Licensure guide · Wisconsin

How to get a Wisconsin occupational therapy license

Occupational therapists in Wisconsin are licensed by the Wisconsin Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing 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 successfully complete an accredited occupational therapy educational program and be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). [2]
National exam: Applicants must pass the NBCOT Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) certification exam; they may apply before passing it but must pass to receive the license. [2]
State law exam: Applicants must pass an open-book examination on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code with a score of 88% or higher. [2]
Background check: An FBI background check is required for occupational therapists seeking Home State Approval to participate in the OT Compact; instructions are sent after the application is submitted. [3]
Fees: The initial license fee for an occupational therapist is $75, and the renewal fee is $75. [4]
Where to apply: Applications are submitted online through the DSPS LicensE portal (license.wi.gov). [2] Open the application →
Processing time: DSPS states that application materials are reviewed within approximately 10 days by a member of the credentialing team, though some licenses take longer due to complexity. [2]

Moving to the state

Already licensed somewhere else?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin without applying for a new state license.

Licensed in another state: Occupational therapists with a current, active OT credential from another U.S. state or territory may apply by reciprocity, subject to legal review of that state, and must pass the Wisconsin open-book statutes and rules exam. [5]
Interstate compact: Wisconsin participates in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact: OTs with Home State Approval from another compact state can apply for a privilege to practice in Wisconsin, and Wisconsin licensees can apply for Home State Approval. [7]

Before your full license

New graduates and clinical fellows

Temporary or provisional license: A temporary permit is available to initial applicants who are scheduled to take, or awaiting results of, the NBCOT OTR exam; holders must consult with an occupational therapist at least monthly, and the permit is issued for 6 months and may not be renewed. [6]

After you are licensed

Keeping the license active

Renewal: Occupational therapist licenses renew every two years; the reporting period runs from June 1 of an odd-numbered year through May 31 of the next odd-numbered year. [7]
Continuing education: Occupational therapists must complete 24 continuing education points every two years, where 1 point equals 1 hour; CE is not required before the first renewal. [7]

Working in Wisconsin

Pay and openings

Occupational therapists in Wisconsin earn a mean of $91,150 a year (BLS). Most of our Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.

Other Wisconsin licenses

Occupational therapy licenses in other states

State-by-state license guides →

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