Rhode Island Occupational Therapist License
Rhode Island DOH — OT Licensure
Total Fee
$110
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 accredited school to the Board; student copies are not accepted.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Website
- RI BCI Background Check — Original criminal background check report from the RI Attorney General's Office. BCI Details
- Passport-Style Photograph — One recent passport-type photograph (approx. 2x2 inches) attached to the application.
- Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Status — Certified copy of birth record, naturalization papers, or documented evidence of alien status.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education and Fieldwork ▾Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program and complete at least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork.
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass the NBCOT Exam ▾Register for and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) OTR examination.
Register for NBCOT -
Obtain BCI Background Check ▾Request a criminal background check (BCI) from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. This must be the official RI BCI; third-party vendors are not accepted.
BCI Instructions -
Submit Application and Fee ▾Complete the application via the MyLicense portal or the paper form and pay the $140 non-refundable fee.
-
Request Official Documents ▾Have your official transcripts sent directly from your university and your NBCOT scores sent directly to the Rhode Island Board.
Total Fee
$110
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
-
Submit Application ▾Complete the standard application form and check the 'Endorsement' box.
-
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official license verification from every state where you hold or have ever held an OT license.
-
NBCOT Verification ▾Request NBCOT to send verification of your current certification status to the Board.
Request NBCOT Verification
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Rhode Island DOH — OT Licensure
Keeping Your License Active
Rhode Island Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island DOH — OT Licensure for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $110 |
| Endorsement application | $110 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Incorrect Background Check Source
▾
Applicants often use third-party background check services. Rhode Island requires the BCI report specifically from the RI Attorney General's Office.
Non-Direct Document Submission
▾
Transcripts and NBCOT scores must come directly from the issuing institution. Hand-delivered or student-submitted copies will be rejected.
Missing Passport Photo
▾
Failure to include the required physical passport-style photo with a paper application can stall the process.
Questions
When does my Rhode Island OT license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on March 31st of even-numbered years.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
Occupational Therapists must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
Can I practice as a new graduate before I am fully licensed?
▾
Yes, new graduates can apply for a 'Graduate Practice' permit which is valid for 90 days while waiting for exam results.
What is the application fee for an OT license?
▾
The non-refundable application fee is $140.