Licensing · Georgia
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Georgia
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 Georgia you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy (Office of Secretary of State). Georgia is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Georgia licensing board
- Agency
- Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy (Office of Secretary of State)
- Location
- Macon
- Phone
- (404) 424-9966
- PLB-Healthcare2@sos.ga.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Georgia OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Georgia, use the board’s official tool: Licensee Search ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Georgia license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Georgia 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 Georgia.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy (Office of Secretary of State) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Georgia-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Georgia
Georgia 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 |
| Georgia privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $75 / $65 |
| 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 Georgia
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 Georgia?
Use the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy (Office of Secretary of State)’s official “Licensee Search” tool: goals.sos.ga.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Georgia?
The Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy (Office of Secretary of State) (Macon). Official website: https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-occupational-therapy
What do I need for an OT license in Georgia?
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 Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy (Office of Secretary of State) for Georgia-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Georgia participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Georgia is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Georgia?
The median wage for OTs in Georgia was $104,010 a year, and $75,920 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Georgia?
Yes: 8 OT programs and 3 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.