Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to be licensed in the State of Maryland to work as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant?
Yes. You must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners or hold a Maryland Compact privilege issued by the PT Compact Commission before practicing in Maryland.
2. How do I become licensed in Maryland?
3. If I am licensed in another state may I practice physical therapy in the State of Maryland until I receive my Maryland license?
4. How do I get a PT Compact Privilege for Maryland?
Click here for information on how to apply for a Maryland Compact privilege.
Important: You must take and pass the Maryland jurisprudence exam before the
PT Compact privilege for Maryland can be granted.
6. What happens if I fail the national physical therapy exam (NPTE)?
You must repeat it. You may take the exam a total of three times within a year, a total of six times in all. The year starts with your first exam date.
7. If I take and fail the NPTE for a physical therapist can I take the NPTE for a physical therapist assistant?
No. You must take the NPTE for which you were educated. Maryland does not allow a physical therapist applicant to take the physical therapist assistant exam.
8. Once I receive my physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license, is it subject to renewal, and if so, when?
Yes, your license is subject to renewal. Licenses are renewed on an odd-even basis. Even-numbered licenses renew in even-numbered years and odd-numbered licenses renew in odd-numbered years. To renew your license, complete the renewal application online, provide your continuing education contact hours, and pay the non-refundable renewal fee.
Continuing education contact hours (CEUs) shall be earned between April 1 and March 31 during the 2-year period before renewal. A physical therapist shall earn 30 contact hours (3 CEUs) and a physical therapist assistant shall earn 20 contact hours (2 CEUs). Continuing education contact hours may not be carried over from one renewal period to the next. Click here to read regulation COMAR 10.38.08.
9. What are the licensing requirements for a physical therapist and physical therapist assistant educated outside of the United States?
Click here on how to apply as a physical therapist and physical therapist assistant educated outside of the United States.
10. What shall I do if I believe there is a violation of the Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act?
Report it. It is your legal and ethical responsibility to report any suspected violation of the law to the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Violators may include unlicensed persons who aid and abet the illegal and unsafe practice of physical therapy as well as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are practicing outside the scope of the law. The Board is charged with investigating and acting upon complaints. Click here to learn how to file a complaint.
11. How do I change my name on my license?
Use the name change form, email the Board, along with the form, a copy of your marriage license, divorce decree, or any other legal document bearing your name change. Your license will be updated with the name change requested with a hard copy of your license issued at the next renewal period.
If you require an updated hard copy of your license, complete the duplicate license form along with a non-refundable $75 payment (credit/debit card only) payable to Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
12. How do I change my address on my license?
Using the change of address form, email the Board the completed form. You may also update your address at the time of renewal.
Your license will be updated with the address change requested with a hard copy of your license issued at the next renewal period. We strongly encourage you to use your personal address to ensure the delivery of your license and important news from the Board.
If you require an updated hard copy of your license, complete the duplicate license form along with a non-refundable $75 payment (credit/debit card only) payable to Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
13. I’ve lost or misplaced my license. What should I do?
Using the duplicate license request form, email the Board the completed form along with a non-refundable $75 payment (credit/debit card only) payable to Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
14. I am licensed in Maryland and seeking licensure in another state which requires written verification from the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. What do I do?
Using the
verification of state license request form, email the Board the completed form along with a non-refundable $25 payment (credit/debit card only) payable to Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Questions? Contact the Board office Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET. Call (410) 764-4718 or email mdh.bphte@maryland.gov