How to Guide: Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant
- How To Apply
- After you Apply – What to Expect
- Disability Accommodations
- Veteran’s Preference
- Fees
- Physical Therapist by Examination
- Physical Therapist (Foreign Trained)
- Physical Therapist by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained)
- Physical Therapist Assistant by Examination
- Physical Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)
- Physical Therapist Assistant by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained)
- PT / PTA Reciprocity
- PT / PTA Reinstatement
- PT and PTA Endorsement Military
- PT and PTA Renewal
- PT and PTA Inactive Status
- How to File
How To Apply
If you would like to apply as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist 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 specific instructions for application depending on 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 December 31st of odd numbered years. Late renewal period is January 1st through January 31st of even numbered years.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Physical Therapist by Examination
Physical Therapist (Foreign Trained)
Physical Therapist by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained)
Physical Therapist Assistant by Examination
Physical Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)
Physical Therapist Assistant by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained)
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 >>
Fees
|
Physical Therapist Application |
$75 |
|
Physical Therapist Assistant Application |
$75 |
|
PT Renewal |
$65 |
|
PT Late Renewal |
$90 |
|
PTA Renewal |
$45 |
|
PTA Late Renewal |
$55 |
|
Reinstatement (if expired less than 2 years) |
$100 |
|
Reinstatement (if expired more than 2 years) |
$150 |
|
Inactive status |
No fee |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
Physical Therapist by Examination
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
You are eligible to apply by Examination if:
1) You have never held a physical therapy license; or,
2) You have an active physical therapy license in another state but have not practiced within the past two (2) years AND you received your entry level physical therapy education from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; or
3) You have held a physical therapy license(s) in another state where the license(s) are no longer active AND you received your entry level physical therapy education from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a license by Examination, please use the following checklist to assist you with obtaining the required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of Employment Form
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Training 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Physical Therapist (Foreign Trained)
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
Please select this application if your entry level physical therapy education was obtained from a physical therapy program that was not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and conducted in a foreign country.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a license by Examination (Foreign Trained), please use the following checklist to assist you with obtaining the required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Authorization for Foreign Practice
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Language Proficiency
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- Made Eligible for National Exam
- Made Eligible for GA Law Exam
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit
- Traineeship Reporting Form
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Physical Therapist by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained)
Select this application if you hold an active license in another state and your entry_level education was obtained from a PT program conducted in a foreign country that was not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Please select this application if you hold an active license in another state and your entry level physical therapy education was obtained from a physical therapy program that was not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and conducted in a foreign country.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a license by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained), please use the following checklist to assist you with obtaining the required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Authorization for Foreign Practice
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Language Proficiency
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- Made Eligible for National Exam
- Made Eligible for GA Law Exam
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit
- Traineeship Reporting Form
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Physical Therapist Assistant by Examination
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
Please complete the application for physical therapist assistant license by examination if:
1) You have never held a physical therapist assistant license;
2) You have an active physical therapist assistant license(s) in another state, but have not practiced within the past two (2) years AND you received your entry level physical therapist assistant education from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; or
3) You have held a physical therapist assistant license(s) in another state and the license(s) are no longer active AND you received your entry level physical therapist assistant education from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a license by Examination, please use the following checklist to assist you with obtaining the required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of Employment Form
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Training Permit (if applicable)
- 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)
A non-refundable application fee of $75. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Physical Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
Please select this application if you hold an active license in another state and your entry level physical therapist assistant education was obtained from a physical therapy program was not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and conducted in a foreign country that.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a Physical Therapist Assistant license by Examination (Foreign Trained), please use the following checklist to assist you with obtaining the required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Authorization for Foreign Practice
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Language Proficiency
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- Made Eligible for National Exam
- Made Eligible for GA Law Exam
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit (if applicable)
- Traineeship Reporting Form (if applicable)
- 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)
A non-refundable application fee of $75. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Physical Therapist Assistant by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained)
Select this application if you hold an active license in another state and your entry level physical therapist assistant education was accredited in a foreign country.
Please select this application if you hold an active license in another state and your entry level physical therapist assistant education was obtained from a physical therapy program that was not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and conducted in a foreign country.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a Physical Therapist Assistant license by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained), please use the following checklist to assist you with obtaining the required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Authorization for Foreign Practice
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Language Proficiency
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- Made Eligible for National Exam
- Made Eligible for GA Law Exam
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit
- Traineeship Reporting Form
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
PT / PTA Reciprocity
Please Select this application if you hold an active PT or PTA license in another state and your entry level education was obtained from a program accredited in the United States or U.S. Territories.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant license by Reciprocity, please use the following checklist to assist you with obtaining the required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Authorization for Foreign Practice
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Language Proficiency
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- Made Eligible for National Exam
- Made Eligible for GA Law Exam
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit
- Traineeship Reporting Form
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
PT / PTA Reinstatement
If you have previously held this license before in the state of Georgia that has expired and is no longer active, you must submit a reinstatement application and fee.
To reinstate your PT or PTA license use the following checklist of required documents for this application as a guide:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Compact Privilege
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Dry Needling Approval (PT Only)
- CV/Resume
- Made Eligible for NPTE (if applicable)
- NPTE - Passing Score (if applicable)
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Traineeship Agreement
- Traineeship Permit (if applicable)
- Traineeship Reporting Form (if applicable)
- 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)
A non-refundable application fee of $100. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
PT and PTA 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 previously held the license you are applying for in another state and you are a military service member, a transitioning service member or a military spouse you will apply for licensure by reciprocity. 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 >>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Compact Privilege (if applicable)
- Official College Transcripts
- Active Practice Within 2 Years
- Verification of Employment
- National Board Scores
- GA Law Exam Scores
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Training Permit (if applicable)
- 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)
A non-refundable application fee of $150. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
PT and PTA Renewal
If you currently hold a PT or PTA license in Georgia and need to renew to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before December 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
If you currently hold this license and need to renew to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before December 31st of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
- To process your renewal, navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Click on the License Renewal button on the right-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
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.
A non-refundable application fee of $65 for PTs and $45 for PTAs. If applying during late renewal the application fee is $90 for PTs and $55 for PTAs.
If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
PT and PTA Inactive Status
If you want to place your Physical Therapist Assistant license in an Inactive Status, you will submit this application.
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 >>
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
No fee is associated with this application.
How to File
To file online:
Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
To file by mail:
Please contact us to request a mail-in application.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource American Academy of Physical Therapy
- Online Resource American Physical Therapy Association
- Online Resource APTA Georgia (formerly PTAG)