New Jersey Physical Therapist License Requirements

New Jersey requires all physical therapists to hold a state-issued Physical Therapist License before practicing physical therapy in the state. Licensure is administered by the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, within the Division of Consumer Affairs, under N.J.A.C. Title 13, Chapter 39A and the Physical Therapy Licensing Act (N.J.S.A. 45:9-37.11 et seq.).

New Jersey requires two examinations for all new license applicants: the NPTE and the New Jersey Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NJ JAM). The NJ JAM is an open-book online assessment covering New Jersey’s physical therapy laws, regulations, and professional conduct standards — all applicants must pass it before a license is issued, regardless of pathway. New Jersey is also an active PT Compact member, but compact privilege applicants are subject to the same NJ JAM requirement.

What Makes New Jersey Different

• NJ JAM required for every new applicant — including compact privilege holders. New Jersey requires all applicants — by examination, endorsement, or compact privilege — to pass the New Jersey Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NJ JAM) before a license or privilege is issued. The NJ JAM is an open-book online assessment registered through FSBPT, with a passing score of 80. Per FSBPT: “All applicants for a new license in New Jersey must take and pass a Jurisprudence Assessment Module prior to licensure.” Per FSBPT and confirmed directly with the Board: the NJ JAM is required before both the initial purchase and every subsequent renewal of a New Jersey compact privilege.
• Two-part initial license fee structure. New Jersey’s fee structure is split: a $125 application fee paid at application, and a separate initial license fee paid only after the Board notifies the applicant of eligibility. The license fee is $110 if issued during the first year of the biennial cycle (February 1 of an even year through January 31 of an odd year) or $55 if issued during the second year. Do not send the license fee with the application — the Board will notify applicants when to pay it.
• All PT licenses share a fixed January 31 expiration date. Unlike states where license expiration is tied to the applicant’s birthday or initial licensure date, all New Jersey PT licenses expire on January 31 of every even-numbered year — regardless of when the license was issued. This means a PT licensed in December of an odd year may face renewal only weeks later.
• Active PT Compact member since June 2023. New Jersey joined the PT Compact in 2023. Eligible compact practitioners from other member states can obtain New Jersey compact privileges, but must still complete the NJ JAM before each compact privilege issuance and renewal.

PT Compact and New Jersey

New Jersey is an active member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact) and has been issuing compact privileges since June 1, 2023. Eligible PTs whose home state participates in the PT Compact may obtain a New Jersey Compact Privilege through the PT Compact system instead of applying for full New Jersey licensure.

However, New Jersey requires the NJ JAM for compact privilege applicants — confirmed by FSBPT and the Board directly. The NJ JAM must be passed before the initial compact privilege is issued and before every subsequent renewal. This is separate from the CE jurisprudence credit requirement that applies to full NJ licensees at biennial renewal.

For PTs whose home state is New Jersey: your NJ license serves as your home-state compact license. Renew your NJ license before January 31, then renew compact privileges in other member states at ptcompact.org. Current compact privilege fee and requirements are maintained at ptcompact.org/process-and-requirements.

Requirements for New Jersey Physical Therapist Licensure

Per N.J.A.C. 13:39A-5.1 and 13:39A-5.3, the core requirements for licensure are:

• Education: Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program (DPT for modern applicants). Regulations reference a minimum master’s degree with grandfathering provisions for earlier graduates. Foreign-educated applicants must submit a credential evaluation confirming substantial equivalence, and pass an approved English proficiency examination (TOEFL).
• NPTE: Passage of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by FSBPT. Applicants may register for the NPTE before applying for licensure, but the Board recommends applying for licensure first. Applicants may apply up to 4 months in advance of taking the NPTE. The Board will not accept NPTE scores provided directly by an applicant — scores must come from FSBPT.
• NJ JAM (New Jersey Jurisprudence Assessment Module): All new license applicants must pass the NJ JAM before licensure. The assessment is open-book, offered online, and registered through FSBPT at fsbpt.org using your FSBPT ID. Passing score: 80. Fee: approximately $48 — verify current fee at fsbpt.org. The NJ JAM covers New Jersey PT laws and regulations.
• Background check: Fingerprint-based criminal history record background check required for all applicants.
• Endorsement applicants: Must hold an active license in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants who have not been actively practicing physical therapy for at least five years immediately preceding the application must satisfy additional requirements as determined by the Board. All applicants must still pass the NJ JAM and meet NJ’s current educational standards.

