Licensing · Oregon
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Oregon
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 Oregon you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board. Oregon is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Oregon license.
Oregon licensing board
- Agency
- Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board
- Website
- www.oregon.gov/otlb
- Location
- Portland
- Phone
- (971) 673-0198
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Oregon OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Oregon, use the board’s official tool: Online License Search ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Oregon license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Oregon 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 Oregon.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Oregon-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
What the Oregon board says
- Oregon’s board lists limited permits and a law/ethics exam for applicants.
Quote from the board’s website
“OT & OTA Applications Limited Permits Law / Ethics Exam”
Quoted from the board’s website, checked October 9, 2026.
OT Licensure Compact in Oregon
Oregon is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Oregon 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 Oregon
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 Oregon?
Use the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board’s official “Online License Search” tool: otlb.us.thentiacloud.net. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Oregon?
The Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board (Portland). Official website: https://www.oregon.gov/otlb
What do I need for an OT license in Oregon?
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 Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board for Oregon-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Oregon participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Oregon is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Oregon license.
How much do occupational therapists make in Oregon?
The median wage for OTs in Oregon was $112,310 a year, and $76,850 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Oregon?
Yes: 4 OT programs and 1 OTA program listed by ACOTE.