Compact privilege or endorsement: which do you need?
A compact privilege depends on your home state. The PT Compact Commission: “Your home state must be a member of the PT Compact and actively issuing compact privileges.” If your home state is one of the 13 below, you cannot buy a privilege anywhere, so every new state means a license by endorsement, including states that are in the compact. If your home state issues privileges, you can buy one for another issuing state, but not for the 13 below.
The Commission adds: “Ineligibility for a compact privilege does not prohibit an individual from seeking a license. Licensing decisions are determined by the respective licensing board of each jurisdiction.” It also says a privilege is not for a move: “If you intend to change your permanent residence to another state and begin practicing there, it is more appropriate to obtain a state-issued license from the state licensing board as opposed to obtaining a compact privilege.”
- Not members (10): California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Wyoming.
- Enacted the compact, not issuing yet (3): Maine, Michigan and Rhode Island.
- Issuing privileges (38, including DC): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Status is from the Commission's compact map as of September 30, 2026. Our PT Compact guide covers privileges, fees and jurisprudence rules in the issuing states, and the License Lookup tool checks a home state against a destination.
What an endorsement application involves
Each board sets its own list. These five pieces recur across the boards quoted on this page; every quote is the board's or FSBPT's own wording.
- Transfer your NPTE score. FSBPT: “Most jurisdictions require a score be transferred by FSBPT to ensure that the score is authentic.” The Score Transfer Report costs $90 plus a 1.6% processing fee, and “A fee applies each time you send your score to a new jurisdiction.” (FSBPT Score Transfer Service)
- Have every state you have been licensed in send a verification. Boards ask for all of them, not just your current one. Wyoming: “Verification of license/certificate in good standing is required from ALL jurisdictions in which you are currently, or have ever been licensed/certified.” Maine: “Yes, the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy requires that a verification of every license be submitted with the application, even if that license is not currently active.”
- Pass the board's jurisprudence exam, where it has one. California's is the CAL-JAM: “The CAL–JAM tests applicants' knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of physical therapy in California. It is the same for both physical therapist and physical therapist assistant applicants. The CAL–JAM consists of 50 questions, and you have one hour to complete it. The CAL–JAM is an online, off–site examination and can be taken on your personal desktop or laptop computer. You do not need to be in California to sit for the CAL–JAM.” Wyoming: “Successful completion of the jurisprudence exam is required of all applicants. The examination is open book”. New Mexico's checklist: “Submitted application with jurisprudence exam.” Idaho's endorsement checklist lists “The completed open book examination”.
- Complete a background check or fingerprints. Florida: “Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting.” Rhode Island: “Endorsement applicants must obtain your full Background Check (BCI) report from your state of residence.” New Mexico: “Department of Public Safety Authorization for Information form – mailed to DPS on the top line address of the form, with a $15 check or money order and the form being notarized.”
- File the board's application and pay its fee. The table below lists what each board publishes, with its link.
FSBPT's Licensure Reference Guide shows the pattern across all jurisdictions: 52 list passing the national examination for endorsement, 33 verification of other US licenses, 31 a criminal background check and 28 a jurisprudence assessment. FSBPT's own caveat: “Although information has been collected directly from jurisdictions and validated on a quarterly basis with each jurisdiction, FSBPT does not claim that the information contained in this guide is completely up-to-date. The ultimate source for all state or jurisdiction regulatory information is the jurisdiction itself.” Where the guide and a board's current page differ, this page quotes the board. And FSBPT again: “Please note: Transferring your NPTE score is only one step in the process of obtaining a license in another state. For the most up-to-date information on requirements for licensure, contact your jurisdiction directly.”
State by state: the 13 states that need a full license
One row per state that the PT Compact Commission lists as a non-member or as enacted but not issuing yet (as of September 30, 2026). Each cell quotes that state's board, linked; where we have not confirmed a board's wording, the cell says “Check with the board” and links the board rather than guessing. Fees are listed as each board publishes them and are not added up. Board names and links come from FSBPT's Licensing Authorities Contact Information.
