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How to Get a PT License in a Non-Compact State

Published October 1, 2026 · Updated October 1, 2026 · By Matt Michuda, PT, DPT — former travel physical therapist

Last verified: against the PT Compact Commission, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and each state board's own pages (compact status as of September 30, 2026; board pages read October 1, 2026). Rules and fees change: confirm with the board before you apply. Contract counts come from our own feed (pay data as of 2026-10-01).

If you cannot use a PT Compact privilege, the PT Compact Commission says you can still practice in another state by applying for licensure by endorsement through that state's licensing board; as of September 30, 2026, 13 states need that full license. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy says most jurisdictions require your NPTE score to be transferred by FSBPT, at $90 per state plus a processing fee, and each board adds its own steps.

Key facts

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.”

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.

  1. 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)
  2. 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.”
  3. 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”.
  4. 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.”
  5. 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.

StatePT Compact statusLicensing boardWhat the board listsFees as published by the board, read October 1, 2026Published timingWorking while pending
CaliforniaNot a memberPhysical Therapy Board of California
  • “If you already hold a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another U.S. physical therapy licensing jurisdiction, you will apply for licensure in California by way of Endorsement.”
  • “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.”
  • “Ensure you have the following application materials and action items prepared or completed before submitting your online application to PTBC.”
  • “CAL-JAM registration with the Federation”
  • “Fingerprints”
  • “Passport-style photo”
  • “Application Processing and Initial License Fees (to be paid with a credit card)”
Source: Physical Therapy Board of California, US-Educated PT/PTA Applicant - Endorsement Physical Therapy Board of California, Examination Information (Endorsement) Physical Therapy Board of California, Summary/Checklist (Endorsement)
  • “Cost: $50 to the Federation. No examination fees are paid to PTBC.”
  • “Application Processing Fee: $300 The application processing fee is nonrefundable.”
  • “Initial License Fee (ILF): $150”
Source: Physical Therapy Board of California, Examination Information (Endorsement) Physical Therapy Board of California, Application Fees (Endorsement)
  • “PTBC acknowledges receipt of application via your BreEZe account within 30 days of application and fees being submitted.”
  • “PTBC issues license within 45 days of last fulfilled deficiency.”
Source: Physical Therapy Board of California, Process Map (Endorsement)
  • “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.”
  • “A complete application with PTBC, except for the CAL-JAM score.”
Source: Physical Therapy Board of California, License Applicant Status
FloridaNot a memberMQA/Board of Physical Therapy
  • “Transfer National Examination scores- NPTE score report transferred from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), https://www.fsbpt.org/ .”
  • “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.”
  • “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.”
  • “Must not have had disciplinary action taken in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.”
  • “Contact the state board(s) in which a license has been held to request License Verification be sent to Florida. If the state has an online verification including disciplinary actions, we will accept the online verification.”
  • “Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting.”
Source: Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist
  • “$180.00 Application and Licensing Fee to Board of Physical Therapy $90.00 Score Transfer fee to FSBPT”
Source: Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist
  • “Please allow up to 10 business days for initial review of new applications.”
  • “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.”
Source: Florida Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist
Check with the board
HawaiiNot a memberBoard of Physical Therapy
  • “Hawaii does not reciprocate with any other state or country. Each applicant is required to meet the education and national examination requirements according to Hawaii laws and rules.”
  • “If you have already taken the NPTE and your score meets or exceeds the FSBPT's criterion - referenced passing score requirement and you meet the education requirement, the Board will consider issuance of license through the exam waiver provision.”
  • “Have the licensing authority of each state/territory in which you hold or held a license at any time, complete the "Verification of License" form and send it directly to the Board.”
Source: Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist License application (2026-02)
  • “If you are applying for a license through the exam waiver provision, attach appropriate amount made payable to: COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS.”
  • “$300 ($50 - Application Fee + $85 - License Fee + $100 - Compliance Resolution Fund + $65 - 1/2 Renewal)”
  • “$185 ($50 - Application Fee + $85 - License Fee + $50 - Compliance Resolution Fund)”
Source: Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist License application (2026-02)
Check with the board
  • “Only one temporary license will be issued per applicant. A temporary license shall expire within six months of its effective date”
Source: Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist License application (2026-02)
IdahoNot a member
  • “After thorough discussion, the Board has elected to defer membership in the Compact at this time.”
Source: Idaho DOPL, Physical Therapy Board
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
  • “APPLICATION CHECKLIST FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT”
  • “The completed open book examination”
  • “Verification of licensure from all other state(s) in which you have held a license.”
  • “If you have already passed the national exam and are applying for licensure in this state you must contact the exam administrator, The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and request a transfer of your exam score.”
Source: Idaho DOPL, Physical Therapist application (uploaded 2023-06) Idaho DOPL, Physical Therapy Board
Check with the boardCheck with the boardCheck with the board
IllinoisNot a memberDepartment of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • “Individuals applying for a license by endorsement must be actively licensed as a physical therapist in the United States or its territories.”
  • “Individuals may qualify for licensure by endorsement based on having practiced without discipline for 10 consecutive years as a licensed physical therapist in the United States or its territories.”
