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 Montana
- Montana renews OT licenses every year, not every two years.
- Current NBCOT certification counts as meeting Montana's CE requirement.
- The standalone OT board page now points to a combined Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals.
Can I practice in Montana on an OT Compact privilege?
Montana has enacted the OT Compact but is not issuing privileges yet. Until it does, practicing here takes a Montana license, and a Montana license does not yet give you a privilege anywhere else.
- Enacted, not issuing yet
Can an OT licensed in another state get a Montana license by endorsement?
Montana licenses by endorsement when you hold an active license in good standing from a state whose qualifications are substantially equivalent. If they are not, the board can weigh your actual qualifications and work experience. NBCOT certification and a score sent by NBCOT are still required.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: Mont. Code Ann. 37-1-304; 37-24-303; ARM 24.165.407
Which exams does Montana require for a license?
Montana adopts the NBCOT exam and requires NBCOT certification. You must have NBCOT send your score to the board. Neither the statute nor the board rules list a state jurisprudence exam.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does Montana require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
What OTAs need to know in Montana
OTAs work under the general supervision of an OT, and the supervisor sets the level based on the OTA's experience and competence.
Topical medication endorsement in Montana
Before using topical medications, including iontophoresis and phonophoresis, an OT needs a board endorsement. It requires five hours of approved instruction plus proctored treatments under direct supervision.
Citation: ARM 24.165.514; ARM 24.165.401(1)(e)
How often does a Montana OT license renew?
OT and OTA licenses renew every year by June 15. Ten CE hours are due each year, starting after the first full year of licensure, and current NBCOT certification satisfies the requirement.
- Renews every year
- 10 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Montana?
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.