Verified October 8, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What OTs miss in Alabama
- Renewal paperwork and CE are due 60 days before expiration; for licenses expiring April 30, 2026 the deadline was February 28.
- A first license runs about one year before the first two-year renewal.
- Applicants must prove US citizenship or lawful presence under state immigration law.
Can I practice in Alabama on an OT Compact privilege?
Alabama has enacted the OT Compact but is not issuing privileges yet. Until it does, practicing here takes a Alabama license, and a Alabama license does not yet give you a privilege anywhere else.
- Enacted, not issuing yet
Can an OT licensed in another state get a Alabama license by endorsement?
The board may waive the exam for an OT or OTA currently licensed in another state with equivalent standards. Applicants send an NBCOT verification and a license verification from every state where they hold or have held a license.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: Ala. Code § 34-39-10(b); Ala. Admin. Code r. 625-X-1-.04, 625-X-1-.05
Which exams does Alabama require for a license?
Licensure requires passing the NBCOT exam. The application checklist lists no state jurisprudence exam.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does Alabama offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A limited permit is for graduates who have finished school and fieldwork and are waiting on the NBCOT exam. It requires a supervising Alabama OT, expires after 120 days or on exam failure, and cannot be renewed. It is not an endorsement route.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: Ala. Code § 34-39-11(b); Ala. Admin. Code r. 625-X-3-.07
What OTAs need to know in Alabama
Supervision scales with experience: direct for an OTA with under 12 months, close for 12 to 24 months, and at least general after 24 months, with face-to-face contact every 30 days. An OT may supervise up to three full-time OTAs. The OTA application must name an Alabama-licensed supervising OT.
How often does a Alabama OT license renew?
OTs need 30 contact hours per two-year renewal and OTAs need 20, reported through CE Broker. Everything is due 60 days before the license expires or a late fee applies.
- Renews every 2 years
- 30 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Alabama?
For a license, we send your NBCOT score and verifications, file the application and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $599 for an OT and $499 for an OTA.