New Applicants

Application by Examination is for an Arizona Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapist Assistant license. Application by Examination may be used if the applicant is currently enrolled, has recently graduated, and does not yet hold a license as a PT or PTA in any US jurisdiction. To apply, at a minimum, you must:

• Be a graduate of a professional PT or PTA education program that is accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the board. 
• Successfully pass the national examination approved by the board. (“NPTE”) 
• Successfully pass the AZ jurisprudence examination that tests the applicant's knowledge of board statutes and rules. (AZLAW) 
• Obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. § 41-1758.03.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete all sections of the application, pay for, and submit the application for review. Please note that all application fees are non-refundable by law. 
2. Affirmative answer(s) to any Background question(s) require a narrative explanation and supporting documentation. 
3. Requests for testing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require proper documentation. 
4. Certain applications may require Board review and approval during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy (“Board”). The Board typically meets monthly. Meeting dates, agenda deadline dates, agendas, minutes, and audio recordings are posted on the Board’s website at ptboard.az.gov. An application must be complete prior to being submitted for Board review, meaning, it must be reviewed and any deficiencies corrected. 
5. You must provide an employment history for the last 5 years and explain any employment gaps within that period. If you were a student during that timeframe, either in addition to employment or in place of employment, include that information as well. 
6. You must identify any licenses or certifications held, regardless of status, and provide verifications. 
7. If your name on any of the required documentation differs from your name on the license/certificate application, you must submit legal proof of name change. 
8. All applicants are required to notify the Board immediately of any change of address, phone number, or name. 
9. Exam registration and payment (NPTE & AZLAW) must be completed through fsbpt.org.

TESTING BEFORE GRADUATION

Testing before graduation only applies to those students whose graduation date is after the exam date. 

• Accredited Educational Institution PT and PTA students may test before graduation if they meet all requirements. A.R.S. § 32-2024. 

 

1. The applicant is a candidate for a degree or certificate as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant at the next scheduled graduation date. 
2. The examination date must be before and the one closest to, the applicant’s expected graduation date. 
3. The applicant meets any other established requirements of the accredited educational program, if applicable. 

• The examination cannot be taken more than 90 days before the applicant’s expected graduation date. (FSBPT Policy) 
• The Board does not mandate an educational program allow for early testing. Therefore, if a program declines to allow early testing, the applicant may not test early. 
• Please note that licensure will not be issued without a complete and sufficient application including all required documentation.

ANTICIPATE THE PROCESS

1. An application must be paid and submitted through the Board’s online portal. 
2. A submitted application will be reviewed in turn by Board Staff. 
3. The applicant will be notified of any application deficiencies found so the applicant may make corrections. 
4. ALL deficiencies must be corrected and those corrections deemed sufficient before your application will proceed further. 
5. If an application requires Board approval, the applicant will be notified. If Board approval is required, the application is placed on a Board meeting agenda after the application deficiencies are corrected. (Note: meeting agenda deadlines are in place) 
6. After all deficiencies are corrected and deemed sufficient the application will be reviewed again in its entirety before being submitted for final review and approval. If irregularities are noted, the applicant will be informed. 
7. Application approval is followed by a PT or PTA license number being issued. 

Please be aware, the Board receives hundreds of applications on a regular basis. Complete your application as carefully as possible and submit your application well in advance of impending deadlines to allow for processing times.

DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required to be uploaded to complete and submit in the application. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status for State Public Benefits Form - The Citizen and Alien Status Form must be completed in its entirety by every applicant for PT or PTA licensure and should be uploaded for the application to be considered completed and reviewed by the Board.

US Government issued Photo ID - Please upload Proof of United States Citizenship or Alien Status (front & back). This means your US Government issued photo identification. 

Fingerprint Clearance Card - Upload a copy (front & back) of your fingerprint clearance card. DO NOT submit your fingerprints with your application. A fingerprint clearance card is proof of completed fingerprint processing and obtained through the Arizona Department of Public Safety at azdps.gov. A fingerprint clearance card is a small, informational, plastic card (similar in size to a credit card). A fingerprint clearance card does NOT include your fingerprints. 

