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How to Guide: Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant

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
Verify Application Status
Apply for PT or PTA Licensure

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 Fieldprint 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. 
  • 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)

PT / PTA Reciprocity

PT / PTA Reinstatement

PT and PTA Endorsement Military

PT and PTA Renewal

PT and PTA Inactive Status

After you Apply – What to Expect

  • Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume. 
    • If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 business day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
    • Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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
  • Mail-In processing fee: $10.00

Physical Therapist by Examination

If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination. 

Physical Therapist (Foreign Trained)

If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination. 

Physical Therapist by Reciprocity (Foreign Trained)

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 accredited in a foreign country.

Physical Therapist Assistant by Examination

If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination. 

Physical Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)

If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PT and PTA Inactive Status

If you want to place your Physical Therapist Assistant license in an Inactive Status, you will submit 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

Group 20

Related Resources

Contact Georgia Board of Physical Therapists