North Dakota Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

North Dakota OT License Overview

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

North Dakota has ENACTED the OT Compact (effective August 1, 2025) but is NOT yet issuing or accepting compact privilege applications. Therapists CANNOT practice in ND under a compact privilege at this time. Until privileges are operational, all out-of-state OTs/OTAs must obtain a ND license by reciprocity, which includes the open-book jurisprudence exam.

How to Get a North Dakota OT License by Endorsement

How Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state apply in North Dakota: Online portal, or paper application mailed to the board office. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $200 (OT); $125 (OT) if application received after 6/30 and on or before 12/31 of an odd-numbered year application fee.

1. Submit License by Reciprocity application online at https://www.ndotboard.com/apply/address.asp (or by paper form)
2. Request verification from the licensing authority of the state where you are currently licensed, sent directly by that state (can run concurrently)
3. Upload your references form, a copy of your passing NBCOT scores and a copy of the law and rules of the state where you are licensed with the online application, then take the online Juris Prudence Exam after you finish submitting the application (can run concurrently)
4. Await issuance: licenses are typically issued on a weekly basis once all documents are received and the Jurisprudence exam is passed

License verification is handled through verification sent directly by the licensing authority of the state where you are currently licensed, showing that you are licensed and in good standing (if that state only offers online verification, upload its instructions instead). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: No fingerprint/criminal-background check is required for a standard reciprocity license; applicants self-disclose past convictions and upload the criminal judgment if applicable. (A BCI/FBI criminal history check is being built ONLY for future OT Compact privilege issuance, which is not yet operational.) Confirm with the North Dakota Occupational Therapy Board before you apply.

Check the North Dakota Occupational Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.

North Dakota OT License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $110 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

North Dakota Temporary OT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the North Dakota Occupational Therapy Board's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

North Dakota OT License Processing Time

North Dakota Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take approximately 1 week after all required documents are received to process.

Common sources of delay:

• Jurisprudence exam not completed: failure to submit the completed quiz will result in a delay in issuing your licensure
• Board application queue timing — The ND board processes applications on a rolling basis; applications submitted near end-of-month may wait until next board review cycle (2-4 weeks)
• License verification delays from source state — If verification from current state is slow or requires manual board-to-board contact, the 2-6 week window extends proportionally

We have not found an expedited processing option on the North Dakota Occupational Therapy Board'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.

North Dakota OT Continuing Education

North Dakota requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

North Dakota OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $150
• Renewal timing: Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years.

North Dakota Licensing Board and Resources

North Dakota Occupational Therapy Board

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: 701-250-0847