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 Tennessee
- An applicant more than three years past the NBCOT exam who is not practicing elsewhere may face extra conditions, including 12 months of supervised practice after licensure.
- Tennessee issues OT Compact privileges and does not require a jurisprudence exam for them.
- Renewal follows your birth month rather than a fixed statewide date.
Can I practice in Tennessee on an OT Compact privilege?
Tennessee is issuing OT Compact privileges (since May 20, 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
Can an OT licensed in another state get a Tennessee license by endorsement?
Tennessee licenses OTs practicing in another state by reciprocity. If your NBCOT exam was more than three years ago and you are not currently practicing elsewhere, the board may add requirements such as a self-assessment, ten hours of learning per year out, or ethics coursework. Files are usually reviewed at the next board meeting.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: T.C.A. 63-13-213; Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.04(3), 1150-02-.05
Which exams does Tennessee require for a license?
The licensing exam is the NBCOT exam at NBCOT's passing score, and you request verification of results be sent to the board. The rules list no state jurisprudence exam for a license. Applicants also send a good moral character letter from a non-relative.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does Tennessee offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A limited permit is only for graduates scheduled for the NBCOT exam. It allows supervised practice, requires taking the exam within 90 days, ends on a failed exam, and can be issued only once.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.14
What OTAs need to know in Tennessee
Tennessee adopts AOTA's supervision guidelines by rule. Limited permit holders need in-person supervision with on-site contact at least every two weeks, and the supervising OT must document each visit.
Physical agent modality certification in Tennessee
Using electrical stimulation or thermal agents requires a separate board certification, earned through CHT status or board-approved didactic and clinical training completed within two years of applying.
Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.04(4)
Dry needling to the upper limb in Tennessee
OTs may dry needle the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle only after 50 hours of foundational instruction and 24 hours of in-person, board-approved dry needling training. New licensees generally wait one year.
Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.21
How often does a Tennessee OT license renew?
Renewal is due the last day of your birth month. OTs and OTAs need 24 continued competence credits over the two calendar years before the renewal year, and up to 4 extra credits can carry forward.
- Renews every 2 years
- 24 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Tennessee?
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.