Licensing · Connecticut
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Connecticut
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 Connecticut you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, OT Licensure. Connecticut is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Connecticut license.
Connecticut licensing board
- Agency
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, OT Licensure
- Website
- portal.ct.gov/dph
- Location
- Hartford
- Phone
- (860) 509-7603
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Connecticut OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Connecticut, use the board’s official tool: Look up a provider license ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Connecticut license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Connecticut 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 Connecticut.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, OT Licensure with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Connecticut-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Connecticut
Connecticut is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Connecticut license. 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.
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 Connecticut
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 Connecticut?
Use the Connecticut Department of Public Health, OT Licensure’s official “Look up a provider license” tool: portal.ct.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Connecticut?
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, OT Licensure (Hartford). Official website: https://portal.ct.gov/dph
What do I need for an OT license in Connecticut?
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 Connecticut Department of Public Health, OT Licensure for Connecticut-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Connecticut participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Connecticut is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Connecticut license.
How much do occupational therapists make in Connecticut?
The median wage for OTs in Connecticut was $102,440 a year, and $72,780 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Connecticut?
Yes: 7 OT programs and 1 OTA program listed by ACOTE.