Photo - Upload applicant's photo taken less than 6 months prior to application submission date. (Headshot without filters)

Declarations - You will be asked to upload additional documentation relating to any "yes" responses in the Declaration section of the application

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required only if applicable to you. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Verification of licensure or certification - Upload Verification of professional/regulated licensure or certification from every jurisdiction in which you are currently or have been previously licensed/certified (not limited to physical therapy). Also include PT Compact privileges regardless of status. The verification must include:

• Your Name
• License number 
• Date of issuance 
• Current status 
• Expiration date 
• A statement of whether any disciplinary action is pending or has ever been taken against the applicant and if so, an explanation. 
• NOTE: if this information is not available to you, it may require that you contact your licensing entity and request a license verification. 
• A license verification is NOT a copy of your license.

Proof of Name Change - If your name on any supplied documentation differs from the name provided on your application, legal proof of name change must be uploaded. Legal proof of a name change must be a certified copy a divorce decree, marriage certificate, or other court ordered name change documentation.

Program Director Letter - If you intend to take the NPTE prior to your graduation date, you must upload a letter from your school, signed by the Program Director stating that you are a candidate for degree (PT or PTA) at the next scheduled graduation, including the date of the next graduation (date must be included), and have met any established requirements of the program. Please direct your program director to this template letter.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE BOARD ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT

The following document(s) must come from a third party or original source. You will be required to provide these after submission of your application. The application will not be considered complete until these documents are received by Arizona Board of Physical Therapy. If we already have some of this documentation on file, our staff will update the application accordingly after our review.  

Transcripts - Final official transcript which includes your graduation date and degree  earned. Transcripts may be delivered electronically (preferred) to [email protected]. If your school only offers a mailing option, send them to: Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2450 Phoenix, AZ 85007.

NPTE Scores Transfer - If you completed the NPTE for a jurisdiction other than AZ, you must have your scores transferred to AZ. Visit fsbpt.org to pay for and request your score transfer. Transferred scores are received electronically.  

AZLAW Scores - AZLAW scores will be transmitted to the Board electronically. 

Application by Endorsement is for an Arizona Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant license by Endorsement, which means the applicant has a valid unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction. To apply, at a minimum, you must:

• Be a graduate of a professional physical therapy education program that is accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the board. 
• Have successfully passed the national examination approved by the board. (“NPTE”) 
• Successfully pass the AZ jurisprudence examination that tests the applicant's knowledge of board statutes and rules. (AZLAW)
• Obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. § 41-1758.03. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete all sections of the application, pay for, and submit the application for review. Please note that all application fees are non-refundable by law. 
2. Affirmative answer(s) to any Background question(s) require a narrative explanation and supporting documentation. 
3. Requests for testing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require proper documentation. 
4. Certain applications may require Board review and approval during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy (“Board”). The Board typically meets monthly. Meeting dates, agenda deadline dates, agendas, minutes, and audio recordings are posted on the Board’s website at ptboard.az.gov. An application must be complete prior to being submitted for Board review, meaning, it must be reviewed and any deficiencies corrected. 
5. You must provide an employment history for the last 5 years and explain any employment gaps within that period. If you were a student during that timeframe, either in addition to employment or in place of employment, include that information as well. 
6. You must identify any licenses or certifications held, regardless of status, and provide verifications. 
7. If your name on any of the required documentation differs from your name on the license/certificate application, you must submit legal proof of name change. 
8. All applicants are required to notify the Board immediately of any change of address, phone number, or name. 
9. Exam registration and payment (NPTE & AZLAW) must be completed through fsbpt.org.

ANTICIPATE THE PROCESS

1. An application must be paid and submitted through the Board’s online portal. 
2. A submitted application will be reviewed in turn by Board Staff. 
3. The applicant will be notified of any application deficiencies found so the applicant may make corrections. 
4. ALL deficiencies must be corrected and those corrections deemed sufficient before your application will proceed further. 
5. If an application requires Board approval, the applicant will be notified. If Board approval is required, the application is placed on a Board meeting agenda after the application deficiencies are corrected and before testing eligibility is granted. (Note: meeting agenda deadlines are in place) 
6. After all deficiencies are corrected and deemed sufficient, the application will be reviewed again in its entirety before being submitted for final review and approval. If irregularities are noted, the applicant will be informed. 
7. Application approval is followed by a PT or PTA license number being issued. 