  • “Please apply for licensure with the Division of Professional Regulation using the CORE licensing system online at https://idfpr.illinois.gov/core.html.”
Source: IDFPR, Qualifications for Licensure: Physical Therapist (070), effective 03/2026
Check with the boardCheck with the boardCheck with the board
MaineEnacted, not yet issuingMaine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
  • “The board may waive the examination requirement for an applicant who is currently licensed in another state by virtue of having previously passed a qualifying examination acceptable to the board, provided that the passing standards for the examination were equivalent to those then required by the law of this State.”
  • “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.”
Source: Maine Board of Physical Therapy, Licensing - PT/PTA Maine Board of Physical Therapy, FAQ
  • “License fee: $30.00 Criminal background check fee: $21.00”
Source: Maine Board of Physical Therapy, Licensing - PT/PTA
Check with the boardCheck with the board
MassachusettsNot a memberBoard of Allied Health ProfessionalsCheck with the boardCheck with the boardCheck with the boardCheck with the board
MichiganEnacted, not yet issuingMichigan Board of Physical Therapy
  • “Verification of a passing score on either the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapists or the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators Physiotherapy Competency Examination must be sent directly to our office from the testing agency.”
  • “completion of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration is required.”
  • “completion of a one-time training to identify victims of human trafficking is required for individuals seeking licensure”
Source: Michigan LARA, Physical Therapist Licensing Guide (revision 1/26/2026)
  • “Physical Therapist License by Exam or Endorsement: $319.75”
Source: Michigan LARA, Physical Therapist Licensing Guide (revision 1/26/2026)
Check with the boardCheck with the board
MinnesotaNot a memberMinnesota Board of Physical Therapy
  • “Two recommendation forms (total) submitted by two physical therapists registered or licensed to practice physical therapy in the United States or Canada.”
  • “License verification sent directly to the Board office from each state/country you are or have been licensed”
  • “Exam Scores (NPTE, ASI, or PES) must be transferred directly from FSBPT to the MN Board of PT.”
  • “Physical therapists must practice no less than 320 hours during the past five years in order to be issued a license, renew, reinstate following a lapse in licensure, or return to active licensure status from inactive status. Alternatively, physical therapists may choose to retake and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam or complete no less than 320 hours of Board-approved supervised clinical practice.”
Source: Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy, Application: PT Licensed in Another State
Check with the boardCheck with the boardCheck with the board
New MexicoNot a memberNM Physical Therapy Board
  • “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.”
  • “The board or its designee shall issue an expedited license to a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who has a valid unrestricted license from another United States licensing jurisdiction.”
  • “Submitted application with jurisprudence exam.”
  • “Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) Score Report sent to us through their website.”
Source: New Mexico RLD, Physical Therapy: Licensing, Registration, and Renewal
Check with the boardCheck with the boardCheck with the board
New YorkNot a memberPhysical Therapy, Podiatry & Ophthalmic Dispensing
  • “An individual licensed in another jurisdiction may not practice in New York without being licensed in New York State.”
  • “If you have been licensed to practice physical therapy in another jurisdiction but do not meet current New York education requirements, you may apply for a New York State license in physical therapy by endorsement.”
  • “have at least 3 years of practice acceptable to the State Board for Physical Therapy in the 7 years immediately preceding the application for licensure by endorsement; and”
  • “Full documentation of compliance with all New York State licensure requirements, including professional education, good standing, and experience, must be submitted directly to the Department by the appropriate entity. Documentation received directly from the applicant will not be accepted.”
Source: NYSED Office of the Professions, Physical Therapy: License Requirements
  • “The fee for licensure as a physical therapist is $294.”
Source: NYSED Office of the Professions, Physical Therapy: License Requirements
Check with the board
  • “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.”
Source: NYSED Office of the Professions, Physical Therapy: License Requirements
Rhode IslandEnacted, not yet issuingRhode Island Dept. of Health
  • “Endorsement applicants must obtain your full Background Check (BCI) report from your state of residence.”
  • “If you have ever been licensed in another state, license verification(s) must be sent directly from the state(s) in which you hold or have held a license.”
  • “Applications are valid for 1 year from the day they are received at RIDOH.”
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Physical Therapist application (revised 10/24/2024)
  • “($155.00-Physical Therapist)”
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Physical Therapist application (revised 10/24/2024)
Check with the boardCheck with the board
WyomingNot a memberWyoming Board of Physical Therapy
  • “If you have already passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and are currently licensed/certified to practice physical therapy in another jurisdiction you may apply for a license/certificate by endorsement.”
  • “Successful completion of the jurisprudence exam is required of all applicants. The examination is open book”
  • “Verification of license/certificate in good standing is required from ALL jurisdictions in which you are currently, or have ever been licensed/certified.”
Source: Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy, PT and PTA Application by Endorsement (linked from the board's Forms page)
  • “Physical Therapist Licensure and Background Check Fee $250.00 + $39.00 = $289.00”
Source: Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy, PT and PTA Application by Endorsement (linked from the board's Forms page)
  • “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.”
Source: Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy, Forms
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:

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:

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:

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

Related guides: the PT Compact guide, travel therapy licensure, the License Lookup tool and travel PT contracts: length and extensions.

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About Matt Michuda

Matt Michuda, PT, DPT, is a former travel physical therapist. Questions? Talk to our team.