Physical Therapist Licensing Requirements
Before applying for licensure, please familiarize yourself with the general licensing policies.
An applicant for licensure must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below:
Successful completion of a program of study approved by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA);
Please note that recent graduates of physical therapy schools are eligible for a temporary permit to practice under supervision. Please click here for more information.
Successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy with a criterion-referenced passing score for the respective administration of the examination.
For applicants who took the examination prior to February, 1996, but after February, 1991, the passing score is 1.5 standard deviations below the national mean.
For applicants who took the examination prior to February, 1991, the passing score is 1.5 standard deviation below the national mean for each of the three parts.
Applicants for licensure must arrange for the submission of the following documentation directly from the source to this office:
A completed application with photograph and fee of $285.00. Applications are only accepted online. Please select this link to apply online Opens in a new window;
Official transcript showing date of graduation and award of physical therapy degree;
Please note that for purposes of examination approval, this office will accept a letter from an appropriate official (such as a Registrar, Dean or Program Director), on official university letterhead, specifying that all academic requirements for graduation have been completed and the date on which the degree will be conferred. A final, official transcript verifying completion of the degree program is required before a license will be issued.
Official verification of successful completion of the NPTE examination forwarded directly from the FSBPT Score Transfer Service;
If applicable, official verification form sent directly from each state licensing authority where a license or certification is or has ever been held. Please contact the jurisdiction as some charge a fee for completion of the verification form.
Examination Registration
Applicants intending to sit for the NPTE must successfully complete the examination in order to be eligible for licensure. Examination candidates may register online. Applicants registering in this format must submit all required documentation to the Department as outlined above and must be determined eligible by the Department before they will be allowed to sit for the examination. While you may register online with FSBPT prior to being declared eligible by the Department, applicants found ineligible may be subject to a processing fee by FSBPT.
Please arrange for all supporting documentation to be sent directly from the source to:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
PT Licensure
410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
Phone: (860) 509-7603
Fax: (860) 707-1982
Email: dph.alliedhealth@ct.gov