Please be aware, the Board receives hundreds of applications on a regular basis. Complete your application as carefully as possible and submit your application well in advance of impending deadlines to allow for processing times.

DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required to be uploaded to complete and submit in the application. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status for State Public Benefits Form - The Citizen and Alien Status Form must be completed in its entirety by every applicant for PT licensure or PTA certification and should be uploaded for the application to be considered completed and reviewed by the Board.

US Government issued Photo ID - Please upload Proof of United States Citizenship or Alien Status (front & back). This means your US Government issued photo identification. 

Fingerprint Clearance Card - Upload a copy (front & back) of your fingerprint clearance card. DO NOT submit your fingerprints with your application. A fingerprint clearance card is proof of completed fingerprint processing and obtained through the Arizona Department of Public Safety at azdps.gov. A fingerprint clearance card is a small, informational, plastic card (similar in size to a credit card). A fingerprint clearance card does NOT include your fingerprints. 

Verification of licensure or certification - Upload Verification of professional/regulated licensure or certification from every jurisdiction in which you are currently or have been previously licensed/certified (not limited to physical therapy). Also include PT Compact privileges regardless of status. The verification must include:

• Your Name
• License number 
• Date of issuance 
• Current status 
• Expiration date 
• A statement of whether any disciplinary action is pending or has ever been taken against the applicant and if so, an explanation. 
• NOTE: if this information is not available to you, it may require that you contact your licensing entity and request a license verification. 
• A license verification is NOT a copy of your license.

Photo - Upload applicant's photo taken less than 6 months prior to application submission date. (Headshot without filters)

Declarations - You will be asked to upload additional documentation relating to any "yes" responses in the Declaration section of the application

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required only if applicable to you. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Proof of Name Change - If your name on any supplied documentation differs from the name provided on your application, legal proof of name change must be uploaded. Legal proof of a name change must be a certified copy a divorce decree, marriage certificate, or other court ordered name change documentation.

Continuing Education - If you were previously licensed in Arizona you are required to submit documentation of continuing competence commensurate with the time of licensure lapse. Include an Audit Form and completion certificates/documentation (A.R.S § 32-2028 (B)). Continuing competence rules are explained A.A.C. R4-24-401-R4-24-403.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE BOARD ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT

The following document(s) must come from a third party or original source. You will be required to provide these after submission of your application. The application will not be considered complete until these documents are received by Arizona Board of Physical Therapy. If we already have some of this documentation on file, our staff will update the application accordingly after our review.  

Transcripts - Final official transcript which includes your graduation date and degree  earned. Transcripts may be delivered electronically (preferred) to [email protected]. If your school only offers a mailing option, send them to: Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2450 Phoenix, AZ 85007.

NPTE Scores Transfer - If you completed the NPTE for a jurisdiction other than AZ, you must have your scores transferred to AZ. Visit fsbpt.org to pay for and request your score transfer. Transferred scores are received electronically.  

AZLAW Scores - AZLAW scores will be transmitted to the Board electronically. 

Application by Universal Recognition is for an Arizona Physical Therapist or  Physical Therapist Assistant license  by universal recognition (A.R.S. § 32-4302). To apply, at a minimum, you must:

• Be currently licensed in at least one other state at the same practice level for at least one (1) year. 
• Provide proof of Arizona Residency. 
• Not have a complaint, allegation or investigation pending before another regulating entity in another state or country that relates to unprofessional conduct. 
• Successfully pass the AZ jurisprudence examination that tests the applicant's knowledge of board statutes and rules. (AZLAW) 
• Obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. § 41-1758.03.

NOTE:

• If you have not established Arizona residency do not use this application. 
• If you currently hold an active PT Compact privilege in AZ do not use this application. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete all sections of the application, pay for, and submit the application for review. Please note that all application fees are non-refundable by law. 
2. Affirmative answer(s) to any Background question(s) require a narrative explanation and supporting documentation. 
3. Requests for testing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require proper documentation. 
4. Certain applications may require Board review and approval during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy (“Board”). The Board typically meets monthly. Meeting dates, agenda deadline dates, agendas, minutes, and audio recordings are posted on the Board’s website at ptboard.az.gov. An application must be complete prior to being submitted for Board review, meaning, it must be reviewed and any deficiencies corrected. 
5. You must identify any licenses or certifications held, regardless of status, and provide verifications. 
6. If your name on any of the required documentation differs from your name on the license/certificate application, you must submit legal proof of name change. 
7. All applicants are required to notify the Board immediately of any change of address, phone number, or name. 
8. Exam registration and payment (NPTE & AZLAW) must be completed through fsbpt.org.

