Licensing · District of Columbia
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards). District of Columbia is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a District of Columbia license.
District of Columbia licensing board
- Agency
- D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards)
- Website
- dchealth.dc.gov/node/157592
- Location
- Washington
- Phone
- (202) 724-8800
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
District of Columbia OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards) website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a District of Columbia license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any District of Columbia-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in District of Columbia
District of Columbia is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia?
Use the license verification page on the D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards) website (dchealth.dc.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in District of Columbia?
The D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards) (Washington). Official website: https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/157592
What do I need for an OT license in District of Columbia?
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 D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards) for District of Columbia-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does District of Columbia participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
District of Columbia is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a District of Columbia license.
How much do occupational therapists make in District of Columbia?
The median wage for OTs in District of Columbia was $109,170 a year, and $66,390 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in District of Columbia?
Yes: 3 OT programs and 1 OTA program listed by ACOTE.