Licensure guide · Maryland

How to get a Maryland occupational therapy license

Occupational therapists in Maryland are licensed by the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. 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 have graduated from an occupational therapy program recognized by the Board and accredited by ACOTE (or another nationally recognized accreditor) and completed at least 6 months of supervised full-time fieldwork. [2]
National exam: Applicants must pass the examination given by NBCOT or another national credentialing organization approved by the Board. [2]
State law exam: Applicants must successfully complete the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Jurisprudence Examination. [3]
Background check: Applicants must complete a State and FBI criminal history records check; fingerprint results are valid for only 30 days, so the application must be submitted within those 30 days. [4]
Fees: The initial license application fee is $200. [4]
Where to apply: Applicants can complete the paper application form or the online application, and pay by check, money order or online. [7] Open the application →

Moving to the state

Already licensed somewhere else?

Maryland is a OT Compact member and is issuing compact privileges: occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants licensed in another member state can obtain a privilege to practice in Maryland without applying for a new state license.

Licensed in another state: The Board may waive the examination requirement for an applicant licensed in another state who pays the application fee, meets Maryland's other qualifications, and was licensed under requirements at least equivalent to Maryland's. [5]
Interstate compact: The OT Compact Commission lists Maryland as accepting OT Compact privilege applications as of April 15, 2026, with a $125 Maryland state fee for OTs plus a $75 compact fee. [6]

Before your full license

New graduates and clinical fellows

Temporary or provisional license: A temporary license may be issued to an applicant who has met every licensure requirement except the certification exam; temporary licensees practice under on-site supervision, and a second temporary license may be issued if the first expires. [3]

After you are licensed

Keeping the license active

Renewal: Licenses are valid for a 2-year term and expire on June 30 of even- or odd-numbered years, matching the year of original licensure; the occupational therapist renewal fee is $270. [3]
Continuing education: Licensees must complete at least 24 contact hours of continuing competency activities every 2 years (at least 16 in occupational therapy principles and procedures, at most 8 role-related); maintaining current NBCOT certification satisfies the requirement. [3]

Working in Maryland

Pay and openings

Occupational therapists in Maryland earn a mean of $106,300 a year (BLS). Most of our Maryland 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 Maryland board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.

Other Maryland licenses

Occupational therapy licenses in other states

State-by-state license guides →

Getting licensed in Maryland for a move?

Tell us the setting and the city you want. We will tell you which employers are hiring and how long they will wait for a license.

Start a confidential conversation