Licensure guide · New Jersey

How to get a New Jersey physical therapy license

Physical therapists in New Jersey are licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. 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 hold a minimum of a master's degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university and have completed all clinical education requirements of a physical therapy program approved by a recognized accrediting agency. [2]
National exam: Applicants must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; those applying by examination may submit their application up to 4 months before they plan to take the NPTE. [3]
State law exam: All applicants must take and pass the New Jersey Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM), offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. [3]
Background check: Applicants must complete a criminal history background check; after the Board office reviews the online application, applicants receive a letter with instructions for scheduling digital fingerprinting. [3]
Fees: The application fee is $125.00. The physical therapist license fee, paid only after the Board finds the applicant eligible, is $110.00 in the first year of the biennial period or $55.00 in the second year. [3]
Where to apply: Applicants apply through the Board's online Application for Licensure as a Physical Therapist, linked from its Applications page. [7] Open the application →
Processing time: The Board lists current timeframes of 2-3 weeks for initial review (Phase I), 2-4 weeks for the background check and deficiencies (Phase II), and 1-2 weeks to approval (Phase III). [6]

Moving to the state

Already licensed somewhere else?

New Jersey 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 New Jersey without applying for a new state license.

Licensed in another state: Applicants licensed in another state may apply by endorsement and must arrange for a verification of every professional license they hold or have held to be sent directly from the issuing state board, even if that license is expired or inactive. [3]
Interstate compact: New Jersey is listed as a PT Compact member state, the category the compact map describes as actively issuing and accepting compact privileges. [5]

After you are licensed

Keeping the license active

Renewal: Licenses are valid for 2 years and every physical therapist license expires on January 31 of even-numbered years; renewal is online with a current fee of $110.00. [3]
Continuing education: Licensees must complete a minimum of 30 credits of continuing education each biennial period, including four credits of jurisprudence and professional ethics. [4]

Working in New Jersey

Pay and openings

Physical therapists in New Jersey earn a mean of $114,550 a year (BLS). Most of our New Jersey 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 New Jersey board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.

Other New Jersey licenses

Physical therapy licenses in other states

State-by-state license guides →

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