Licensing · Idaho
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Idaho
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 Idaho you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Health Professions Bureau. Idaho is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Idaho license.
Idaho licensing board
- Agency
- Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Health Professions Bureau
- Website
- dopl.idaho.gov/oct
- Location
- Boise
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Idaho OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Idaho, use the board’s official tool: Search for a License or Registration ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Idaho license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Idaho 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 Idaho.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Health Professions Bureau with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Idaho-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
What the Idaho board says
- Idaho distinguishes a temporary license (for people already licensed in another state) from a limited permit; the temporary/limited permit fee is $25.
Quote from the board’s website
“Temporary/Limited Permit Fee : $25 ... Q: What is the difference between a temporary license and a limited permit? A1: A temporary license may be issued to an applicant who is currently licensed and in good standing to practice i[n another state]”
Quoted from the board’s website, checked October 9, 2026.
OT Licensure Compact in Idaho
Idaho is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Idaho 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 Idaho
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 Idaho?
Use the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Health Professions Bureau’s official “Search for a License or Registration” tool: edopl.idaho.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Idaho?
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Health Professions Bureau (Boise). Official website: https://dopl.idaho.gov/oct/
What do I need for an OT license in Idaho?
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 Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Health Professions Bureau for Idaho-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Idaho participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Idaho is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Idaho license.
How much do occupational therapists make in Idaho?
The median wage for OTs in Idaho was $97,760 a year, and $65,330 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Idaho?
Yes: 1 OT program and 2 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.