ANTICIPATE THE PROCESS

1. An application must be paid and submitted through the Board’s online portal. 
2. A submitted application will be reviewed in turn by Board Staff. 
3. The applicant will be notified of any application deficiencies found so the applicant may make corrections. 
4. ALL deficiencies must be corrected and those corrections deemed sufficient before your application will proceed further. 
5. If an application requires Board approval, the applicant will be notified. If Board approval is required, the application is placed on a Board meeting agenda after the application deficiencies are corrected and before testing eligibility is granted. (Note: meeting agenda deadlines are in place) 
6. After all deficiencies are corrected and deemed sufficient, the application will be reviewed again in its entirety before being submitted for final review and approval. If irregularities are noted, the applicant will be informed. 
7. Application approval is followed by a PT  or PTA license number being issued. 

Please be aware, the Board receives hundreds of applications on a regular basis. Complete your application as carefully as possible and submit your application well in advance of impending deadlines to allow for processing times.

DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required to be uploaded to complete and submit in the application. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status for State Public Benefits Form - The Citizen and Alien Status Form must be completed in its entirety by every applicant for PT or PTA licensure and should be uploaded for the application to be considered completed and reviewed by the Board.

US Government issued Photo ID - Please upload Proof of United States Citizenship or Alien Status (front & back). This means your US Government issued photo identification. 

Proof of Arizona Residency - Valid AZ driver’s license/Certified Arizona ID; current Arizona motor vehicle registration; current Arizona voter registration card; Military Form 2058.

Fingerprint Clearance Card - Upload a copy (front & back) of your fingerprint clearance card. DO NOT submit your fingerprints with your application. A fingerprint clearance card is proof of completed fingerprint processing and obtained through the Arizona Department of Public Safety at azdps.gov. A fingerprint clearance card is a small, informational, plastic card (similar in size to a credit card). A fingerprint clearance card does NOT include your fingerprints. 

Verification of licensure or certification - Upload Verification of professional/regulated licensure or certification from every jurisdiction in which you are currently or have been previously licensed (not limited to physical therapy). Also include PT Compact privileges regardless of status. The verification must include:

• Your Name
• License number 
• Date of issuance 
• Current status 
• Expiration date 
• A statement of whether any disciplinary action is pending or has ever been taken against the applicant and if so, an explanation. 
• NOTE: if this information is not available to you, it may require that you contact your licensing entity and request a license verification. 
• A license verification is NOT a copy of your license.

Photo - Upload applicant's photo taken less than 6 months prior to application submission date. (Headshot without filters)

Declarations - You will be asked to upload additional documentation relating to any "yes" responses in the Declaration section of the application

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required only if applicable to you. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Proof of Name Change - If your name on any supplied documentation differs from the name provided on your application, legal proof of name change must be uploaded. Legal proof of a name change must be a certified copy a divorce decree, marriage certificate, or other court ordered name change documentation.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE BOARD ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT

The following document(s) must come from a third party or original source. You will be required to provide these after submission of your application. The application will not be considered complete until these documents are received by Arizona Board of Physical Therapy. If we already have some of this documentation on file, our staff will update the application accordingly after our review.  

AZLAW Scores - AZLAW scores will be transmitted to the Board electronically. 

This application is for an Arizona license as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant as a military spouse who is married to an active duty member of the armed forces of the US and who is accompanying the member to an official permanent change of station to a military installation located in Arizona (A.R.S. § 32-4302). To apply, at a minimum, you must: 

• Be currently licensed in at least one other state at the same practice level for at least one (1) year. 
• Have a spouse with permanent change of station orders to a location in Arizona. 
• Not have a complaint, allegation or investigation pending before another regulating entity in another state or country that relates to unprofessional conduct. 
• Successfully pass the AZ jurisprudence examination that tests the applicant's knowledge of board statutes and rules. (AZLAW) 
• Obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. § 41-1758.03. 