How to Apply for a New Jersey Physical Therapist License

1. Review the current application instructions and checklist at njconsumeraffairs.gov/pt
2. Complete and submit your application with the $125 application fee through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs portal
3. Submit required supporting documents: official transcripts (sent directly from school), verification of any prior licenses (sent directly from each jurisdiction), and criminal background check
4. Register for and pass the NJ JAM through FSBPT at fsbpt.org (requires FSBPT ID; open-book; passing score 80)
5. Register for and pass the NPTE through FSBPT (or arrange score transfer if previously tested in another jurisdiction)
6. After the Board determines eligibility, you will be notified to pay the initial license fee ($110 or $55 depending on timing — do not send this fee with your application)

For questions, contact the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners at (973) 504-6455 or physicaltherapy@dca.njoag.gov.

Practical Notes for New Jersey PT Applicants

• Complete the NJ JAM before starting the renewal process. Whether applying for an initial license or a compact privilege, the NJ JAM must be passed before the license or privilege is issued. Register through FSBPT — you’ll need your FSBPT ID. The assessment is open-book and available online, so there’s no scheduling delay once registered.
• Do not pay the license fee until the Board notifies you. New Jersey separates the application fee ($125) from the initial license fee ($110 or $55). The Board will send notification when you are eligible — submitting the license fee early may cause processing confusion. Wait for the notification.
• All NJ PT licenses expire January 31 — plan around this regardless of when you’re licensed. A PT licensed in October of an odd year faces renewal just three months later. A PT licensed in February of an even year has nearly two full years. Know where you are in the biennial cycle.
• Travel PTs: NJ JAM required at every compact privilege renewal. The NJ JAM must be passed before both the initial purchase and every renewal of a New Jersey compact privilege — confirmed by FSBPT and the Board directly. Budget time to complete the open-book assessment before each renewal cycle.

Relevant New Jersey Laws and Regulations

• N.J.A.C. 13:39A-5.3 — Examination standards (NPTE + NJ JAM)
• N.J.A.C. 13:39A-1.3 — Fees and charges
• NJ State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners — njconsumeraffairs.gov/pt
• FSBPT — New Jersey Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NJ JAM)

Related Pages

• New Jersey Physical Therapist License Renewal — CE Requirements and Fees
• New York Physical Therapist License Requirements
• Pennsylvania Physical Therapist License Requirements
• Physical Therapist Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New Jersey state license to practice as a physical therapist in New Jersey?

Yes. A New Jersey Physical Therapist License issued by the NJ State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners is required before practicing physical therapy in the state. Source: NJ Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Is the NJ JAM jurisprudence assessment required for New Jersey PT licensure?

Yes. Per FSBPT: “All applicants for a new license in New Jersey must take and pass a Jurisprudence Assessment Module prior to licensure.” This applies to examination, endorsement, and compact privilege applicants. The NJ JAM is open-book, registered through FSBPT using your FSBPT ID, with a passing score of 80. Source: FSBPT NJ JAM Page

Is New Jersey a PT Compact member state?

Yes. New Jersey is an active PT Compact member and has been issuing compact privileges since June 1, 2023. Compact privilege applicants must also complete the NJ JAM. Source: NJ Board FAQ

What is the application fee for a New Jersey Physical Therapist License?

The application fee is $125 (non-refundable). A separate initial license fee is paid after the Board notifies you of eligibility: $110 if eligible during the first year of the biennial cycle; $55 during the second year. Do not pay the license fee with the application. Source: N.J.A.C. 13:39A-1.3

Is a background check required for New Jersey PT licensure?

Yes. A fingerprint-based criminal history record background check is required for all applicants. Source: NJ Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

How do out-of-state PTs get licensed in New Jersey?

Out-of-state licensed PTs may apply through endorsement (called “Reciprocity” in NJ regulation) or PT Compact Privilege (if home state is a compact member). Both pathways require the NJ JAM and criminal background check. Endorsement applicants who have not been actively practicing for at least five years must meet additional Board requirements. Source: NJ Board of Physical Therapy Examiners