How to Guide: Occupational Therapist
- How To Apply
- After you Apply – What to Expect
- Disability Accommodations
- Veteran’s Preference
- Fees
- Occupational Therapist Licensure
- Occupational Therapist (Foreign Trained)
- Occupational Therapist Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)
- Reinstatement
- Reciprocity
- Endorsement Military
- Modalities
- Renewal Checklist
- How to File
How To Apply
If you would like to apply as a Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State and renew it every two years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires completing an application and paying the required fees.
- See the specific instructions for your license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure.
- Immediately after applying, you must register and complete a fingerprint background check to be considered for licensure. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) awarded Idemia the contract to provide a service for electronic submission of fingerprints for Georgia applicants. The Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) is simple and easy to use.
- To watch the training video to navigate the process: Training Video >>
- To access a downloadable set of instructions for the process: GAPS/Idemia Instructions.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by March 31st of even numbered years. Late renewal period is April 1st through April 30th of even numbered years.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Occupational Therapist Licensure
Occupational Therapist (Foreign Trained)
Occupational Therapist Assistant
To file online:
Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, please submit all requested items at one time, as soon as possible, to prevent processing delays.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication for the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form >>
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. See program information here >>
- If you are claiming veteran’s preference points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Occupational Therapist Licensure
If you have never been licensed as an occupational therapist or you do not have a current OT license in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States, or you have taken and passed the NBCOT exam, please select this option.
To apply for licensure by Application/Examination:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Official College Transcript
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Professional Reference (1) (link)
- Professional Reference (2)
- Personal Reference (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form A (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form B (link)
- Limited Permit Supervision Agreement Form C (link)
- Completion of Supervised Field Work
- NBCOT Certification
- National Board Scores
- Background Consent Form
- Limited Permit
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Occupational Therapist (Foreign Trained)
If you graduated from an occupational therapy school in a foreign county and DO NOT hold a current occupational therapist license in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States, please select this option.
If you are a foreign trained applicant for an occupational therapy license reference the following checklist when applying:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Official College Transcript
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Professional Reference (1) (link)
- Professional Reference (2) (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form A (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form B (link)
- Limited Permit Supervision Agreement Form C (link)
- Completion of Supervised Field Work
- NBCOT Certification
- National Board Scores
- Limited Permit
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Occupational Therapist Assistant
If you have never been licensed as an OTA or you do not have a current OTA license in another state, the District of Columbia, territory of the United States, or you have not taken and passed the NBCOT exam, please select this option.
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Professional Reference (1) (link)
- Professional Reference (2) (link)
- Personal Reference (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form A (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form B (link)
- Limited Permit Supervision Agreement Form C (link)
- Completion of Supervised Field Work
- NBCOT Certification
- National Board Scores
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Occupational Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)
If you graduated from an occupational therapy assistant school in a foreign county and DO NOT hold a current occupational therapy assistant license in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States, please select this option.
If you are a foreign trained applicant for an occupational therapy license reference the following checklist when applying:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Professional Reference (1) (link)
- Professional Reference (2) (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form A (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form B (link)
- Limited Permit Supervision Agreement Form C (link)
- Completion of Supervised Field Work
- NBCOT Certification
- National Board Scores
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Reinstatement
If you have previously held an OT or OTA license before you must submit a reinstatement application and fee.
If you have previously held the license you are applying for in Georgia, you must submit a reinstatement application and fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Professional Reference (1) (link)
- Professional Reference (2) (link)
- Personal Reference (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form A (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form B (link)
- Limited Permit Supervision Agreement Form C (link)
- Completion of Supervised Field Work
- NBCOT Certification
- National Board Scores
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Reciprocity
If you have been licensed as an OT or OTA in another state, D.C., or territory of the U.S. with the same standards as Georgia; but, took a licensing exam that was NOT the NBCOT; you may apply by reciprocity.
If you have been licensed in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States which does not require the NBCOT Exam for licensure; but, requires an examination and standards for licensure equivalent to the requirements in Georgia, you may apply by reciprocity.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Proof of Military Service
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Professional Reference (1) (link)
- Professional Reference (2) (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form A (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form B (link)
- Limited Permit Supervision Agreement Form C (link)
- Completion of Supervised Field Work
- Licensing Exam
- Petition for Rule Variance
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Endorsement Military
If you have never held the license you are applying for in Georgia, previously held that license in another state and you are a military service member, a transitioning service member or a military spouse you will apply for licensure by endorsement.
If you have been licensed in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States which does not require the NBCOT Exam for licensure; but, requires an examination and standards for licensure equivalent to the requirements in Georgia, you may apply by endorsement. You must submit this application by mail.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Proof of Military Service
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Professional Reference (1) (link)
- Professional Reference (2) (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form A (link)
- Supervised Clinical Form B (link)
- Limited Permit Supervision Agreement Form C (link)
- Completion of Supervised Field Work
- Licensing Exam
- Petition for Rule Variance
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Modalities
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants may not use physical agent modalities in Georgia without a certification issued by the board and you must also hold an active license in Georgia to apply for a certification.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Course Outline
- Content Documentation Form
- Physical Agent Modalities Reporting Form
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Renewal Checklist
If you currently hold an OT or OTA license and need to renew it to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before March 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
If you currently hold this license and need to renew it to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before March 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
- To process your renewal, navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Please note that a license will remain in “Active-Renewal Pending” status when:
- A licensee has applied for renewal before the deadline; and,
- A licensee has supplied all the required information to complete the renewal application before the deadline; and,
- It has been determined that the application requires additional review by the Board.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. §50-13-18(b), a license in this status is not considered to be lapsed, expired, inactive or invalid until the renewal application has been finally decided upon by the Board. If the license remains in that status or another active licensing status as allowed by statute or rule, the licensee may legally continue to engage in the practice of the profession.
Licensees will be notified of a change in status by email.
How to File
To file online:
Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy
- Online Resource Georgia Occupational Therapy Association, Inc
- Online Resource America Occupational Therapy Association