Licensure guide · Utah
How to get a Utah occupational therapy license
Occupational therapists in Utah are licensed by the Physical and Occupational Therapy Licensing 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 graduate with a bachelor's or graduate degree in occupational therapy from a program accredited by ACOTE (the American Occupational Therapy Association's Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) or an equivalent organization. [2]
- National exam
- Applicants must pass an examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or another credentialing body approved by division rule. [2]
- Background check
- Applicants must submit fingerprint cards for a criminal background check; missing fingerprints are the most common cause of delays or denial. [3]
- Where to apply
- Applicants apply online or with a paper application through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing occupational therapist license page. [3] Open the application →
- Processing time
- The typical processing time for a complete application is 21 days. [3]
Moving to the state
Already licensed somewhere else?
Utah has enacted the OT Compact but is not yet issuing compact privileges, so occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants licensed elsewhere still need a Utah license for now.
- Licensed in another state
- Occupational therapists licensed in a jurisdiction Utah deems equivalent may apply by endorsement if they have held that license for at least one year and it is active and in good standing. [4]
- Interstate compact
- The OT Compact lists Utah as not yet accepting applications for OT Compact privileges to practice. [6]
After you are licensed
Keeping the license active
- Renewal
- Occupational therapist licenses expire on May 31 of odd-numbered years, and DOPL mails a renewal notice at least 60 days before expiration. [5]
- Continuing education
- Occupational therapists must complete 24 hours of qualified continuing professional education per renewal, including at least 2 hours on legal and ethical principles of practice. [5]
Working in Utah
Pay and openings
Occupational therapists in Utah earn a mean of $97,210 a year (BLS). Most of our Utah 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 Utah board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.
- [1] https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter24B/C58-24b_1800010118000101.pdf
- [2] https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter42a/C58-42a_1800010118000101.pdf
- [3] https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/occupational-therapy/apply-for-a-license/occupational-therapist/
- [4] https://commerce.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/endorsement-to-utah-occupational-therapist-and-occupational-therapist-assistant.pdf
- [5] https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/occupational-therapy/renew-a-license/
- [6] https://otcompact.gov/before-you-apply/
Other Utah licenses
Occupational therapy licenses in other states
Getting licensed in Utah for a move?
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