| State | PT Compact status | Licensing board | What the board lists | Fees as published by the board, read October 1, 2026 | Published timing | Working while pending |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Not a member | Physical Therapy Board of California |
|
|
|
|
| Florida | Not a member | MQA/Board of Physical Therapy |
|
|
| Check with the board |
| Hawaii | Not a member | Board of Physical Therapy |
|
| Check with the board |
|
| Idaho | Not a member
| Bureau of Occupational Licenses |
| Check with the board | Check with the board | Check with the board |
| Illinois | Not a member | Department of Financial and Professional Regulation |
| Check with the board | Check with the board | Check with the board |
| Maine | Enacted, not yet issuing | Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation |
|
| Check with the board | Check with the board |
| Massachusetts | Not a member | Board of Allied Health Professionals | Check with the board | Check with the board | Check with the board | Check with the board |
| Michigan | Enacted, not yet issuing | Michigan Board of Physical Therapy |
|
| Check with the board | Check with the board |
| Minnesota | Not a member | Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy |
| Check with the board | Check with the board | Check with the board |
| New Mexico | Not a member | NM Physical Therapy Board |
| Check with the board | Check with the board | Check with the board |
| New York | Not a member | Physical Therapy, Podiatry & Ophthalmic Dispensing |
|
| Check with the board |
|
| Rhode Island | Enacted, not yet issuing | Rhode Island Dept. of Health |
|
| Check with the board | Check with the board |
| Wyoming | Not a member | Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy |
|
|
| Check with the board |
How long it takes
Only some boards publish service times, and none of the official sources we read gives an overall figure for an endorsement license. What the boards publish:
- California: “PTBC acknowledges receipt of application via your BreEZe account within 30 days of application and fees being submitted.” and “PTBC issues license within 45 days of last fulfilled deficiency.” (board process map)
- Florida: “Please allow up to 10 business days for initial review of new applications.” and “When all requirements are met the license will be issued to qualified applicants within 7 days pursuant to Section 456.0145(2)(e), Florida Statutes.” (board page)
- Wyoming: “Background check reports can take 4-6 weeks. Once your file is determined to be complete and your background report has been received, a pplication processing time is approximately 7-10 additional business days.” (board forms page)
For every other state, check with the board: the board's link is in the table above. Build the board's own steps (score transfer, every verification, background check, any exam) into your start date.
Working while you wait
Some boards describe a way to work before the full license is issued. Eligibility differs, so read each board's own terms:
- California, license applicant status: “You are not authorized to work as a physical therapist license applicant/physical therapist assistant license applicant (PTLA/PTALA) until you receive a notice from PTBC granting you license applicant status.” Eligibility: “A complete application with PTBC, except for the CAL-JAM score.” (board page)
- New York, limited permit: “The fee for a limited permit as a physical therapist is $70. Effective February 9, 2003, limited permits may be issued to physical therapist assistants; the fee is $50. Limited permits for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are valid for 6 months, effective February 9, 2003.” (NYSED page)
- Hawaii, temporary license: “Only one temporary license will be issued per applicant. A temporary license shall expire within six months of its effective date” (board application, PDF)
FSBPT's Licensure Reference Guide counts 11 jurisdictions that issue a temporary license to endorsement applicants, with the same caveat: the jurisdiction is the ultimate source. Ask the board before you accept a start date that depends on one.
Where our travel PT contracts are in these states
Of the 357 travel PT contracts in our feed (pay data as of 2026-10-01), these are in the states above:
- California: 50 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in California, travel PT pay in California)
- Illinois: 16 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in Illinois, travel PT pay in Illinois)
- Massachusetts: 16 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in Massachusetts, travel PT pay in Massachusetts)
- Florida: 10 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in Florida, travel PT pay in Florida)
- Michigan: 8 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in Michigan, travel PT pay in Michigan)
- New Mexico: 5 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in New Mexico, travel PT pay in New Mexico)
- Hawaii: 4 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in Hawaii)
- Maine: 3 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in Maine, travel PT pay in Maine)
- Wyoming: 2 open travel PT contracts (open jobs in Wyoming, travel PT pay in Wyoming)
- Rhode Island: 1 open travel PT contract (open jobs in Rhode Island)
No open travel PT contract in our feed on that date: Idaho, Minnesota and New York.
Browse every open travel PT contract or submit a profile and a recruiter will match you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a PT license in a state that isn't in the compact?
Apply to that state's licensing board for a license by endorsement. The PT Compact Commission says: “If you are not eligible for a compact privilege, you can still practice in another state by applying for licensure by endorsement/reciprocity through that state's licensing board.” The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) says most jurisdictions want your NPTE score transferred by FSBPT, and many boards ask for a verification from every state where you have held a license. Wyoming's application, for example: “Verification of license/certificate in good standing is required from ALL jurisdictions in which you are currently, or have ever been licensed/certified.”
My home state isn't in the PT Compact. Can I still get compact privileges?
No. The PT Compact Commission says: “Your home state must be a member of the PT Compact and actively issuing compact privileges.” If your home state is not issuing them, you apply for a license by endorsement in each state where you want to work, including states that are in the compact.
