Licensing · West Virginia
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in West Virginia
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 West Virginia you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy. West Virginia is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 2026.
West Virginia licensing board
- Agency
- West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy
- Website
- wvbot.wv.gov
- Location
- Morgantown
- Phone
- (304) 285-3150
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
West Virginia OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in West Virginia, use the board’s official tool: Verify a License ↗
A license lookup shows whether a West Virginia license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a West Virginia 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 West Virginia.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any West Virginia-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in West Virginia
West Virginia is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 2026. 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 | January 12, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | Not required |
| West Virginia privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $50 / $50 |
| 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 West Virginia
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 West Virginia?
Use the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy’s official “Verify a License” tool: wvbot.wv.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy (Morgantown). Official website: https://wvbot.wv.gov
What do I need for an OT license in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy for West Virginia-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does West Virginia participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
West Virginia is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in West Virginia?
The median wage for OTs in West Virginia was $96,190 a year, and $60,370 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in West Virginia?
Yes: 3 OT programs and 1 OTA program listed by ACOTE.