Licensing · New Jersey
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in New Jersey
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 Jersey you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council (Division of Consumer Affairs). New Jersey is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New Jersey license.
New Jersey licensing board
- Agency
- New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council (Division of Consumer Affairs)
- Location
- Newark
- Phone
- (973) 504-6570
- occupationaltherapy@dca.lps.state.nj.us
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
New Jersey OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council (Division of Consumer Affairs) website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a New Jersey license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a New Jersey 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 Jersey.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council (Division of Consumer Affairs) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any New Jersey-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in New Jersey
New Jersey is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New Jersey 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 New Jersey
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 Jersey?
Use the license verification page on the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council (Division of Consumer Affairs) website (www.njconsumeraffairs.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council (Division of Consumer Affairs) (Newark). Official website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ot/Pages/default.aspx
What do I need for an OT license in New Jersey?
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 Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council (Division of Consumer Affairs) for New Jersey-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does New Jersey participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
New Jersey is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New Jersey license.
How much do occupational therapists make in New Jersey?
The median wage for OTs in New Jersey was $103,410 a year, and $74,960 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in New Jersey?
Yes: 9 OT programs and 3 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.