Alabama Physical Therapist License Requirements (2026 Guide)
- New PT graduates applying for initial licensure by examination in Alabama
- Physical therapists licensed in another state seeking Alabama licensure by endorsement or score transfer
- Travel PTs evaluating Alabama compact privilege eligibility and the AL JAM requirement
Alabama Physical Therapist License — At a Glance
| License Required? | Yes — Alabama law requires a state PT license to practice physical therapy or use the title “physical therapist” |
| Credential Name | Physical Therapist License |
| Governing Board | Alabama Board of Physical Therapy |
| Licensing Pathways | Licensure by Examination; Licensure by Endorsement/Score Transfer; PT Compact Privilege |
| Application Fee | $100 (online); AL JAM examination fee $48 (paid separately to FSBPT) |
| NPTE Required? | Yes |
| State Exam Required? | Yes — Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AL JAM), administered by FSBPT; 80% pass required; $48 FSBPT fee; effective October 7, 2024 |
| Background Check | Yes — fingerprint-based federal and state check through Fieldprint; effective June 14, 2024; mandated by Ala. Code §34-24-211 |
| Education Requirement | Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program; foreign-educated applicants processed through FCCPT |
| Lawful Presence Required? | Yes — proof of legal presence required for all applicants; Star ID satisfies this requirement |
| PT Compact Member? | Yes — active PT Compact member state; AL JAM required before compact privilege is granted |
| Processing Time | No official processing timeline published — applications cannot be finalized until all documentation, NPTE scores, AL JAM results, and Fieldprint background check results have been received and reviewed by the Board |
| Payment Methods | Online portal (credit/debit card); cashier’s check or money order for fees that cannot be paid online |
| Governing Statute | Ala. Code §§34-24-190 through 34-24-217; Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 700-X |
Alabama requires every physical therapist to hold an active state license before practicing within the state. The Alabama Board of Physical Therapy administers all licensure under Ala. Code §§34-24-190 through 34-24-217 and Administrative Code Chapter 700-X. The Board can be reached at (334) 242-4064 or info@pt.alabama.gov. Whether you are a new graduate preparing for the NPTE, an experienced PT relocating from another state, or a travel therapist exploring compact privilege options, Alabama has a well-defined application process — with a few requirements that may be new to therapists coming from other states.
Two elements of Alabama’s initial licensing process are worth flagging early. First, Alabama requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check through Fieldprint — a requirement effective June 14, 2024 under Ala. Code §34-24-211. The Board will not issue a license until it has received and reviewed the results, which come directly from Fieldprint. The Board’s guidance is to submit your application before going to a Fieldprint site for scanning, as criminal history records are only available to the Board for 30 days. Second, Alabama requires all new licensees and compact privilege applicants to pass the Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AL JAM) — a separate FSBPT-administered examination requiring an 80% passing score, with a $48 fee paid directly to FSBPT. This is a distinct examination, not simply a short online quiz, and must be completed before licensure is granted.
Alabama is an active PT Compact member state, giving eligible licensees access to compact privileges in other participating states and allowing out-of-state compact-eligible PTs to practice in Alabama — provided they complete the AL JAM first.
Alabama and the PT Compact
Alabama is an active member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Alabama PT licensees may purchase compact privileges in other participating member states, enabling practice across state lines without separate endorsement applications in each state. Out-of-state PTs holding a license in another compact member state may obtain an Alabama compact privilege in lieu of a full Alabama license.
One Alabama-specific requirement applies to compact privilege applicants: the AL JAM must be completed before the Alabama compact privilege is granted. This applies even to PTs who already hold a full license in another compact state and are seeking Alabama privilege only — the Board requires AL JAM passage as a condition of Alabama compact access. Verify current member state participation and compact privilege procedures through the PT Compact Commission, as membership can change.
Alabama PT License Requirements
Education
Applicants must have completed a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program appropriate for preparation as a physical therapist and successfully passed the NPTE. For US-educated applicants, official transcripts showing the posted degree must be sent directly to the Board from the institution — either electronically to info@pt.alabama.gov or by US mail.
Foreign-educated applicants must complete a credentials review through the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT). The evaluation from FCCPT and an English-translated transcript must be sent directly to the Board from FCCPT. The Board makes the sole determination on whether foreign educational credentials are equivalent and acceptable.
Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AL JAM)
Effective October 7, 2024, all applicants for initial Alabama licensure — whether by examination or by endorsement — must pass the AL JAM, authorized by Ala. Code §34-24-212. The AL JAM is a substantive jurisprudence examination administered by FSBPT, requires an 80% passing score, and carries a $48 fee paid directly to FSBPT. It is separate from both the NPTE and any continuing education jurisprudence requirement. Compact privilege applicants are also required to pass the AL JAM before Alabama compact access is granted.
Fingerprint-Based Background Check
All applicants must submit to a fingerprint-based federal and state criminal background check through Fieldprint (FieldPrint Code: FPABPTLicensees), mandated by Ala. Code §34-24-211 effective June 14, 2024. Critical sequencing note: submit your application with the Board before visiting a Fieldprint location for fingerprinting. Criminal history record information is only available to the Board for 30 days from Fieldprint, and license issuance cannot proceed until the Board has received and reviewed those results.
Lawful Presence Documentation
All applicants must provide proof of legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documentation includes a US birth certificate, unexpired passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of US citizenship, unexpired visa, or permanent resident card. An unexpired Star ID driver’s license or US passport satisfies both the government-issued photo ID and lawful presence requirements in a single document.
