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 North Dakota
- An OTA cannot begin work until the supervising OT has filed a substantiation of supervision form with the board.
- Out-of-state OTs may provide consultation or training in North Dakota for up to 30 days a year without a license.
- North Dakota has enacted the OT Compact and will require its jurisprudence exam for a privilege, but it is not yet issuing privileges.
Can I practice in North Dakota on an OT Compact privilege?
North Dakota has enacted the OT Compact but is not issuing privileges yet. Until it does, practicing here takes a North Dakota license, and a North Dakota license does not yet give you a privilege anywhere else.
- Enacted, not issuing yet
Can an OT licensed in another state get a North Dakota license by endorsement?
The board may waive the exam, education or experience requirements for an OT or OTA with a current license in a state whose standards it considers equivalent. Applicants still complete the North Dakota jurisprudence exam.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: N.D. Cent. Code 43-40-12; N.D. Admin. Code 55.5-02-01-01.1
Which exams does North Dakota require for a license?
OTs must have passed the NBCOT OTR exam and OTAs the COTA exam. Every applicant also completes a jurisprudence exam on North Dakota occupational therapy laws and rules.
- NBCOT exam
- State jurisprudence exam
Does North Dakota offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A limited permit is only for graduates waiting to take the licensing exam. It allows practice under a North Dakota OT's supervision, requires testing within four months of finishing education, and can be renewed once.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: N.D. Cent. Code 43-40-13; N.D. Admin. Code 55.5-02-01-06
What OTAs need to know in North Dakota
Before an OTA starts work, the supervising OT must file a substantiation of supervision form, and a new supervisor must file again right away. The OT and OTA keep a written supervision plan, and one OT may supervise no more than three OTAs or permit holders at a time.
How often does a North Dakota OT license renew?
Licenses renew in even-numbered years, with paperwork due June 1 and expiration June 30. Renewal requires 20 contact hours in the prior 24 months. A license first issued July through December of an odd year needs 10 hours, and one issued in an even year needs none that cycle.
- Renews every 2 years
- 20 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in North Dakota?
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.