Licensing · Alabama
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Alabama
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: NBCOT state board list, OT Compact Commission, state board websites
To practice as an OT or OTA in Alabama you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy. Alabama is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Alabama licensing board
- Agency
- Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy
- Website
- www.ot.alabama.gov
- Location
- Montgomery
- Phone
- (334) 353-4466
- info@ot.alabama.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Alabama OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Alabama license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Alabama license
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited program. OT: an entry-level master’s or OTD with at least 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork. OTA: an associate or bachelor’s with at least 16 weeks. See OT programs and OTA programs in Alabama.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Alabama-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Alabama
Alabama is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked. The compact lets an OT or OTA licensed in their home member state get a “privilege to practice” in other member states once both are issuing privileges. See the OT Compact map and every state’s status.
| Accepting compact applications | Not yet |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | Not required |
| Alabama privilege fee (OT / OTA) | TBD / TBD |
| Compact fee | $75 |
Source: OT Compact Commission, otcompact.gov (updated October 5, 2026). States issuing privileges at that date: AR, IN, MD, MN, MS, OH, TN, VA, WV, WI.
Pay in Alabama
U.S. median for occupational therapists: $100,330. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Compare all states.
Frequently asked questions
How do I look up an occupational therapy license in Alabama?
Use the license verification page on the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy website (www.ot.alabama.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Alabama?
The Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy (Montgomery). Official website: https://www.ot.alabama.gov
What do I need for an OT license in Alabama?
In every state the core requirements are a degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy (or OTA) program, completed fieldwork, and a passing score on the NBCOT certification exam, plus the state’s application and fee. Check the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy for Alabama-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Alabama participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Alabama is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Alabama?
The median wage for OTs in Alabama was $94,050 a year, and $62,250 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Alabama?
Yes: 7 OT programs and 3 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.