Georgia Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Georgia PT License Overview

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

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

Georgia 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 $75 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. 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 Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

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

Georgia PT License Fees

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

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Georgia Temporary PT License

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

Georgia PT License Processing Time

Georgia Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 4 weeks (complete application, fingerprinting, and jurisprudence exam completed concurrently with verification process).

Common sources of delay:

• Mail-based application submission creates initial processing lag; online portal submissions are not available, requiring manual handling by board staff
• Georgia State Board meets on a fixed schedule; applications submitted after monthly cutoff must wait for next board meeting, potentially adding 2-4 weeks to approval timeline
• Fingerprinting requirement must be completed and verified before final license issuance; delays in background check processing can extend overall timeline by 1-2 weeks
• Jurisprudence examination scheduling is separate from application review; exam slots may fill quickly during high-volume periods, delaying candidates who cannot test immediately

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Georgia 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.

Georgia PT Continuing Education

Georgia requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: physical therapy ethics, jurisprudence and state-specific laws

Georgia PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring January 31 of even years — $65 via Georgia Secretary of State portal
• CE topics: physical therapy ethics and Georgia jurisprudence
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes lapsed, and must pay late fee and reinstate

Georgia Licensing Board and Resources

Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (844) 753-7825

Email: [email protected]