Occupational Therapists Menu

How to Guide: Occupational Therapist

Application information for Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant license types.
Verify Application Status
Apply for OT Licensure

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 every two years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.

  • Licensure requires completing an application, get it signed and notarized, and paying the required fee. 
  • See the specific instructions for your license and application type.
  • You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order 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. 
    • To watch the training video to navigate the process:  Training Video(hyperlink is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AeGPQQuXQ4). 
    • To access a downloadable set of instructions for the process:  GAPS_Fieldprint 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

Occupational Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)

Reinstatement

Reciprocity

Modalities

Renewal Checklist

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 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    • Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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

OT application

$60

OTA application

$50

Physical agents modalities

$35

OT renewal

$65

OTA renewal

$55

OT late renewal

$80

OTA late renewal

$70

OT reinstatement

$100

OTA reinstatement

$80

Decorative wall certificate

$50

Duplicate pocket identification card

$25

Verification of licensure

$35

Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022

  • Online processing fee: $5.00
  • Mail-In processing fee: $10.00

Occupational Therapist Licensure

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

Occupational Therapist (Foreign Trained)

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

Occupational Therapist Assistant

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

Occupational Therapist Assistant (Foreign Trained)

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

Reinstatement

If you have previously held this license before you must submit a reinstatement application and fee.  

Reciprocity

If you have been licensed 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.

Modalities

You 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 in order to apply for a certification.  

Renewal Checklist

If you currently hold this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before March 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees.    

How to File

To file online: 

Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.

To file by mail: 

Call 404-424-9966 and request a paper renewal coupon be mailed to you. When completed, please mail the renewal coupon, the required fee, and any supporting documents to: 

Georgia Board of Occupational Therapy 
237 Coliseum Drive 
Macon, Georgia 31217 

  • After renewing online or by mail, CHECK your license expiration date online to assure the renewal was completed. 
  • Please note, if you fail to apply for the renewal of your license before the deadline, a reinstatement application will be required. Reinstatement applications must be submitted by paper only.

Contact

Group 20

Related Resources

Contact Georgia Board of Occupational Therapists