Maine Physical Therapist License: Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Who This Guide Is For

• Physical therapists applying for a new Maine license by examination or endorsement
• PTs relocating to Maine from another state, including endorsement applicants who may qualify for an examination waiver
• Travel physical therapists evaluating Maine assignments — Maine has enacted PT Compact legislation but is not yet issuing or accepting compact privileges (see below)

Maine Licensing Overview

Maine requires anyone practicing physical therapy in the state to hold a license issued by the Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy, part of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Two pathways exist: licensure by examination for applicants who need to sit for the NPTE, and licensure by endorsement for applicants already licensed in another jurisdiction — the Board may waive the NPTE requirement for applicants qualifying under Maine’s endorsement provisions who previously passed an equivalent exam under equivalent passing standards.

Applications can be submitted online through OPOR’s licensing portal or by paper PDF form. Foreign-trained applicants must demonstrate credentials equivalent to a U.S.-trained physical therapist and show proficiency in written and spoken English.

PT Compact

Maine enacted PT Compact legislation (32 M.R.S. Chapter 149) that took effect January 1, 2026. As of July 5, 2026, the PT Compact Commission lists Maine as an enacted state that has not yet begun issuing or accepting compact privileges — it remains in an implementation phase, consistent with the Board’s own reference to a pending Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the Physical Therapy Compact Commission. Verify current implementation status directly with the PT Compact Commission before relying on compact practice authority, since this status can change.

Requirements

• Graduation from a physical therapy education program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Commissioner of Education (now the U.S. Department of Education) or the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation, or an approved foreign equivalent, with English proficiency demonstrated for foreign-trained applicants
• Passage of a Board-approved examination (the NPTE), for the examination pathway — may be waived for qualifying endorsement applicants
• A state and federal criminal history record check — fingerprinting is administered through the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police, State Bureau of Identification, with state records drawn from the Maine Criminal Justice Information System and federal records from the FBI
• Demonstration of trustworthiness and competence to safeguard the interests of the public

How to Apply

1. Determine your pathway — examination or endorsement
2. Apply online through OPOR’s ALMS licensing portal, or download and complete the applicable paper PDF application
3. For examination applicants, apply for exam eligibility through FSBPT ($25.00 processing fee) and have scores sent directly to the Board
4. Complete the required Maine/FBI criminal background check and fingerprinting ($21.00 fee)
5. Submit official transcripts directly from your degree-granting institution
6. Pay the $30.00 license fee by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, or check/money order payable to “Maine State Treasurer”

Relevant Statutes

• 32 M.R.S. Chapter 45-A — Physical Therapist Practice Act
• 32 M.R.S. Chapter 149 — Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

Related Pages

• Maine PT License Renewal Guide
• Physical Therapist Licensing — All States

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maine in the PT Compact? Maine has enacted PT Compact legislation effective January 1, 2026, but as of this page’s verification date it is not yet actively issuing or accepting compact privileges — it remains in an implementation phase. PT Compact Commission member map | 32 M.R.S. Chapter 149

Is there a Maine jurisprudence exam? Neither the Board’s licensing requirements nor the governing statutes identify a separate jurisprudence examination requirement for physical therapists. Board of Physical Therapy Licensing page

What kind of background check does Maine require? A state and federal criminal history record check — state records come from the Maine Criminal Justice Information System, federal records from the FBI, with fingerprinting administered by the State Bureau of Identification. 32 M.R.S. §3114-D

What licensing pathways does Maine offer for PTs? Licensure by Examination and Licensure by Endorsement; the Board may waive the examination for endorsement applicants who previously passed an equivalent exam. Board of Physical Therapy Licensing page

How much does it cost to apply for a Maine PT license? License fee: $30.00. Criminal history background check: $21.00. Total due at licensure: $51.00. NPTE eligibility processing (exam applicants only): $25.00, paid separately to apply for exam eligibility through FSBPT. Board of Physical Therapy Applications & Forms