Maryland Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Maryland OT License Overview

Maryland is an OT Compact member state that is issuing compact privileges.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in Maryland on an OT Compact privilege instead of a Maryland license, provided your home-state license is in another OT Compact state that is also issuing privileges. A compact privilege is something you apply for through the compact before you start; it is not automatic.

How to Get a Maryland OT License by Endorsement

Maryland 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 $200 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Maryland board portal
2. Upload verification from every state and/or country in which you are/were licensed. (can run concurrently)
3. Complete the State and FBI Criminal History Records Check by electronic fingerprinting, then upload the receipt of verification. (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Upload verification of eligibility for certification from NBCOT, plus upload verification from every state and/or country in which you are/were licensed. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Fingerprint-based State and FBI Criminal History Records Check, electronically fingerprinted; results valid 30 days. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice website for status updates on your application.

Maryland OT License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $210 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Maryland Temporary OT License

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

Maryland OT License Processing Time

Maryland Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10-14 days (compact privilege pathway only; non-compact endorsements minimum 2-3 weeks).

Common sources of delay:

• Maryland Board meets on a set schedule; applications submitted after monthly cutoff may wait 4-6 weeks for next review cycle
• Jurisprudence exam requirement must be completed before board review; delays occur if applicants are unfamiliar with Maryland-specific OT practice standards
• Verification requests to current state licensing board can stall if previous state requires manual processing rather than NBCOT lookup

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice'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.

Maryland OT Continuing Education

Maryland requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: implicit bias training required for licensure and upon renewal

Maryland OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $270
• Renewal timing: Prior to June 30th (odd/even year cycle based on initial licensure year).
• CE topics: implicit bias training required for licensure and upon renewal
• Renewal window: Opens May 1 - June 30 (renewal cycle opens May 1, license expires June 30)
• Late penalty: $100 late fee (applicable to renewal made after the renewal deadline)

Maryland Licensing Board and Resources

Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Board Website

Phone: (410) 402-8556

Email: [email protected]