Arkansas Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Arkansas PT License Overview

Arkansas is a PT Compact member state that is issuing compact privileges.

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

Arkansas uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for Physical Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $5 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. For any state that does not offer primary source verification on its website or by phone, have that state send a verification of your license directly to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through the Board office, which checks each license on the other state's website when that state offers primary source verification; otherwise each state where you hold or have held a license sends a verification directly to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

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

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

Arkansas PT License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Arkansas Temporary PT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Arkansas PT License Processing Time

Arkansas does not publish a standard processing time for Physical Therapist endorsement applications. The board says criminal background check results may take 2-6 weeks to reach it, and no license is issued until they arrive.

Common sources of delay:

• The application must include a certificate of completion of the Arkansas jurisprudence exam, which you take online at www.arptb.org
• Mail-based application submission: Paper applications cannot be expedited and depend on postal processing and manual board receipt; no electronic submission option available
• Board review cycle: Non-compact applications require formal board review which may occur on a fixed meeting schedule, causing 2-4 week delays if application arrives between meeting dates
• License verification delays from home state: FSBPT or direct board verification requests can take 1-2 weeks, especially if home state board is understaffed

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Arkansas State 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.

Arkansas PT Continuing Education

Arkansas requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: ethics and jurisprudence — 2 hours per cycle
• Physical Therapist Assistants: 10 contact hours every 2 years (vs 20 for Physical Therapists)

Arkansas PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring March 1 — $4 via Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy portal
• CE topics: ethics and jurisprudence — 2 hours per cycle
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes lapsed, and must pay late fee to reinstate

Arkansas Licensing Board and Resources

Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (501) 228-7100

Email: [email protected]