Licensure guide · New York
How to get a New York occupational therapy license
Occupational therapists in New York are licensed by the New York State Board for Occupational Therapy. 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
- Graduates of New York State registered or AOTA-accredited programs must hold a baccalaureate or entry-level master's degree in occupational therapy, or a post-baccalaureate certificate in occupational therapy from an institution acceptable to the Department. [2]
- National exam
- Occupational therapists must pass the NBCOT OTR examination; the passing score is 450. [2]
- Fees
- The fee for licensure as an occupational therapist is $294. [2]
- Where to apply
- Applicants apply through the Online Form 1 application for occupational therapists, linked from the Office of the Professions application forms page. [3] Open the application →
Moving to the state
Already licensed somewhere else?
New York is not a member of the OT Compact: occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants licensed in another state need a full New York license before starting.
- Licensed in another state
- Occupational therapists licensed elsewhere apply with the standard application and must have each jurisdiction in which they are or have been licensed verify the license on Form 3. [3]
Before your full license
New graduates and clinical fellows
- Temporary or provisional license
- A limited permit ($70 fee) lets a program graduate practice under supervision until licensing exam results are received; it is valid for one year and may be renewed once, at the Department's discretion, for illness or other extenuating circumstances. [2]
After you are licensed
Keeping the license active
- Renewal
- The occupational therapy license is valid for life, but the registration needed to practice must be renewed every 3 years. [4]
- Continuing education
- Occupational therapists must complete 36 hours of continuing competency learning activities every 3-year registration cycle, at least 24 hours in professional subjects, with no more than two-thirds through self-directed online study. [4]
Working in New York
Pay and openings
Occupational therapists in New York earn a mean of $97,650 a year (BLS). Most of our New York 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 York board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.
- [1] https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/occupational-therapists/contact-information
- [2] https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/occupational-therapists/license-requirements
- [3] https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/occupational-therapists/license-application-forms
- [4] https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/occupational-therapists/professional-practice/continuing-education-occupational-therapists
Other New York licenses
Occupational therapy licenses in other states
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