NOTE: If you are not married to an active duty member of the armed forces of the US and accompanying the member to an official permanent change of station to a military installation located in Arizona, do not use this application. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete all sections of the application, pay for, and submit the application for review. Please note that all application fees are non-refundable by law. 
2. Affirmative answer(s) to any Background question(s) require a narrative explanation and supporting documentation. 
3. Requests for testing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require proper documentation. 
4. Certain applications may require Board review and approval during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy (“Board”). The Board typically meets monthly. Meeting dates, agenda deadline dates, agendas, minutes, and audio recordings are posted on the Board’s website at ptboard.az.gov. An application must be complete prior to being submitted for Board review, meaning, it must be reviewed and any deficiencies corrected. 
5. You must identify any licenses or certifications held, regardless of status, and provide verifications. 
6. If your name on any of the required documentation differs from your name on the license application, you must submit legal proof of name change. 
7. All applicants are required to notify the Board immediately of any change of address, phone number, or name. 
8. Exam registration and payment (NPTE & AZLAW) must be completed through fsbpt.org.

ANTICIPATE THE PROCESS

1. An application must be paid and submitted through the Board’s online portal. 
2. A submitted application will be reviewed in turn by Board Staff. 
3. The applicant will be notified of any application deficiencies found so the applicant may make corrections. 
4. ALL deficiencies must be corrected and those corrections deemed sufficient before your application will proceed further. 
5. If an application requires Board approval, the applicant will be notified. If Board approval is required, the application is placed on a Board meeting agenda after the application deficiencies are corrected and before testing eligibility is granted. (Note: meeting agenda deadlines are in place)  
6. After all deficiencies are corrected and deemed sufficient, the application will be reviewed again in its entirety before being submitted for final review and approval. If irregularities are noted, the applicant will be informed. 
7. Application approval is followed by a PT or PTA license number being issued. 

Please be aware, the Board receives hundreds of applications on a regular basis. Complete your application as carefully as possible and submit your application well in advance of impending deadlines to allow for processing times.

DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required to be uploaded to complete and submit in the application. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status for State Public Benefits Form - The Citizen and Alien Status Form must be completed in its entirety by every applicant for PT or PTA licensure and should be uploaded for the application to be considered completed and reviewed by the Board.

US Government issued Photo ID - Please upload Proof of United States Citizenship or Alien Status (front & back). This means your US Government issued photo identification. 

Official Orders for Permanent Change of Station - A copy of spouse’s official orders for permanent change of station to a military installation located in this state. This document should identify you as a “spouse” or “dependent” of the active duty member of the US armed forces. 

Fingerprint Clearance Card - Upload a copy (front & back) of your fingerprint clearance card. DO NOT submit your fingerprints with your application. A fingerprint clearance card is proof of completed fingerprint processing and obtained through the Arizona Department of Public Safety at azdps.gov. A fingerprint clearance card is a small, informational, plastic card (similar in size to a credit card). A fingerprint clearance card does NOT include your fingerprints. 

Verification of licensure or certification - Upload Verification of professional/regulated licensure from every jurisdiction in which you are currently or have been previously licensed (not limited to physical therapy). Also include PT Compact privileges regardless of status. The verification must include:

• Your Name
• License number 
• Date of issuance 
• Current status 
• Expiration date 
• A statement of whether any disciplinary action is pending or has ever been taken against the applicant and if so, an explanation. 
• NOTE: if this information is not available to you, it may require that you contact your licensing entity and request a license verification. 
• A license verification is NOT a copy of your license.

Photo - Upload applicant's photo taken less than 6 months prior to application submission date. (Headshot without filters)

Declarations - You will be asked to upload additional documentation relating to any "yes" responses in the Declaration section of the application

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required only if applicable to you. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Proof of Name Change - If your name on any supplied documentation differs from the name provided on your application, legal proof of name change must be uploaded. Legal proof of a name change must be a certified copy a divorce decree, marriage certificate, or other court ordered name change documentation.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE BOARD ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT

The following document(s) must come from a third party or original source. You will be required to provide these after submission of your application. The application will not be considered complete until these documents are received by Arizona Board of Physical Therapy. If we already have some of this documentation on file, our staff will update the application accordingly after our review.  

