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 Maryland
- Maryland issued OT Compact privileges from April 15, 2026, and requires its jurisprudence step for a privilege.
- Current NBCOT certification can satisfy the continuing competency requirement at renewal.
- The board is preparing dry needling regulations and keeps a dry needling registry.
Can I practice in Maryland on an OT Compact privilege?
Maryland is issuing OT Compact privileges (since April 15, 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
- Jurisprudence exam required for a privilege
Can an OT licensed in another state get a Maryland license by endorsement?
The board may waive the exam for an OT or OTA licensed in another state who meets Maryland's other qualifications and was licensed under requirements at least equivalent to Maryland's. Every applicant completes a State and FBI criminal history records check.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: Md. Code, Health Occ. §§ 10-302, 10-302.1, 10-306
Which exams does Maryland require for a license?
Licensure requires passing the NBCOT exam or another board-approved national exam. Maryland requires a jurisprudence step for OT Compact privileges; whether it applies to a full license was not confirmed.
- NBCOT exam
Does Maryland require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does Maryland offer a temporary or limited OT license?
Maryland issues temporary licenses to OTs (OT/LT) and OTAs (OTA/LT), who practice under on-site supervision with evaluations, plans and discharges cosigned by the supervising OT.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: COMAR 10.46.01.05, 10.46.01.07
What OTAs need to know in Maryland
An OTA needs at least periodic supervision, with the amount set by the OT based on experience, client status and setting. The OT need not be on site but must give direction before treatment starts and before a planned discharge, and supervision reports are cosigned by the OT.
Electrical physical agent modalities competency in Maryland
Before using electrical modalities, an OT or OTA completes 15 contact hours of education (at least 5 on ultrasound and 5 on electrical stimulation) plus supervised client treatments, and keeps the records for their whole career. Certified hand therapists are exempt.
Citation: COMAR 10.46.06
How often does a Maryland OT license renew?
Licenses run two years and expire June 30, in even or odd years depending on the year first licensed; renewal opens May 1. Renewal requires 24 contact hours, at least 16 on OT principles and procedures, or current NBCOT certification.
- Renews every 2 years
- 24 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Maryland?
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.