Licensing · Illinois
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Illinois
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 Illinois you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Illinois is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Illinois license.
Illinois licensing board
- Agency
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Location
- Springfield
- Phone
- (800) 560-6420
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Illinois OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Illinois, use the board’s official tool: Check a License ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Illinois license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Illinois 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 Illinois.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Illinois-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Illinois
Illinois is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Illinois 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 Illinois
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 Illinois?
Use the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s official “Check a License” tool: idfpr.illinois.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Springfield). Official website: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/occtherapy.html
What do I need for an OT license in Illinois?
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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for Illinois-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Illinois participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Illinois is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Illinois license.
How much do occupational therapists make in Illinois?
The median wage for OTs in Illinois was $99,700 a year, and $64,120 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Illinois?
Yes: 17 OT programs and 10 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.