AZLAW Scores - AZLAW scores will be transmitted to the Board electronically. 

Application by Foreign Education is for an Arizona Physical Therapist license if the applicant’s first professional degree was earned through a foreign educational institution. To apply, at a minimum, you must:

• Provide satisfactory evidence that the applicant's education is substantially equivalent to the requirements of physical therapists educated in accredited educational programs as determined by the board. If the board determines that a foreign-educated applicant's education is not substantially equivalent, it may require the applicant to complete additional coursework before proceeding with the application process. It is not necessary that coursework completed by the applicant be identical in all respects to that required by an education program in the United States for an entry-level physical therapy degree, but all required content areas must be evident as required by board rules. Deficiencies may occur only in coursework and not in essential areas of professional education and shall not be of a magnitude that would cause the education to be deemed below entry-level preparation for practice in this state. The applicant’s education must be credentialed by a foreign education credentialing process in accordance with an acceptable credentialing agency using Coursework Tool 5 (CWT5). NOTE: Education credentialing should be completed before proceeding with the application for licensure.
• Provide written proof of legal authorization to practice as a physical therapist without limitation in the country where the professional education occurred. The board may waive this requirement on receipt of written proof that the applicant cannot demonstrate legal authorization based on the citizenship requirements of the country where the professional education occurred.
• Provide proof of legal authorization to reside and seek employment in the United States or its territories.
• Pass the board-approved English proficiency examinations if the applicant's native language is not English.
• Participate in an interim supervised clinical practice period before licensure was approved by the board or have already met this requirement to the Board's satisfaction by virtue of your clinical practice in another jurisdiction of the United States. A supervised clinical practice period is determined by the Board after the application is fully complete.
• Successfully pass the national examination approved by the board.
•  Successfully pass the AZ jurisprudence examination that tests the applicant's knowledge of board statutes and rules.
• Obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. § 41-1758.03.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete all sections of the application, pay for, and submit the application for review. Please note that all application fees are non-refundable by law. 
2. Affirmative answer(s) to any Background question(s) require a narrative explanation and supporting documentation. 
3. Requests for testing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require proper documentation. 
4. Certain applications may require Board review and approval during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy (“Board”). The Board typically meets monthly. Meeting dates, agenda deadline dates, agendas, minutes, and audio recordings are posted on the Board’s website at ptboard.az.gov. An application must be complete prior to being submitted for Board review, meaning, it must be reviewed and any deficiencies corrected. 
5. You must provide an employment history for the last 5 years and explain any employment gaps within that period. If you were a student during that timeframe, either in addition to employment or in place of employment, include that information as well. 
6. You must identify any licenses or certifications held, regardless of status, and provide verifications. 
7. If your name on any of the required documentation differs from your name on the license application, you must submit legal proof of name change. 
8. All applicants are required to notify the Board immediately of any change of address, phone number, or name. 
9. Exam registration and payment (NPTE & AZLAW) must be completed through fsbpt.org.

ANTICIPATE THE PROCESS

1. An application must be paid and submitted through the Board’s online portal. 
2. A submitted application will be reviewed in turn by Board Staff. 
3. The applicant will be notified of any application deficiencies found so the applicant may make corrections. 
4. ALL deficiencies must be corrected and those corrections deemed sufficient before exam eligibility is granted. 
5. If an application requires Board approval, the applicant will be notified. If Board approval is required, the application is placed on a Board meeting agenda after the application deficiencies are corrected and before testing eligibility is granted. (Note: meeting agenda deadlines are in place) 
6. When all application pieces are complete and deemed sufficient (including 3rd party documents), and provided that the applicant has registered and paid for the necessary exams, the applicant will be granted exam eligibility. The applicant will receive an Authorization to Test (“ATT”) letter from the FSBPT within 2 business days after eligibility is granted. The ATT letter will allow the applicant to schedule the exam at a Prometric testing center. 
7. After exam scores are received by the Board, the application will be reviewed again in its entirety before being submitted for final review and approval. If irregularities are noted, the applicant will be informed. 
8. Application approval is followed by a PT license number being issued. 

