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Tennessee Occupational Therapist License

Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy

Total Fee
$165
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Passport Style Photo — A recent (within 12 months) passport-style photograph, signed on the back.
  • Letter of Recommendation — One original letter of recommendation from a professional attesting to your good moral character (cannot be from a relative).
  • Declaration of Citizenship — A completed and notarized Declaration of Citizenship form with a copy of a valid ID (e.g., Driver's License or Birth Certificate). Download Form
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts must be sent directly from the ACOTE-accredited institution to the Board.

How to Apply

  1. Create a LARS Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Tennessee Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS) portal to begin the online application process.
    Access LARS Portal
  2. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Complete the online application for Occupational Therapist licensure and pay the required fees ($110 total).
    Apply Online
  3. Criminal Background Check ▾
    Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO using the Tennessee-specific OCA code 1594 for Occupational Therapists.
  4. Request Official Transcripts ▾
    Contact your educational institution to have official transcripts sent directly to the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy.
  5. NBCOT Score Transfer ▾
    Request that your official OTR examination scores be sent directly from NBCOT to the Tennessee Board.
    Request NBCOT Scores
  6. Submit Mandatory Practitioner Profile ▾
    Complete the Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire, which is required for all licensed health care providers in Tennessee.
Total Fee
$165
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. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license, to be sent directly to the Tennessee Board.
  2. NBCOT Verification ▾
    Request that NBCOT send a verification of your current certification status to the Tennessee Board.
    NBCOT Verification
  3. Complete Tennessee Application ▾
    Submit the application via the LARS portal, selecting the 'Reciprocity/Endorsement' path.
    Start Endorsement Application
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

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

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$165
Endorsement application$165
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Incomplete Background Checks ▾
Using the wrong OCA code or failing to follow the IdentoGO instructions precisely can delay the receipt of criminal history reports.
Transcript Timing ▾
Sending transcripts before the degree is officially conferred and posted will result in the Board rejecting the document.
Missing Verifications ▾
Delays often occur when applicants forget to request verifications from states where they held a license that is now inactive.

Questions

How long does the application process take? ▾
The typical timeline for licensure is 6 to 9 weeks once all documentation is received.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements? ▾
OTs must complete 24 hours of continued competence every two years, including 1 hour of ethics and 1 hour of Tennessee Jurisprudence (Rules and Laws).
When does my license expire? ▾
Licenses expire every two years on the last day of the licensee's birth month.
Is Tennessee part of the OT Compact? ▾
Tennessee has enacted OT Compact legislation but is currently in the implementation phase and not yet issuing or accepting compact privileges.

Board Info

Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy
Phone(615) 532-3204
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25