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 New York
- New York requires OT applicants to be at least 21 years old.
- New York is not in the OT Compact; a compact bill has only been filed.
- Limited permit holders cannot work in a private OT or physician office.
Can I practice in New York on an OT Compact privilege?
A compact bill has been introduced in New York, but it is not a member. Practicing here takes a New York license.
- Compact bill introduced
Can an OT licensed in another state get a New York license by endorsement?
New York has no separate endorsement route. An OT licensed elsewhere files the same Application for Licensure (Form 1) as anyone else, has their school send a Certification of Professional Education (Form 2), and asks NBCOT to verify certification directly. The OT fee is $294 and the OTA fee is $147.
- No endorsement route: full application
Citation: NY Education Law Article 156, sections 7904 and 7904-a; 8 NYCRR Part 76
Which exams does New York require for a license?
OTs must pass the NBCOT OTR exam and OTAs the COTA exam, with scores or certification verification sent directly from NBCOT. The state lists no jurisprudence exam. OT applicants must be at least 21, and OTA applicants at least 18.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does New York offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A limited permit ($70) lets a graduate of an OT or OTA program work under supervision until exam results arrive. It is valid for one year, only in hospitals, health care agencies or schools, never in a private office. It can be renewed once for illness or other extenuating circumstances.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: NY Education Law 7905; 8 NYCRR 76.4
What OTAs need to know in New York
Every OTA needs a written supervision plan from the supervising OT or physician covering contact frequency, methods, content and how notes are reviewed. Each formal supervisory contact and the review of all treatment notes must be documented.
How often does a New York OT license renew?
Registration renews every three years with 36 hours of continuing competency. At least 24 hours must be professional subjects, and no more than two-thirds may be self-directed online study.
- Renews every 3 years
- 36 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in New York?
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.