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Friday, March 29, 2024



Foreign-Trained Applicant Information


The application is active for one year from the date of submission after which it will be destroyed if it has not been completed, including the furnishing of all documents and records that are requested. File to be destroyed per the state functional record retention schedule. 

Note: Applicants without a social security number at the time of application should consider waiting to submit an application until after it has been received. A license cannot be granted without a social security number.


NORTH CAROLINA PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE ACT

"§ 90-270.97. Licensure of foreign-trained physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Any person who has been trained as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in a foreign country and desires to be licensed under this Article and who:
  • (1) Is of good moral character;
  • (2) Holds a diploma from an educational program for physical therapists or physical therapist assistants approved by the Board:
  • (3) Submits documentary evidence to the Board of completion of a course of instruction substantially equivalent to that obtained by an applicant for licensure under G.S. 90-270.95; and
  • (4) Demonstrates satisfactory proof of proficiency in the English language; may make application on a form furnished by the Board for examination as a foreign-trained physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. At the time of making such application, the applicant shall pay to the secretary-treasurer of the Board the fee prescribed by the Board, no portion of which shall be returned."

  • The NC PT Practice Act requires that a PTA applicant must be a graduate of a PTA educational program; therefore, a PT graduate is not eligible for licensure as a PTA in North Carolina unless the PT has also graduated from a PTA educational program.
  • A foreign-trained physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who plans to practice in North Carolina must have a current North Carolina license prior to beginning employment in the State. North Carolina does not have temporary licensure.

NC G.S.§ 93B-14- The applicant shall furnish the Board with his/her social security number.


NC BOARD OF PT EXAMINERS BOARD RULES

  • (a) This Rule shall apply to a physical therapist who has graduated from a program located outside the United States that has not been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor, in accordance with G.S. 90-270.95(2), and does not hold an active license in another state or territory of the United States.
  • (b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.
  • (c) For the applicant's educational credential to be determined substantially equivalent to that obtained by an applicant for licensure pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(2), the applicant shall meet the standards of the Federation's most recent Coursework Tool (CWT) for Physical Therapists at https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/RegulatoryResources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx. These coursework tools are incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. Copies of the coursework tools are on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and are available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (d) The applicant shall make arrangements to have the credentials evaluated by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy or a service that has a physical therapist consultant on staff and that is authorized to use the Federation's CWTs for physical therapists referred to in Paragraph (c) of this Rule. The Board shall review an applicant's educational program and shall consider the findings of the credentialing service.
  • (e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:
    • (1) proof that the applicant has demonstrated English language proficiency by meeting the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score requirement as defined by the Federation. This test is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to register for the TOEFL shall contact Examination Testing Service (http://www.ets.org/toefl/). The cost of this examination is posted on the ETS website. The TOEFL is an examination that is owned by ETS and is not available for public review; or
    • (2) documentation for exemption pursuant to 8 CFR 212.15 (http://www.uscis.gov/). 8 CFR 212.15 is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy at no cost may call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD) toll free. A copy of 8 CFR 212.15 is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (f) An applicant for licensure shall provide a complete set of fingerprints at the applicant's expense in order to obtain a criminal history record check in accordance with G.S. 90-270.96 and G.S. 143B-964.

History Note:
Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);
Eff. December 30, 1985;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1991; August 1, 1991;
Temporary Amendment Eff. July 21, 1995, for a period of 180 days or until the permanent Rule becomes effective, whichever is sooner;
Amended Eff. February 1, 2015; December 1, 2006; November 1, 2004; August 1, 2002; August 1, 1998; February 1, 1996; October 1, 1995;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;
Amended Eff. May 1, 2020; September 1, 2019; November 1, 2018

  • (a) This Rule shall apply to a physical therapist who has graduated from a program located outside the United States that has not been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor, in accordance with G.S. 90-270.95(2), and holds an active physical therapist license in another state or territory of the United States.
  • (b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.
  • (c) For the applicant's educational credentials to be determined substantially equivalent to an educational program accredited pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(2), the applicant shall meet the standards of the Federation's Coursework Tool (CWT) https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/Regulatory Resources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx for the applicant's year of graduation. This coursework tool is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. A copy of the coursework tool is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (d) The applicant shall make arrangements to have the credentials evaluated by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy or a service that has a physical therapist consultant on staff and that is authorized to use the Federation's CWTs for physical therapists referred to in Paragraph (c) of this Rule. The Board shall review an applicant's educational program and shall consider the findings of the credentialing service.
  • (e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:
    • (1) proof that the applicant has demonstrated English language proficiency by meeting the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score requirement as defined by the Federation. This test is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to register for the TOEFL shall contact Examination Testing Service (http://www.ets.org/toefl/). The cost of this examination is posted on the ETS website. The TOEFL is an examination that is owned by ETS and is not available for public review; or
    • (2) documentation for exemption pursuant to 8 CFR 212.15 (http://www.uscis.gov/). 8 CFR 212.15 is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy at no cost may call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD) toll free. A copy of 8 CFR 212.15 is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (f) An applicant for licensure shall provide a complete set of fingerprints at the applicant's expense in order to obtain a criminal history record check in accordance with G.S. 90-270.96 and G.S. 143B-964.

History Note:
Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.95(2); 90-270-97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);
Eff. February 1, 2015;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;
Amended Eff. May 1, 2020; September 1, 2019; November 1, 2018.

