Pennsylvania Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Pennsylvania PT License Overview

Pennsylvania fully joined the Physical Therapy Compact in July 2025. Physical Therapists licensed in another member state can apply for a compact privilege to practice in Pennsylvania; therapists without one apply for a Pennsylvania license by endorsement.

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

Pennsylvania 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 $30 application fee.

1. Submit the endorsement application electronically through PALS (www.PALS.pa.gov)
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 Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

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

Pennsylvania PT License Fees

Physical Therapist Assistants: renewal is $45 (figures above are for Physical Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Pennsylvania Temporary PT License

Pennsylvania issues temporary physical therapy licenses, but they are only for applicants who have applied to take the licensure examination or are awaiting their exam results. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Pennsylvania PT License Processing Time

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

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks (assuming clean application, immediate verification response, and no board review bottlenecks).

Common sources of delay:

• Board review cycle: Pennsylvania PT Board does not appear to have published expedited review windows; standard 4–6 week timeline assumes no application deficiencies or missing verifications
• License verification delays: If current state's verification system (FSBPT or direct board) is slow to respond, PA Board cannot proceed to review step 3 until verification is received
• Endorsement applicants must complete at least 3 hours of approved child abuse recognition and reporting training to be licensed, so finish it before you apply

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

Pennsylvania PT Continuing Education

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

• Mandatory topics: at least 2 contact hours in law or ethics applicable to physical therapy, and at least 2 contact hours in child abuse recognition and reporting, each biennial renewal

Pennsylvania PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring December 31 of even-numbered years — $90 via Pennsylvania BPOA portal
• CE topics: at least 2 contact hours in law or ethics applicable to physical therapy, and at least 2 contact hours in child abuse recognition and reporting, each biennial renewal
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate

Pennsylvania Licensing Board and Resources

Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification