Licensure guide · Hawaii
How to get a Hawaii occupational therapy license
Occupational therapists in Hawaii are licensed by the Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program. Below is what the board requires, from education to renewal, with every requirement linked to the board page it comes from. Checked October 22, 2026.
Step by step
Getting licensed
- Education
- Occupational therapists must have completed the educational requirements and supervised field work experience required for certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). [2]
- National exam
- Applicants must have passed the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). [2]
- Background check
- The application asks whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime that has not been annulled or expunged; applicants with a conviction must submit a signed explanation, court records and a criminal history record check dated within six months. [3]
- Fees
- The application fee is $50 and is not refundable; total initial fees are $279 if the license is issued in an odd-numbered year or $186 if issued in an even-numbered year. [3]
- Where to apply
- Occupational therapist application forms and requirements are posted on the program's Application Forms and Publications page; an application is abandoned if the license process is not completed within one year of filing. [4] Open the application →
- Processing time
- The program states it takes approximately 15 to 20 business days to process an application for completeness, after which a license may be issued if there are no deficiencies. [6]
Before your full license
New graduates and clinical fellows
- Temporary or provisional license
- Hawaii offers a temporary military spouse license for occupational therapists, allowing practice for the duration of the active-duty military member's service in Hawaii. [4]
After you are licensed
Keeping the license active
- Renewal
- All occupational therapist licenses must be renewed by December 31 of every even-numbered year; the on-time renewal fee for an active occupational therapist license is $186. [5]
- Continuing education
- The program's FAQ states there are no continuing education requirements for occupational therapist license renewal. [6]
Working in Hawaii
Pay and openings
Occupational therapists in Hawaii earn a mean of $100,280 a year (BLS). Most of our Hawaii searches are confidential and never posted; tell us what you want and we will match you quietly.
Sources
Every requirement above was checked against the official page listed here on October 22, 2026. Boards change fees and rules, so confirm with the Hawaii board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.
- [1] https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol10_Ch0436-0474/HRS0457G/HRS_0457G-0001_0002.htm
- [2] https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol10_Ch0436-0474/HRS0457G/HRS_0457G-0002.htm
- [3] https://cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Occupational-Therapist-Lic_10.24R.pdf
- [4] https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/occupational/application_publications/
- [5] https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/occupational/
- [6] https://cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/OT-OTA-FAQs-rev-5.5.20.pdf
Other Hawaii licenses
Occupational therapy licenses in other states
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