Licensure by Endorsement / Score Transfer
PTs licensed in another state may apply by endorsement or score transfer. Endorsement applicants must have official verification sent from each state in which they hold a license, and must have completed 10 hours of continuing education within the last 12 months — unless graduation was within the past 12 months. The AL JAM and fingerprint background check requirements apply equally to endorsement applicants.
Temporary License
Temporary licensure is available for qualifying applicants who have satisfied Board requirements, including the background check and AL JAM. A supervisory agreement form is required. Contact the Board for current temporary license conditions and supervisory requirements.
How to Apply for an Alabama PT License
- Submit your online application. Begin at the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy portal at alpt.portalus.thentiacloud.net and pay the $100 application fee. Submit your application before scheduling your Fieldprint appointment.
- Schedule and complete your Fieldprint background check. Use FieldPrint Code FPABPTLicensees at fieldprintalabama.com. Results go directly to the Board — do not delay, as records are only available to the Board for 30 days.
- Register for and pass the AL JAM. The Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module is administered by FSBPT at pt.fsbpt.net. The $48 fee is paid to FSBPT. An 80% passing score is required.
- Arrange NPTE score transfer. Have your NPTE scores sent to the Alabama Board through FSBPT’s score transfer service.
- Submit transcripts. Official transcripts showing your posted degree must be sent directly from your institution to the Board — electronically to info@pt.alabama.gov or by US mail to 100 North Union Street, Suite 724, Montgomery, AL 36130.
- Provide lawful presence documentation. Submit a government-issued photo ID and proof of legal presence. A Star ID or US passport satisfies both requirements.
- Await Board review and license issuance. The Board will review all materials including background check results. License issuance cannot proceed until the criminal history record information has been received and reviewed.
- Apply before fingerprinting — this sequence matters. The Board explicitly instructs applicants to submit their application before visiting a Fieldprint site. Criminal history records are only available to the Board for 30 days; if your application is not on file when Fieldprint submits results, those results may expire before the Board can act on them.
- The AL JAM is a substantive examination, not a short online quiz. The Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module is administered by FSBPT, carries its own $48 fee, and requires an 80% passing score. Budget time to prepare — it covers both the Alabama Practice Act and Administrative Code.
- Compact privilege applicants also need the AL JAM. Even if you are seeking an Alabama compact privilege rather than a full Alabama license, the AL JAM must be passed before Alabama compact access is granted.
- Star ID simplifies documentation. An unexpired Alabama Star ID driver’s license satisfies both the government-issued photo ID requirement and the lawful presence requirement in a single document, which can streamline the application process.
- Endorsement applicants: CE documentation required. If you have been licensed for more than 12 months, you must submit 10 hours of continuing education completed in the last 12 months with your endorsement application. Plan ahead so this does not become a bottleneck.
- Annual renewal cycle — plan for it from day one. Unlike most states, Alabama renews licenses annually with an October 1 expiration. Depending on when your license is issued, your first renewal may come within months. See the Alabama PT Renewal guide for full details.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — Licensing Requirements
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — Background Check (Fieldprint)
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — Fee Schedule
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — PT Compact Information
- Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 700-X — Rules and Regulations
Related Pages
- Alabama Physical Therapist License Renewal
- Kentucky Physical Therapist License Requirements
- Tennessee Physical Therapist License Requirements
- Physical Therapist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a state license required to practice as a physical therapist in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama law requires a state PT license to practice physical therapy or use the title “physical therapist.” Practicing without a license is a Class C misdemeanor under Ala. Code §34-24-196, punishable by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both. Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Fee Schedule
What is the Alabama Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AL JAM)?
The AL JAM is a jurisprudence examination administered by FSBPT, required for all new Alabama PT licensees and compact privilege applicants effective October 7, 2024 under Ala. Code §34-24-212. It requires an 80% passing score and carries a $48 fee paid directly to FSBPT. The AL JAM covers Alabama’s Physical Therapy Practice Act and Administrative Code and is separate from both the NPTE and continuing education jurisprudence requirements. Renewals do not require the AL JAM — only the 2-hour jurisprudence CE in applicable years. Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Licensing Requirements
Does Alabama require a criminal background check?
Yes. Effective June 14, 2024, all PT and PTA applicants must submit to a fingerprint-based federal and state criminal background check through Fieldprint (FieldPrint Code: FPABPTLicensees), mandated by Ala. Code §34-24-211. License issuance cannot proceed until the Board has received and reviewed the criminal history record information. Submit your application before going to a Fieldprint site — criminal history records are only available to the Board for 30 days. Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Background Check
Is Alabama a member of the PT Compact?
Yes. Alabama is an active PT Compact member state. Alabama PTs may purchase compact privileges in other participating member states, and out-of-state PTs may obtain an Alabama compact privilege in lieu of a full Alabama license. Alabama requires completion of the AL JAM before a compact privilege is granted — even for PTs who hold a full license in another compact member state. Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy PT Compact
What are the education requirements for an Alabama PT license?
US-educated applicants must have completed a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program and passed the NPTE. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the Board. Foreign-educated applicants must complete a credentials review through FCCPT; the evaluation and an English-translated transcript must be sent directly to the Board from FCCPT. Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Licensing Requirements
What proof of legal presence is required for an Alabama PT license?
All applicants must provide proof of legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include a US birth certificate, unexpired passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of US citizenship, unexpired visa, or permanent resident card. An unexpired Star ID driver’s license or US passport satisfies both the government-issued photo ID and lawful presence requirements. Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Licensing Requirements
What is the Alabama PT application fee?
The application fee is $100, paid online through the Board portal. In addition, the AL JAM examination carries a separate $48 fee paid directly to FSBPT. All fees collected by the Board are non-refundable. Source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Fee Schedule