Licensure guide · Indiana

How to get a Indiana physical therapy license

Physical therapists in Indiana are licensed by the Indiana Physical Therapy Board. 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: Applicants must submit an official (certified) transcript, sent directly from the degree-granting institution, showing the degree has been conferred; graduates of foreign programs must also submit a credentials evaluation completed within the last six months. [2]
National exam: Applicants by examination must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), registering through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; the board lists the NPTE fee as $485.00, plus a $65 Prometric testing fee for physical therapists. [2]
Background check: Applicants for an initial license must submit to a national fingerprint-based criminal history background check at their own cost (listed as $38.20), after the license application has been submitted; physical therapists are among the license types that require it. [3]
Fees: The physical therapist application fee (by examination or by reciprocity) is $100.00, paid by credit or debit card; all fees are nonrefundable. [2]
Where to apply: Applications are submitted online through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency's online licensing services, linked from the board's licensing information page. [2] Open the application →

Moving to the state

Already licensed somewhere else?

Indiana is a PT Compact member and is issuing compact privileges: physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in another member state can obtain a privilege to practice in Indiana without applying for a new state license.

Licensed in another state: Physical therapists licensed in another state who meet the reciprocal requirements of IC 25-1-21-5 may apply by reciprocity, submitting the $100.00 fee, a criminal background check, and an official license verification sent directly from the other licensing authority. [2]
Interstate compact: Indiana adopted the PT Compact under House Enrolled Act 1405-2021; eligible PTs may obtain an Indiana compact privilege for a $100 Indiana fee plus a $45 Commission fee, and Indiana currently requires no jurisprudence exam for the privilege. [2]

Before your full license

New graduates and clinical fellows

Temporary or provisional license: Applicants who also apply for full licensure may obtain a temporary permit ($50.00) to practice only under the direct supervision of an Indiana-licensed physical therapist; no more than 2 permits are issued, permits cannot be renewed, and a permit becomes invalid if the applicant fails the exam. [2]

After you are licensed

Keeping the license active

Renewal: Physical therapist licenses renew every two years and expire on June 30 of even-numbered years; the renewal fee is $100.00. [2]
Continuing education: Physical therapists must complete 22 hours of continuing competency each biennial renewal period, including 2 hours in an ethics and Indiana jurisprudence course; hours cannot be carried over to the next period. [2]

Working in Indiana

Pay and openings

Physical therapists in Indiana earn a mean of $102,240 a year (BLS). Most of our Indiana 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 Indiana board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.

Other Indiana licenses

Physical therapy licenses in other states

State-by-state license guides →

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