Delaware Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Delaware PT License Overview

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

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

Delaware uses an online 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 $183 application fee.

1. Submit the application and fee online through DELPROS
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.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers website for status updates on your application.

Delaware PT License Fees

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

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Delaware Temporary PT License

Delaware issues temporary physical therapy licenses, but they are only for PT exam candidates awaiting the NPTE, and for therapists licensed in another jurisdiction who will practice in Delaware solely for a special project, teaching assignment or medical emergency. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Eligibility requirements:

• Special project/assignment license: you must hold a current license in another jurisdiction; you do not need direct supervision, and the license is issued for one year
• Temporary license by examination: issued for three months to NPTE candidates who have applied for the permanent license by examination; it expires immediately if you fail the exam

Delaware PT License Processing Time

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

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 7-10 business days (if mail application arrives same day, verification completes within 48 hours, and board reviews immediately).

Common sources of delay:

• Mail-based application submission creates inherent processing lag; board must manually receive and log applications before review can begin
• Board review and issuance step cannot be expedited or run concurrently; sequential processing means 1-3 week timeline is non-negotiable
• FSBPT verification requests may take 5-7 business days if the applicant's home state board is backlogged, extending overall timeline

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers' 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.

Delaware PT Continuing Education

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

• Mandatory topics: jurisprudence — 3 hours per cycle

Delaware PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring January 31 of odd-numbered years — $275 via Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
• CE topics: jurisprudence — 3 hours per cycle
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: your license expires, and you can reinstate it within five years of expiration, with CEUs prorated to how long it has been expired

Delaware Licensing Board and Resources

Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (302) 744-4500

Email: [email protected]