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 Arkansas
- Renewal is annual and due by the end of the birth month, not on a fixed statewide date.
- The state and FBI background check can take two to six weeks.
- If an OTA loses supervision, established programs may continue for up to 30 days while a new supervisor is found, and the OTA must notify the board.
Can I practice in Arkansas on an OT Compact privilege?
Arkansas is issuing OT Compact privileges (since October 5, 2026). An OT or OTA whose home state is also issuing can apply for a privilege to practice here through CompactConnect, and must complete the application personally.
- Issuing compact privileges
Can an OT licensed in another state get a Arkansas license by endorsement?
The OT rule licenses applicants who pass the NBCOT exam and does not set out a separate endorsement route. Out-of-state OTs apply through the standard application with their NBCOT score and a state and FBI background check.
Citation: Ark. Code R. 060.00.02-004 (Regulation 6) §§ 2-3
Which exams does Arkansas require for a license?
The board has adopted the NBCOT exam for licensure. Regulation 6 lists no state jurisprudence exam.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does Arkansas require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does Arkansas offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A temporary permit is only for applicants waiting to take the NBCOT exam or get results. Anyone who has already passed is not eligible. It expires 30 days after the NBCOT eligibility date and can be extended once by written request.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: Ark. Code R. 060.00.02-004 § 3.3; Arkansas State Medical Board OT FAQ
What OTAs need to know in Arkansas
The OT must meet the OTA on site, face to face, at least one hour per 40 OTA work hours and see each OTA patient monthly. A signed supervision statement must be on file with the board before the OTA starts, and a new one filed when supervision changes.
How often does a Arkansas OT license renew?
Licenses renew every year online during the birth month, with 10 contact hours of CE earned since the last birth month. A license not renewed by the last day of the birth month expires automatically.
- Renews every year
- 10 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Arkansas?
If your home state issues privileges too, a compact privilege may be the fastest route; you file it yourself, and we prepare you and sit with you while you do. 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.