South Carolina Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

South Carolina OT License Overview

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

South Carolina has ENACTED the OT Compact but is NOT YET issuing or accepting compact privileges. The official OT Compact Commission lists SC as 'Not Yet' accepting OTC applications. Travelers CANNOT practice in SC under a compact privilege today; they must obtain a SC license by endorsement/exam until SC goes live.

How to Get a South Carolina OT License by Endorsement

South Carolina 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 $135 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via South Carolina board portal
2. Request official license verification from current state, sent directly to the SC board (can run concurrently)
3. Submit notarized affidavit, notarized verification of lawful presence, copies of ID and social security card, and 2x2 photo (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Official license verification sent directly from the issuing state to the Board (emailed to [email protected] or mailed). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.

South Carolina OT License Fees

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $80 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

South Carolina Temporary OT License

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

South Carolina OT License Processing Time

South Carolina Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 3-5 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Incomplete applications and applications without the fee will not be accepted and will delay the process
• Background check fingerprinting submission errors are common; incomplete or poor-quality prints require resubmission
• SC Board processes applications in batches; missing any required document (passport photo, notarized application, fingerprints) pushes application to next review cycle

We have not found an expedited processing option on the South Carolina 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.

South Carolina OT Continuing Education

South Carolina requires 16 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: maintain certification with NBCOT

South Carolina OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $100
• Renewal timing: Renew by March 15th (applications postmarked before March 16th).
• CE topics: maintain certification with NBCOT
• Late penalty: $50 late renewal fee (March 16 – April 15 of renewal year)

South Carolina Licensing Board and Resources

South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (803) 896-4683

Email: [email protected]