Licensing · New York
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in New York
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 York you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Occupational Therapy). New York is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New York license.
New York licensing board
- Agency
- New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Occupational Therapy)
- Location
- Albany
- Phone
- (518) 474-3817 x100
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
New York OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in New York, use the board’s official tool: Verifications & Certifications ↗
A license lookup shows whether a New York license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a New York 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 York.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Occupational Therapy) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any New York-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in New York
New York is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New York 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 York
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 York?
Use the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Occupational Therapy)’s official “Verifications & Certifications” tool: eservices.nysed.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in New York?
The New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Occupational Therapy) (Albany). Official website: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions-index/occupational-therapy
What do I need for an OT license in New York?
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 York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Occupational Therapy) for New York-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does New York participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
New York is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New York license.
How much do occupational therapists make in New York?
The median wage for OTs in New York was $96,390 a year, and $68,530 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in New York?
Yes: 39 OT programs and 7 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.