Please be aware, the Board receives hundreds of applications on a regular basis. Complete your application as carefully as possible and submit your application well in advance of impending deadlines to allow for processing times.

DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required to be uploaded to complete and submit in the application. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status for State Public Benefits Form - The Citizen and Alien Status Form must be completed in its entirety by every applicant for PT licensure or PTA certification and should be uploaded for the application to be considered completed and reviewed by the Board.

US Government issued Photo ID - Please upload Proof of United States Citizenship or Alien Status (front & back). This means your US Government issued photo identification. 

Fingerprint Clearance Card - Upload a copy (front & back) of your fingerprint clearance card. DO NOT submit your fingerprints with your application. A fingerprint clearance card is proof of completed fingerprint processing and obtained through the Arizona Department of Public Safety at azdps.gov. A fingerprint clearance card is a small, informational, plastic card (similar in size to a credit card). A fingerprint clearance card does NOT include your fingerprints. 

Photo - Upload applicant's photo taken less than 6 months prior to application submission date. (Headshot without filters)

Declarations - You will be asked to upload additional documentation relating to any "yes" responses in the Declaration section of the application

Proof of United States issued Social Security Card - Federal and State laws require the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy to obtain an applicant’s social security number in connection with an application for a license.

Country of Origin authorization to practice without limitation - Verification of authorization to practice without limitation from the country of education (if licensed) or that you graduated from a physical therapist education program that prepares you to engage without restriction in the practice of physical therapy (if not licensed). 

Document from Ministry of Education - You must provide a letter from the ministry of education from your country of education that verifies the physical therapy school you attended is a recognized school in your country of education.

Legal Authorization to reside and seek employment in the US - Proof of legal authorization to reside & seek employment in the US.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION BY THE APPLICANT

The following documents will be required only if applicable to you. You must upload a high quality image or PDF. 

Verification of licensure or certification - Upload Verification of professional/regulated licensure or certification from every jurisdiction in which you are currently or have been previously licensed (not limited to physical therapy). Also include PT Compact privileges regardless of status. The verification must include:

• Your Name
• License number 
• Date of issuance 
• Current status 
• Expiration date 
• A statement of whether any disciplinary action is pending or has ever been taken against the applicant and if so, an explanation. 
• NOTE: if this information is not available to you, it may require that you contact your licensing entity and request a license verification. 
• A license verification is NOT a copy of your license.

Proof of Name Change - If your name on any supplied documentation differs from the name provided on your application, legal proof of name change must be uploaded. Legal proof of a name change must be a certified copy a divorce decree, marriage certificate, or other court ordered name change documentation.

Continuing Education - If you were previously licensed in Arizona you are required to submit documentation of continuing competence commensurate with the time of licensure lapse. Include an Audit Form and completion certificates/documentation (A.R.S § 32-2028 (B)). Continuing competence rules are explained A.A.C. R4-24-401-R4-24-403.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE BOARD ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT

The following document(s) must come from a third party or original source. You will be required to provide these after submission of your application. The application will not be considered complete until these documents are received by Arizona Board of Physical Therapy. If we already have some of this documentation on file, our staff will update the application accordingly after our review.  

Transcripts - Final official transcript which includes your graduation date and degree  earned. Transcripts may be delivered electronically (preferred) to [email protected]. If your school only offers a mailing option, send them to: Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2450 Phoenix, AZ 85007.

NPTE Scores Transfer - If you completed the NPTE for a jurisdiction other than AZ, you must have your scores transferred to AZ. Visit fsbpt.org to pay for and request your score transfer. Transferred scores are received electronically.  

AZLAW Scores - AZLAW scores will be transmitted to the Board electronically. 

Foreign Language Requirement (TOEFL/iBT, TWE, TSE) - If English is not your native language, official documentation indicating passing scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be sent to the Board on your behalf. The exam must be passed no more than 18 months before the date on which the application submitted.

Credential Evaluation Transcript (CWT5) - Your education must be credentialed by a credentialing agency using Course Work Tool 5.Your credentialing report must be provided directly to the Board and it must confirm that your education is "Substantially Equivalent". The evaluation report must be prepared within 18 months before the date on which the application is submitted. Visit ptboard.az.gov for a list of credentialing bodies using CWT 5.