Kentucky Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Kentucky OT License Overview

Kentucky has joined the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until Kentucky begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain a Kentucky-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.

How to Get a Kentucky OT License by Endorsement

Kentucky uses an online portal endorsement process for Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $50 application fee.

1. Submit the OT/OTA Full Initial Licensure application (it covers reciprocal applicants) online through DPL Services at oop.ky.gov/DPLServices/NewApp/Welcome.aspx
2. Request an official statement of good standing from every jurisdiction where you have held a license, plus a current NBCOT certificate copy (can run concurrently)
3. Complete the FBI fingerprint background check through IdentoGO (board service code 27GN14); the board cannot give your application a full review until the results arrive from Kentucky State Police (can run concurrently)
4. Await the final review of your application at a scheduled board meeting, then license issuance

License verification is handled through NBCOT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy website for status updates on your application.

Kentucky OT License Fees

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $35 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Kentucky Temporary OT License

Kentucky issues temporary occupational therapy licenses, allowing Occupational Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Kentucky OT License Processing Time

Kentucky Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks (with immediate jurisprudence exam completion and early-cycle application submission).

Common sources of delay:

• Evidence of successful completion of the jurisprudence exam is required for reciprocal licensure
• Applications get their final review at scheduled board meetings, and all materials must be in before each meeting's submission deadline; missing a deadline means waiting for the next meeting
• An official good-standing statement from every jurisdiction where you have held a license is required

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Kentucky OT Continuing Education

Kentucky requires 12 contact hours of continuing education for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

Kentucky OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year — $50 via Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy portal
• Renewal timing: Prior to October 31st.
• Late penalty: $25 late renewal fee within 60-day grace period

Kentucky Licensing Board and Resources

Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (502) 782-8807

Email: [email protected]