Licensing · South Carolina
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in South Carolina
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 South Carolina you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation). South Carolina is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
South Carolina licensing board
- Agency
- South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation)
- Website
- llr.sc.gov
- Location
- Columbia
- Phone
- (803) 896-4655
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
South Carolina OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a South Carolina license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any South Carolina-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in South Carolina
South Carolina 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) | Info coming soon |
| South Carolina privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $0 / $0 |
| 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 South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
Use the license verification page on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) website (llr.sc.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) (Columbia). Official website: https://llr.sc.gov
What do I need for an OT license in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) for South Carolina-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does South Carolina participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
South Carolina is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in South Carolina?
The median wage for OTs in South Carolina was $101,130 a year, and $73,740 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in South Carolina?
Yes: 5 OT programs and 4 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.