Colorado Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Colorado PT License Overview

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

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

How Physical Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Colorado: Online application via the DPO Online Services system (Apply Online: Physical Therapist - Initial license by Examination, Endorsement or Telehealth Method). You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $66 application fee.

1. Log on to DPO Online Services and submit the initial license application (by examination, endorsement or telehealth)
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Fingerprint-based state and national (CBI/FBI) criminal history background check via the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) program; results must be received before a license is issued. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

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

Colorado PT License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Colorado Temporary PT License

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

Colorado PT License Processing Time

Colorado Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10-14 days.

Common sources of delay:

• Mail-only application submission creates lag between applicant sending and board receiving documents
• Board review step cannot run concurrently with application submission, creating sequential bottleneck
• License verification through FSBPT or direct board contact adds 1-2 week wait depending on source state responsiveness

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Colorado Physical 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.

Colorado PT Continuing Education

Colorado requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal.

• First renewal: New licensees may qualify for reduced CE requirements during their first renewal cycle
• Physical Therapist Assistant note: Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) need 20 PDA hours per 2-year cycle (minimum 15 in Educational Coursework, Fellowships, or Residencies), versus 30 PDA hours for Physical Therapists (minimum 20 in those categories).

Colorado PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring October 31 of even-numbered years — $66 via DPO Online Services
• Renewal window: Opens approximately 4-5 weeks before expiration
• Late penalty: To reactivate or reinstate an inactive or expired license, you must complete the continuing professional competency (CPC) requirements

Colorado Licensing Board and Resources

Colorado Physical Therapy Board

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (303) 894-7800

Email: [email protected]