Georgia Occupational Therapist License Requirements (2026)

Georgia requires all occupational therapists to hold a valid state license before practicing. Licensure is issued by the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy, operating under the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. All applications are submitted exclusively through the GOALS online portal at goals.sos.ga.gov — Georgia no longer accepts paper applications, and any paper application received will be returned to the sender. The application fee for an OT license is $65 total online ($60 application + $5 processing fee).

Georgia has three available pathways to licensure: the standard examination pathway for new graduates and unlicensed applicants, a reciprocity pathway for OTs currently licensed in other states, and a military endorsement pathway for service members, transitioning service members, and military spouses. All pathways go through the GOALS portal and require the same fingerprint background check, references, and lawful presence documentation.

One Georgia-specific requirement sets it apart from most other states: a separate Board certification is required before any OT or OTA may use physical agent modalities (PAMs) in Georgia. This includes ultrasound, light therapy, and similar modalities. The base OT license does not automatically authorize PAMs use — you must apply for and receive a separate PAMs certification from the Board.

What Makes Georgia Notable for OT Licensure

Several features distinguish Georgia. The PAMs certification requirement is the most significant — it adds a step and a fee for OTs who use physical agent modalities in practice. Georgia also requires three notarized reference forms (two professional, at least one from a licensed OT practitioner), which must be submitted by the applicant with the application materials — not sent separately. A passport-type photo taken within 60 days is required. And Georgia mandates lawful presence documentation under O.C.G.A. §50-36-1, including an affidavit and secure/verifiable identity document, for all applicants.

For applicants awaiting NBCOT results, Georgia issues a limited permit (letter of authority) that allows supervised practice for up to 90 days. This is non-renewable. Note that the Board requires an official transcript showing degree and date awarded be submitted within 35 days of the letter of authority being issued — otherwise the letter of authority will be revoked.

Georgia and the OT Compact

Georgia has enacted legislation joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (HB 268, signed May 10, 2022) and has an active OT Compact page on the Secretary of State website. However, as of June 2026, Georgia is not yet actively issuing OT Compact privileges through CompactConnect. The Georgia SOS OT Compact page was still posting rulemaking notices for public comment in 2025, indicating the implementation process remains in progress.

What this means practically:

• Verify compact privilege availability before relying on it. Georgia has enacted OT Compact legislation. Whether compact privileges are currently available to practice in Georgia or to use Georgia as a home state for privileges in other states is subject to implementation status that may change. Always verify current status directly with the Georgia Board and the OT Compact Commission before accepting an assignment.

Monitor Georgia’s compact implementation status at sos.ga.gov/page/occupational-licensure-compact and otcompact.gov.

Initial Licensure Requirements

Examination Pathway

The examination pathway is for applicants who have not previously held an OT license in another state. Required items submitted through GOALS:

• Completed online application with $65 fee (electronic payment through GOALS)
• Passport-type color photograph taken within 60 days of application date
• Three completed, signed, and notarized reference forms (two professional, at least one from a licensed OT practitioner; references must have known you within the past 5 years and may not be relatives)
• Affidavit of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (O.C.G.A. §50-36-1) and a secure/verifiable identity document
• Official transcript with degree and date awarded, sent from your program’s registrar
• NBCOT Verification of Certification sent directly from NBCOT to the Board
• Fingerprint background check — must be registered and completed immediately after applying

Applications must be complete within 60 days of submission. If all required supplemental documents are not received within that window, the application will be withdrawn and you must reapply.

Endorsement Pathway (Non-NBCOT Jurisdictions — Mail Only)

Georgia’s endorsement pathway is a narrow route available specifically to OTs who are licensed in a state, D.C., or territory that does not require the NBCOT examination for licensure, but that requires an equivalent examination and equivalent standards. This does not apply to most U.S.-trained OTs, who will have passed NBCOT and should apply under the standard Examination pathway. Important: the Endorsement application must be submitted by mail — not through GOALS. Source: Georgia SOS OT How-To Guide

Military Endorsement Pathway

Georgia offers an expedited military endorsement pathway for active duty service members, recently separated veterans, and military spouses who have never held the license in Georgia but previously held it in another state. Applications are submitted through the GOALS portal — select “military” in the application to flag it for expedited processing. Requirements are substantially the same as the standard pathways. Note: if the OT profession in Georgia participates in a compact and the applicant’s license is from a compact state, the standard Military Endorsement pathway may not apply — contact the Board to confirm the correct pathway. Source: Georgia SOS OT How-To Guide

Limited Permit (Letter of Authority)

Applicants waiting to take the NBCOT examination may be issued a limited permit (letter of authority) upon receipt of the completed application, fee, references, and official transcripts. Key rules:

• Valid for up to 90 days; non-renewable
• Practice permitted only under supervision of a licensed OT
• An official transcript showing degree and date awarded must be received within 35 days — otherwise the letter of authority is revoked