How do I transfer my NPTE score to another state?
Request a score transfer from FSBPT. FSBPT lists the Score Transfer Report at $90 per jurisdiction, plus a 1.6% processing fee rounded up to the nearest dollar, and says: “A fee applies each time you send your score to a new jurisdiction.”
How much does a California PT license cost?
The Physical Therapy Board of California lists an application processing fee of $300 and an initial license fee of $150. Its jurisprudence exam, the CAL-JAM, costs $50, paid to the Federation, and FSBPT's score transfer is $90 plus a processing fee. Each body publishes its own fee; check them before you apply.
How long does a California PT license by endorsement take?
The board publishes two service times: it acknowledges your application within 30 days of the application and fees being submitted, and issues the license within 45 days of the last fulfilled deficiency. It does not publish an overall figure.
Can I work in California while my application is pending?
Only once the board grants you license applicant status. In the board's words: “You are not authorized to work as a physical therapist license applicant/physical therapist assistant license applicant (PTLA/PTALA) until you receive a notice from PTBC granting you license applicant status.” To be eligible you need “A complete application with PTBC, except for the CAL-JAM score.”
Does Florida have licensure by endorsement for PTs?
Florida's Board of Physical Therapy lists a route for PTs licensed elsewhere. Among its requirements: “Must hold an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States in a profession with a similar scope of practice, determined by the board or the department, as applicable.” and “Must have actively practiced the profession for at least two years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application.” The board allows up to 10 business days for the first review of a new application, and issues the license within 7 days once all requirements are met.
Do I need a jurisprudence exam for a new state license?
It depends on the state. California requires its CAL-JAM, an online exam the board says you can take without being in California. Wyoming says: “Successful completion of the jurisprudence exam is required of all applicants. The examination is open book”. New Mexico's checklist reads: “Submitted application with jurisprudence exam.” Across all jurisdictions, FSBPT's Licensure Reference Guide counts 28 that list a jurisprudence assessment for endorsement, and FSBPT notes that the jurisdiction itself is the ultimate source.
Sources
- PT Compact Commission help centre (read 2026-10-01).
- PT Compact Commission, Compact map (read 2026-10-01).
- FSBPT, Score Transfer Service (for Licensees) (read 2026-10-01).
- FSBPT, Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide (read 2026-10-01).
- FSBPT Licensure Reference Guide, Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement (read 2026-10-01).
- FSBPT Licensure Reference Guide, Temporary Licensure (read 2026-10-01).
- FSBPT, Licensing Authorities Contact Information (read 2026-10-01).
- Physical Therapy Board of California, US-Educated PT/PTA Applicant - Endorsement (read 2026-10-01).
- Physical Therapy Board of California, Examination Information (Endorsement) (read 2026-10-01).
- Physical Therapy Board of California, Application Fees (Endorsement) (read 2026-10-01).
- Physical Therapy Board of California, Process Map (Endorsement) (read 2026-10-01).
- Physical Therapy Board of California, License Applicant Status (read 2026-10-01).
- Physical Therapy Board of California, Summary/Checklist (Endorsement) (read 2026-10-01).
- Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist (read 2026-10-01).
- New Mexico RLD, Physical Therapy: Licensing, Registration, and Renewal (read 2026-10-01).
- NYSED Office of the Professions, Physical Therapy: License Requirements (read 2026-10-01).
- IDFPR, Qualifications for Licensure: Physical Therapist (070), effective 03/2026 (read 2026-10-01).
- Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist License application (2026-02) (read 2026-10-01).
- Idaho DOPL, Physical Therapist application (uploaded 2023-06) (read 2026-10-01).
- Idaho DOPL, Physical Therapy Board (read 2026-10-01).
- Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy, Application: PT Licensed in Another State (read 2026-10-01).
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy, PT and PTA Application by Endorsement (linked from the board's Forms page) (read 2026-10-01).
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy, Forms (read 2026-10-01).
- Maine Board of Physical Therapy, Licensing - PT/PTA (read 2026-10-01).
- Maine Board of Physical Therapy, FAQ (read 2026-10-01).
- Michigan LARA, Physical Therapist Licensing Guide (revision 1/26/2026) (read 2026-10-01).
- Rhode Island Department of Health, Physical Therapist application (revised 10/24/2024) (read 2026-10-01).
- ProTherapy Staffing contract feed: travel PT contract counts (pay data as of 2026-10-01); method on How We Verify.
Related guides: the PT Compact guide, travel therapy licensure, the License Lookup tool and travel PT contracts: length and extensions.