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 South Carolina
- South Carolina requires NBCOT certification to be kept current to renew a state license, which most states do not.
- OTAs must touch base with the supervising OT every seven treatments or 30 days for each client.
Can I practice in South Carolina on an OT Compact privilege?
South Carolina has enacted the OT Compact but is not issuing privileges yet. Until it does, practicing here takes a South Carolina license, and a South Carolina license does not yet give you a privilege anywhere else.
- Enacted, not issuing yet
Can an OT licensed in another state get a South Carolina license by endorsement?
The board may license without examination an OT or OTA with a current license in a state whose requirements are substantially equivalent. You must be currently certified by and in good standing with NBCOT, and you need an FBI fingerprint-based criminal records check.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: S.C. Code 40-36-250
Which exams does South Carolina require for a license?
Applicants must have passed a board-approved certification exam and be in good standing with NBCOT. If it has been six months or more since you passed, NBCOT sends verification of current certification. The statute lists no jurisprudence exam.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does South Carolina require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does South Carolina offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A temporary license is for new graduates registered for or awaiting results of the next certification exam. It allows practice under direct supervision, needs a supervisory form for each workplace, and ends when results arrive. It can be renewed once for good cause.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: S.C. Code 40-36-270(B)
What OTAs need to know in South Carolina
An OTA must consult the supervising OT every seven treatments or 30 days, whichever comes first, for each client. The supervising OT must be accessible to the OTA every working day and must document regular communication.
How often does a South Carolina OT license renew?
Licenses renew every two years by March 15. Renewal requires 16 CE hours per biennium and current certification in good standing with NBCOT.
- Renews every 2 years
- 16 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in South Carolina?
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.