Licensing · New Hampshire
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Occupational Therapy Governing Board). New Hampshire is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
New Hampshire licensing board
- Agency
- New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Occupational Therapy Governing Board)
- Location
- Concord
- Phone
- (603) 271-2152
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
New Hampshire OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in New Hampshire, use the board’s official tool: License Lookup ↗
A license lookup shows whether a New Hampshire license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Occupational Therapy Governing Board) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any New Hampshire-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in New Hampshire
New Hampshire 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 |
| New Hampshire privilege fee (OT / OTA) | TBD / TBD |
| 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 New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire?
Use the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Occupational Therapy Governing Board)’s official “License Lookup” tool: forms.nh.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Occupational Therapy Governing Board) (Concord). Official website: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/find-board/occupational-therapists-governing-board
What do I need for an OT license in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Occupational Therapy Governing Board) for New Hampshire-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does New Hampshire participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
New Hampshire is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in New Hampshire?
The median wage for OTs in New Hampshire was $83,900 a year, and $67,790 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in New Hampshire?
Yes: 4 OT programs and 2 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.