Licensing · Hawaii
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Hawaii
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 Hawaii you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program (Professional and Vocational Licensing). Hawaii is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Hawaii license.
Hawaii licensing board
- Agency
- Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program (Professional and Vocational Licensing)
- Location
- Honolulu
- Phone
- (808) 586-2696
- occ_therapist@dcca.hawaii.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Hawaii OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program (Professional and Vocational Licensing) website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Hawaii license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Hawaii 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 Hawaii.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program (Professional and Vocational Licensing) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Hawaii-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Hawaii
Hawaii is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Hawaii 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 Hawaii
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 Hawaii?
Use the license verification page on the Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program (Professional and Vocational Licensing) website (cca.hawaii.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program (Professional and Vocational Licensing) (Honolulu). Official website: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/occupational/
What do I need for an OT license in Hawaii?
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 Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program (Professional and Vocational Licensing) for Hawaii-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Hawaii participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Hawaii is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Hawaii license.
How much do occupational therapists make in Hawaii?
The median wage for OTs in Hawaii was $102,870 a year, and $72,710 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Hawaii?
Yes: 1 OT program and 1 OTA program listed by ACOTE.