Licensing · Colorado
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Colorado
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 Colorado you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations). Colorado is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Colorado licensing board
- Agency
- Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations)
- Location
- Denver
- Phone
- (303) 894-7800
- DORA_OccupationalTherapists@state.co.us
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Colorado OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Colorado, use the board’s official tool: Verify a License ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Colorado license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Colorado 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 Colorado.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Colorado-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Colorado
Colorado 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 |
| Colorado 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 Colorado
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 Colorado?
Use the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations)’s official “Verify a License” tool: apps.colorado.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Colorado?
The Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations) (Denver). Official website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/OccupationalTherapy
What do I need for an OT license in Colorado?
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 Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations) for Colorado-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Colorado participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Colorado is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Colorado?
The median wage for OTs in Colorado was $106,720 a year, and $75,340 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Colorado?
Yes: 3 OT programs and 2 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.