or delays in fingerprint processing can stall the application for several weeks.
Missing Education Verification
▾
The Board requires the 'Verification of Education' form to come directly from the school; student-submitted transcripts are typically not accepted for this requirement.
Non-Approved Child Abuse CE
▾
Completing a child abuse course that is not specifically approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for licensing purposes.
Questions
When do Pennsylvania PT licenses expire?
▾
All PT licenses expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year.
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
30 contact hours are required every biennial cycle, including 2 hours of Law/Ethics and 2 hours of Child Abuse Recognition.
Does Pennsylvania participate in the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, Pennsylvania fully implemented the PT Compact on July 7, 2025, and now issues and accepts compact privileges.
What is required for Direct Access authorization?
▾
PTs must apply for a separate Certificate of Authorization, which requires 10 of the 30 CE hours to be in evaluative procedures.
Board Info
Pennsylvania Board of Physical Therapy
Phone(717) 783-7134