Licensing · Arizona
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Arizona
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 Arizona you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. Arizona is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Arizona licensing board
- Agency
- Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
- Website
- ot.az.gov
- Location
- Phoenix
- Phone
- (602) 589-8353
- ot.info@otboard.az.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Arizona OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Arizona license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Arizona 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 Arizona.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Arizona-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Arizona
Arizona 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 listed |
| Arizona privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $0 / $0 |
| 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 Arizona
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 Arizona?
Use the license verification page on the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners website (ot.az.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Arizona?
The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (Phoenix). Official website: https://ot.az.gov/
What do I need for an OT license in Arizona?
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 Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners for Arizona-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Arizona participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Arizona is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Arizona?
The median wage for OTs in Arizona was $103,660 a year, and $73,490 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Arizona?
Yes: 8 OT programs and 6 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.