After the exam: applying for your first state license
Passing the national exam does not license you. NBCOT says you will need to apply for a state license in order to practice; FSBPT says to contact your licensing authority, request its application, and follow its instructions; ASHA tells SLP Clinical Fellows to contact the state regulatory agency or licensing board.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
Occupational therapy (after the NBCOT exam)
NBCOT’s After your exam page, checked November 10, 2026, states: “If you pass the exam, you will be notified via email when your exam result has been posted online.” Under “Next Step: Apply for your State License,” it states:
Passing your exam is different from applying for state licensure. You will need to apply for a state license in order to practice. All jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have some form of regulation of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Before you begin practicing in any state or comparable jurisdiction, you must meet all the requirements of that jurisdiction.
It adds: “To practice without a license or permit is against the law.” And: “It is important that you review the licensure requirements for the state(s) where you wish to practice.” OT board links are in the state and territory directory.
Physical therapy (the NPTE and the license)
FSBPT’s Applying for State License page lists:
Contact Your Licensing Authority: Contact your jurisdiction to find out what they require.
Apply for a License: Request a licensure application from your licensing authority. Carefully complete the form, pay the fees and follow the instructions for submission.
Register for Exams: You may register for the NPTE and/or jurisprudence exam using the FSBPT online processing system
FSBPT’s After Exam page states: “Approximately five business days after your eligibility period ends, FSBPT will transmit your score to the licensing authority to which you applied for licensure.” It also states: “If you score at or above 600, congratulations! You passed the exam.” And: “ALL SCORES are subject to validation prior to being released and FSBPT is the sole authority on whether a score is released to any entity.” Some jurisdictions also require a jurisprudence exam.
Speech-language pathology
ASHA’s Clinical Fellowship guide tells Clinical Fellows: “Contact your state regulatory agency/licensing board for licensure requirements.” ASHA’s SLP exam page states: “Applicants should take into consideration any state licensing requirements regarding completion of the exam.” ASHA’s state and territory information links each state. See the Clinical Fellowship.
What this page does not do
It does not list board steps, processing times, or fees. Those are set by each state and change. If you plan to work in more than one state, see compacts.