Passport-Style Photo — A recent digital photo of passport quality to be uploaded to the Certemy portal.
NBCOT Certification/Score Transfer — Official verification of certification and exam scores sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Website
Verification of Licensure — Official verification from every state where you currently hold or have previously held a license.
Social Security Number — Mandatory reporting of SSN is required for all licensure applications per W. Va. Code §30-1-6 (d).
How to Apply
Self-Enroll in Certemy
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Visit the New Applicants page and select the appropriate application (Resident or Non-Resident) to create a Certemy account. Use a personal email address to ensure continued access.
Upload Required Documents
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Upload a recent passport-style photo and provide your Social Security Number as required by state law.
Request NBCOT Score Transfer
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Contact NBCOT to have your official certification scores transferred directly to the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy.
Complete Jurisprudence Exam
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Take the West Virginia Jurisprudence Exam, which is typically administered as an integrated step within the Certemy application portal.
Pay Application Fee
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Pay the $75 initial licensure fee for Occupational Therapists through the online application using the state's e-Gov payment processor.
Verify Out-of-State Licenses
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If you hold or have held a license in another state, request official verification from those boards to be sent to the WV Board.
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
Select Non-Resident Application
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Applicants licensed in another state should select the 'New Applicants: Non-WV Resident' path on the board website.
Submit Reciprocity Documentation
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Provide proof of current licensure in good standing from another jurisdiction as per W. Va. Code §30-1-27.
Verification of Practice
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If you have not practiced within the 2 years prior to application, you must submit proof of 24 hours of continuing competency contact hours.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
West Virginia Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
Item
Amount
Application
$100
Endorsement application
$100
Fingerprint check
$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permit
See board
Slow Downs
Incomplete Certemy Steps
▾
The application is self-paced; failing to complete all digital steps or upload required files will halt the review process.
NBCOT Score Transfer Lag
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The Board cannot issue a full license until official scores are received directly from NBCOT.
Out-of-State Verification Delays
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Waiting for other state boards to process and send license verifications is a frequent cause of delay.
Questions
What is the initial application fee for an OTR?
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The initial license fee for an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) is $75.00.
When do West Virginia OT licenses expire?
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OT licenses expire biennially on December 31st of either even or odd years, depending on the year of initial licensure.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
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Licensees must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years. Initial renewals require only 12 hours.
Is a criminal background check required for a West Virginia license?
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An FBI fingerprint-based background check is NOT required for a standard WV license; it is only required if you wish to participate in the OT Compact.
Is there a jurisprudence exam?
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Yes, a Jurisprudence Exam is required and is typically completed as a step within the online Certemy application portal.