Tennessee Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Tennessee OT License Overview

Tennessee is a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (T.C.A. § 63-13-502). A therapist practicing in Tennessee under a compact privilege must follow Tennessee's laws and regulations. Travelers without a compact privilege apply for a Tennessee license by endorsement.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in Tennessee on an OT Compact privilege instead of a Tennessee 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 Tennessee OT License by Endorsement

Tennessee uses an online application endorsement process for Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $125 application fee.

1. Apply online for an initial license through the Tennessee Department of Health's online application
2. Have every state where you are or have been licensed mail a verification directly to the Board's office, and have NBCOT submit verification of your certification (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and 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 Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

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

Tennessee OT License Fees

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $115 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Tennessee Temporary OT License

Tennessee issues temporary occupational therapy licenses, but they are only for applicants scheduled to take the certification exam for the first time; this limited permit allows practice only under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Tennessee OT License Processing Time

Tennessee Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take about 6 weeks to process. The board says the average processing time is six weeks, absent complicating factors.

Common sources of delay:

• Completed files are ordinarily processed at the next Board meeting scheduled for reviewing files, so timing depends on the Board's meeting calendar
• If documentation is missing when your application reaches the Board office, the Board mails you a deficiency letter, and your file is reviewed once the application is complete
• NBCOT or source state verification delays when prior licensing board is slow to respond; can add 1-2 weeks to timeline
• Missing or unclear documentation regarding continuing education hours from prior state causes board to request additional proof

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Tennessee Board of 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.

Tennessee OT Continuing Education

Tennessee requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

Tennessee OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring on the last day of your birth month — $135
• Late penalty: $30 late renewal fee for OTs and OTAs

Tennessee Licensing Board and Resources

Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (615) 741-3807