  • (a) This Rule shall apply to a physical therapist assistant who has graduated from a program located outside the United States that has not been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor, in accordance with G.S. 90-270.95(3), and holds an active physical therapist assistant license in another state or territory of the United States.
  • (b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.
  • (c) For the applicant's educational credentials to be determined substantially equivalent to that obtained by an applicant for licensure pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(3), the applicant shall meet the standards of the Federation's most recent Coursework Tool (CWT) for Physical Therapist Assistants https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/Regulatory Resources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx for the applicant's year of graduation. This coursework tool is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. A copy of the coursework tool is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (d) The applicant shall make arrangements to have the credentials evaluated by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy or a service that has a physical therapist consultant on staff and that is authorized to use the Federation's CWTs for physical therapist assistants referred to in Paragraph (c) of this Rule. The Board shall review an applicant's educational program and shall consider the findings of the credentialing service.
  • (e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:
    • (1) proof that the applicant has demonstrated English language proficiency by meeting the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL score requirement as defined by the Federation. This test is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to register for the TOEFL shall contact Examination Testing Service (http://www.ets.org/toefl/). The cost of this examination is posted on the ETS website. The TOEFL is an examination that is owned by ETS and is not available for public review; or
    • (2) documentation for exemption pursuant to 8 CFR 212.15 (http://www.uscis.gov/). 8 CFR 212.15 is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy at no cost may call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD) toll free. A copy of 8 CFR 212.15 is on file at the 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (f) An applicant for licensure shall provide a complete set of fingerprints at the applicant's expense in order to obtain a criminal history record check in accordance with G.S. 90-270.96 and G.S. 143B-964.

History Note:
Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);
Eff. February 1, 2015;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;
Amended Eff. May 1, 2020; September 1, 2019; November 1, 2018.

  • (a) This Rule shall apply to a physical therapist assistant who has graduated from a program located outside the United States that has not been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor, in accordance with G.S. 90-270.95(3).
  • (b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.
  • (c) For the applicant's educational credentials to be determined substantially equivalent to that obtained by an applicant for licensure pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(3), the applicant shall meet the standards of the most recent Federation's Coursework Tool (CWT) for Physical Therapist Assistants https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/Regulatory Resources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx. This coursework tool is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. A copy of the coursework tool is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (d) The applicant shall make arrangements to have the credentials evaluated by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy or a service that has a physical therapist consultant on staff and that is authorized to use the Federation's CWTs for physical therapist assistants referred to in Paragraph (c) of this Rule. The Board shall review an applicant's educational program and shall consider the findings of the credentialing service.
  • (e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:
    • (1) proof that the applicant has demonstrated English language proficiency by meeting the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL score requirement as defined by the Federation. This test is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to register for the TOEFL shall contact Examination Testing Service (http://www.ets.org/toefl/). The cost of this examination is posted on the ETS website. The TOEFL is an examination that is owned by ETS and is not available for public review; or
    • (2) documentation for exemption pursuant to 8 CFR 212.15 (http://www.uscis.gov/). 8 CFR 212.15 is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy at no cost may call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD) toll free. A copy of 8 CFR 212.15 is on file at the 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
  • (f) An applicant for licensure shall provide a complete set of fingerprints at the applicant's expense in order to obtain a criminal history record check in accordance with G.S. 90-270.96 and G.S. 143B-964.

History Note:
Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);
Eff. May 1, 2020.


To apply for PT/PTA licensure by exam a foreign-trained applicant does not have a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another state.

To apply for PT/PTA licensure by endorsement a foreign-trained applicant has an active physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license in another state.

Using the Application Instructions, Foreign-Trained Applicants will apply for a PT/PTA license the same as other applicants with these important differences:


SATISFACTORY PROOF OF PROFICIENCY IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

According to the North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act and Board Rules, as of May 1, 2020, the applicant will show proof of demonstrated English language proficiency by meeting the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score requirement as ‘defined by the Federation’. The current TOEFL score requirement as defined by the Federation was adopted on July 1, 2016 and is as follows:

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy 16-07-01 Motion adopted, "Adopt the following individual section and total cut scores on TOEFL iBT for both Physical Therapists (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA). These scores must be obtained in one sitting."

  • Reading: 22
  • Listening: 21
  • Speaking: 24
  • Writing: 22
  • Total Minimum: 89
The NC Board of PT Examiners only accepts the TOEFL iBT (including the Home Edition version).

For additional Information about TOEFL go to: https://www.ets.org/toefl


A foreign-educated applicant may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement if the applicant has also graduated from a college or university in the United States, or the following countries listed below (such as the tDPT), in addition to the entry level foreign PT/PTA degree.

Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom

See Federal Statue 8 CFR 212.15(g) English language requirements, and current Board Rules.

NOTE: A transcript documenting graduation must be submitted for exemption from the requirement.

EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS EVALUATION

The credentials of a foreign-trained physical therapist/physical therapist assistant who is not a graduate of a CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education) accredited program, whether applying for licensure by examination or by endorsement, must be evaluated by a credentialing service acceptable to the Board to determine if the course of instruction is substantially equivalent to that of the United States trained physical therapist. Educational Credentials Evaluations must be sent to the Board directly from the Credentialling service. Credentialing services accepted by the Board are as follows:

  • 1. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy
    (FCCPT) 124 West Street South, 3rd Floor
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    Telephone 703/684-8406, Fax 703/684- 8715
    Email address: fccpt@fsbpt.org
  • 2. International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (ICD)
    P.O. Box 8629
    Philadelphia, PA 19101-8629
    Telephone 215-243-5858
    Email address: www.icdel.com
  • 3. International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
    (IERF) PO Box 3665 Culver City, CA 90231- 3655
    Telephone 310-258-9451, Fax: 310-342-7086
    Email: info@ierf.org ; Website: www.ierf.org (applications available)

For additional Information review the Foreign-Trained FAQ


Questions?  Email PTBoard@ncptboard.org.
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