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) Certification

Georgia requires a separate Board certification before any OT may use physical agent modalities (PAMs) in practice. PAMs include ultrasound, light therapy, and similar physical agent technologies. You may only apply for PAMs certification after your OT license has been issued. The PAMs application fee is $35. Note: if you held a Georgia OTA license with PAMs approval and are now applying for an OT license, you do not need to submit a new PAMs application — your existing certification transfers. Source: Georgia SOS OT How-To Guide

How to Apply for a Georgia OT License

1. Create an account or log in to the GOALS portal at goals.sos.ga.gov. Complete the online application and pay the $65 fee by electronic payment.
2. Immediately after applying, register and complete your fingerprint background check as directed in the GOALS portal.
3. Arrange for your three notarized reference forms to be completed, signed, notarized, and submitted with your application materials.
4. Submit your affidavit of citizenship/lawful presence and secure/verifiable ID document.
5. Have your official transcript sent directly from your program’s registrar to the Board.
6. Contact NBCOT to have your Verification of Certification sent directly to the Georgia Board.
7. Monitor your application status online through GOALS. All documents must be received within 60 days of application submission.
8. Once approved, verify your license at the GOALS license search before practicing.

Questions? Contact the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy: (404) 424-9966 | Contact form | 3920 Arkwright Rd. Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210

Practical Notes

• No paper applications accepted. The Georgia Board states: “We are no longer accepting paper applications. All paper applications received will be returned to sender.” Use the GOALS portal only.
• Fingerprinting is time-sensitive. The fingerprint background check must be completed immediately after applying. Delays in fingerprinting are a common source of application delays. Initiate fingerprinting on the same day you submit your application.
• References must be notarized — and submitted by you. Unlike many states where references are sent separately, Georgia requires the three completed, signed, and notarized reference forms to be submitted by the applicant with the application materials. Coordinate with your references early — obtaining notarized forms takes time.
• The 60-day document window is strict. All required supplemental documents must be received within 60 days of your application submission date. If anything is outstanding after 60 days, your application is withdrawn and you must reapply and pay the fee again.
• PAMs certification is a separate step. If you plan to use physical agent modalities in your Georgia practice, apply for PAMs certification immediately after receiving your OT license. You cannot apply for PAMs before your license is issued.
• CE completed before your Georgia license was issued cannot be used for renewal. Unlike some states that allow pre-licensure CE to count, Georgia requires all renewal CE to be completed after the date your Georgia license was issued.
• Verify OT Compact status before an assignment. Georgia has enacted OT Compact legislation. Verify current compact privilege availability with the Georgia Board and the OT Compact Commission before your assignment start date. Standard Georgia licensure typically requires Board review — start the process well in advance.
• Verify current fees before applying. The fee schedule used here is dated March 2022. The current fee schedule is in GOALS at goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/fee-schedules.

Relevant Laws and Regulations

• Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy — Rules and Laws (O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 28; Board Rules Chapter 671-3)
• Georgia Administrative Code Chapter 671-3 — License Requirements
• Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy — Current Fee Schedule (GOALS)

Related Pages

• Georgia Occupational Therapist License Renewal Guide
• Florida Occupational Therapist License Requirements
• Occupational Therapist Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to practice occupational therapy in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia requires a license from the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy before practicing as an occupational therapist. Practicing without a license violates O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 28. Source: Georgia SOS OT How-To Guide

What is the application fee for a Georgia OT license?

The OT application fee is $60 plus a $5 online processing fee, totaling $65 for online applications submitted through the GOALS portal. All applications are online only — paper applications are returned. Verify the current fee at goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/fee-schedules before applying. Source: Georgia OT Fee Schedule

What is the Georgia PAMs certification?

Georgia requires a separate Board certification before any occupational therapist or OT assistant may use physical agent modalities (PAMs) in practice — including ultrasound, light therapy, and similar technologies. The base OT license does not authorize PAMs use. You must hold an active Georgia OT license before applying for PAMs certification. The PAMs certification fee is $35, applied for separately through the GOALS portal. PAMs certification and your OT license expire at the same time — March 31 of even-numbered years. Source: Georgia SOS OT How-To Guide

How long does it take to get a Georgia OT license?

The Board’s official application document states it takes approximately 4–6 weeks to process a complete application for licensure. Applications are processed in the order received. Completed applications are reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed at an upcoming Board meeting — applications must be complete and received at least 15 days before a meeting. Total timeline depends on how quickly all required documents (fingerprinting, transcripts, NBCOT verification, references) are received within the 60-day document window. Source: Georgia OT Application (2023)

Is Georgia a member of the OT Compact?

Georgia has enacted OT Compact legislation (HB 268, signed 2022) and is a compact member state. Applicants should verify current compact privilege availability — including whether privileges can be used to practice in Georgia or to use Georgia as a home state for privileges in other states — directly with the Georgia Board and the OT Compact Commission before relying on compact practice authority. Monitor status at sos.ga.gov/page/occupational-licensure-compact and otcompact.gov.

Does Georgia require a jurisprudence exam for OT licensure?

No. Georgia does not require a separate jurisprudence examination for OT licensure. The NBCOT certification examination is the required exam. Source: Georgia SOS OT How-To Guide