Alabama Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Alabama PT License Overview

Alabama is a PT Compact member state and is issuing and accepting compact privileges. A Physical Therapist whose home-state license is in another active PT Compact state may be able to work in Alabama on a compact privilege obtained through the PT Compact instead of an Alabama license; confirm eligibility and Alabama's requirements at ptcompact.org before relying on it. Everyone else applies by endorsement: submit the online application, pass the jurisprudence exam, obtain current license verification, and await board review, typically 1-3 weeks once all materials are submitted.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in Alabama on a PT Compact privilege instead of an Alabama license, provided your home-state license is in another PT 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 an Alabama PT License by Endorsement

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.

1. Submit endorsement application online
2. Get official license verification from every state where you hold a license (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through official verification from each state where you hold a license. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy website for status updates on your application.

Alabama PT License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Physical Therapist Assistants: renewal is $93 (figures above are for Physical Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Alabama Temporary PT License

Alabama issues temporary physical therapy licenses, but they are only for PT and PTA graduates who are waiting to take the NPTE or for their degree to be conferred, working under direct on-site supervision. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Alabama PT License Processing Time

Alabama Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-3 weeks to process.

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

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

Alabama PT Continuing Education

Alabama requires 10 contact hours of continuing education every year for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: jurisprudence: 2 hours on the Alabama practice act and administrative code, in years ending in 0 or 5

Alabama PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year, expiring September 30 — $130 via Alabama Board of Physical Therapy portal
• CE topics: jurisprudence: 2 hours on the Alabama practice act and administrative code, in years ending in 0 or 5
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate

Alabama Licensing Board and Resources

Alabama Board of Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (334) 242-4064

Email: [email protected]