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 District of Columbia
- A new criminal background check is required with every application, and again at each two-year renewal.
- Applicants answering yes to a screening question must include an NPDB self-query report dated within 30 days.
- First renewals of a license granted by examination are exempt from CE.
Can I practice in District of Columbia on an OT Compact privilege?
District of Columbia is not an OT Compact member, so practicing here takes a District of Columbia license.
- Not a compact member
Can an OT licensed in another state get a District of Columbia license by endorsement?
The board issues a license by endorsement to an applicant with a valid, unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction. Applicants send proof of good standing from every jurisdiction ever licensed, an NBCOT certification verification, an official transcript, and complete a new FBI fingerprint background check.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: 17 DCMR § 6311; DC Health OT endorsement checklist
Which exams does District of Columbia require for a license?
Applicants must pass the NBCOT certification exam. The endorsement checklist and regulations list no District jurisprudence exam.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does District of Columbia require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does District of Columbia offer a temporary or limited OT license?
There is no temporary license, but an applicant whose application is on file may practice under the general supervision of a DC-licensed OT for up to 60 days. The supervisor must get board authorization at least two weeks before supervision begins.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: 17 DCMR § 6317
What OTAs need to know in District of Columbia
The supervising OT must be available as needed and able to be on site within two hours, directly supervise before treatment programs start and before planned discharges, give direction at least bimonthly, and document it. An OTA may not supervise another OTA.
How often does a District of Columbia OT license renew?
Renewal requires 24 contact hours every two years, including two hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 10 percent on the Director's public health priorities. Since June 16, 2024, licenses expire on the last day of the birth month, and a criminal background check repeats at each renewal.
- Renews every 2 years
- 24 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in District of Columbia?
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.