Alabama Physical Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
1-3 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$100
Renewal: $130
Compact (PT Compact)
No
Not a PT Compact member state
Renewal
10 hours
Every 1 year
Overview
Alabama is not a PT Compact member. Endorsement is the only pathway for out-of-state PTs. Candidates must submit online application, pass jurisprudence exam, obtain current license verification, and await board review—typically 1-3 weeks once all materials are submitted.
Endorsement Process
Alabama uses an online portal endorsement process for physical therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $100 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application online
- Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Alabama requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a physical therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Alabama requires a mandatory Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Alabama-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $100 |
| Renewal | $130 (every 1 year) |
Physical Therapist Assistants: renewal is $93 (figures above are for physical therapists).
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Alabama does not issue temporary physical therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Alabama physical therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-3 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 business days from complete documentation receipt (per board statement).
Common sources of delay:
- Jurisprudence exam scheduling delays—Alabama requires passage before board can issue; if candidate fails, retest scheduling can add 2-4 weeks
- Board review queue after documentation submission—even with 1-3 week typical range, applications submitted near month-end may queue for next review cycle
- Verification delays from FSBPT or applicant's current state board—if current state is slow to respond, Alabama board cannot proceed to Step 4
Alabama does not offer an expedited processing track. 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.
Continuing Education
Alabama requires 10 contact hours of continuing education every 1 year for physical therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: ethics — 2 hours per cycle
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Alabama may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every year, expiring September 30 — $130 via Alabama Board of Physical Therapy portal
- CE topics: ethics — 2 hours per cycle
- Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
- Late penalty: license becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate
- Traveler tip: Track your Alabama license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Alabama Board of Physical Therapy
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (334) 242-4064
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Alabama Board of Physical Therapy's official website.
Resources
Ever thought about combining your love for adventure with your career as a physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) ? Or are you
If you're a traveling physical therapist (PT), then you may know that California isn't part of the Physical Therapy Compact License . However, that do
5 Hardest States To Get Your Physical Therapy License One of the obstacles when you are looking to travel the country is the process of getting licens
