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 Louisiana
- Louisiana renews every year, at the end of the birth month.
- Initial licensure requires current NBCOT certification, though keeping it is not required to renew.
- Exam waiver depends on the applicant's state offering Louisiana licensees the same treatment.
Can I practice in Louisiana on an OT Compact privilege?
Louisiana has enacted the OT Compact but is not issuing privileges yet. Until it does, practicing here takes a Louisiana license, and a Louisiana license does not yet give you a privilege anywhere else.
- Enacted, not issuing yet
Can an OT licensed in another state get a Louisiana license by endorsement?
The board may waive the exam for an OT or OTA currently licensed in a state, DC or territory with equivalent standards, but only if that jurisdiction grants Louisiana licensees the same privilege. Applicants must also show current NBCOT certification.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: La. Admin. Code tit. 46, XLV §§ 1907, 1909
Which exams does Louisiana require for a license?
Applicants must pass the NBCOT certification exam and present proof of current NBCOT certification to be licensed. Current NBCOT certification is not required to renew.
- NBCOT exam
Does Louisiana offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A temporary license is issued to graduates waiting to take the exam, valid three months or until results are acted on, and renewable once. Holders practice under on-premises supervision: at least two hours a week for OTs and 25 percent of the weekly caseload for OTAs.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: La. Admin. Code tit. 46, XLV §§ 1937, 1939
What OTAs need to know in Louisiana
The OT need not be on site but must be reachable in real time and immediately available for a client care conference whenever the OTA treats. The OT evaluates and writes the plan before the OTA's first session, and holds a care conference before the next session when the plan changes significantly.
How often does a Louisiana OT license renew?
Licenses expire every year on the last day of the birth month and renew annually with 12 contact hours of approved continuing education. A license expired 60 days or less can be renewed with a late fee.
- Renews every year
- 12 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Louisiana?
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.