Licensing · Wisconsin
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board). Wisconsin is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on May 29, 2026.
Wisconsin licensing board
- Agency
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board)
- Website
- dsps.wi.gov
- Location
- Madison
- Phone
- (608) 261-2378
- DSPSCredMedBdAffiliates@wi.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Wisconsin OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board) website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Wisconsin license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Wisconsin-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on May 29, 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 | May 29, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | State requirement (see board) |
| Wisconsin privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $75 / $75 |
| 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 Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin?
Use the license verification page on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board) website (dsps.wi.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board) (Madison). Official website: https://dsps.wi.gov
What do I need for an OT license in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board) for Wisconsin-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Wisconsin participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Wisconsin is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on May 29, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for OTs in Wisconsin was $92,390 a year, and $59,960 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Wisconsin?
Yes: 12 OT programs and 6 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.