Hawaii Physical Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$300
Renewal: $230
Compact (PT Compact)
No
Not a PT Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Hawaii does not participate in the PT Compact. Licensure is available only by endorsement of an existing PT license from another state; applicants must already hold an active PT license elsewhere to apply.
Endorsement Process
Hawaii 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 $300 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application by mail
- Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Hawaii requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a physical therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA-PVL). Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA-PVL) website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $300 |
| Renewal | $230 (every 2 years) |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Hawaii does not issue temporary physical therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Hawaii physical therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks.
Common sources of delay:
- Mail-based application submission required; no online portal means delays from postal transit and manual processing
- Board review step is sequential and non-concurrent; applications queue for monthly board review cycles
- License verification via FSBPT or direct board contact can add 1-2 weeks if current state board is slow to respond
- Proration of endorsement fee ($300 to $185) may indicate mid-cycle application handling complexities that could extend timeline
Hawaii does not offer an expedited processing track. 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.
Continuing Education
Hawaii requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for physical therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: ethics — 2 hours per cycle
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Hawaii may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring January 31 of odd years — $230 via Hawaii DCCA portal
- CE topics: ethics — 2 hours per cycle
- Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
- Late penalty: license becomes forfeited, and must reinstate and meet current requirements
- Traveler tip: Track your Hawaii license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA-PVL)
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (808) 586-3000
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA-PVL)'s official website.
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