Application FAQ

Choose an email address that you will check frequently and use throughout the application process and your PT/PTA career. We use email to send important information regarding your application and then after you receive your license. If emailing from a new address, include your name and application or license number.

When creating a login for the first time, check that you have clicked the verification link sent to your email. Also check your junk email filters as well. If it has been more than a few days, the link will have expired.
Check that the email you are using is the one you used to login previously. If still unable to login, use the “forgot password” link on the login screen.
If continue to have issues, send an email to NCPT_IT@ncptboard.org and note “login issues” in the subject line.

A social security number is required for licensure in North Carolina. Applicants without a social security number at the time of application should consider waiting to submit an application until after it has been received from the Social Security Administration. An 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.

After the online application is completed, log back in to upload a headshot style photo against a plain white or off-white solid background taken within the past 6 months. (Do NOT upload a copy of your passport or your photo from a passport.) Your application is not complete until your photo is received. It may take a few days for your status to be updated that it was received.

If continue to have issues, send an email to NCPT_IT@ncptboard.org and note “photo upload” in the subject line.

Only Endorsement applicants are required to furnish a professional physical therapy work history. You can submit a resume after your online application is completed. This work history should go back to the year of the NPTE and note any gaps.

Exam applicants do not need to furnish a work history.

The FSBPT alternative approval pathway for exam eligibility is only for CAPTE accredited applicants. FSBPT determines NPTE eligibility after receiving validation from your school that you are on track to graduate. Contact FSBPT to process all Special Accommodation requests.

Non-CAPTE applicants and applicants educated outside of the United States will still be made eligible by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (NCBPTE).

All applicants must apply to the NCBPTE using the online application to be licensed in the state of North Carolina.

FBI Criminal Background Check (CBC) Information will be emailed to applicants who have paid all non-refundable fees and submitted their application online. (NOTE: These results can take up to 90 days after the fingerprint card is received to be processed so complete this step EARLY in your application process.)

Document forms and additional information are available at the end of the online application.

• Character reference forms must be sent directly from the person completing the reference. A family member or relative cannot provide a reference.
• Education transcript must be sent directly (mail or electronically) by the school Registrar once you graduate. Foreign educated applicants have additional requirements noted on the link available on the Applications page.
• Online Jurisprudence Exercise 1 can be accessed online two business days from submitting your application. This is an open book exercise and the applicant may use the North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act for reference.
• NPTE Score Information sent electronically by FSBPT. For applicants testing through North Carolina, the Board will receive these scores automatically. Endorsement and applicants taking the exam in another state or jurisdiction, must request that their scores be sent electronically by FSBPT.
• License Verification of an active license sent by one United States Physical Therapy Licensing Board from that state directly to the Board (mail or electronically).

Your 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.

If you are a military member/spouse or veteran/veteran spouse, the application fee portion will be waived with military paperwork; however, there is a charge for the FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check process. Be sure to respond to the appropriate questions on the online application about military affiliation.

Military documents (ID or other military paperwork like DD214) can be uploaded or mailed to the Board office after the online application is completed.

After submitting the online application, you will be directed to a secure credit card payment system. The system contains links that return you to the online application to complete the last steps. Once payment is received, applicants have access to the online services features of the website. It will take a few days for your application and payment to be processed by the Board office.

While the application fee is waived for military applicants, there is a charge for the FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check process.

A receipt of payment will be sent to the email on file. If a receipt for tax or work purposes is required, save this email.

Login in to the Application Status page to see what documents have been received. If blank, the documents have either not been received and/or processed. The Board office staff will communicate any issues either via the notes section on the status letter or via email to the applicant. A link to check your application status is on the home page of the website.

It is an exercise designed to assist applicants and licensees in understanding the law, rules, and positions statements for physical therapy licensure in North Carolina.

New applicants are required to complete Jurisprudence Exercise 1 before licensure. The online Jurisprudence Exercise is available to new applicants after they have completed the online application process. Revival applicants are also required to complete Jurisprudence Exercise 1. Compact Privilege applicants must complete the Jurisprudence Exercise.

Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Send an email to PTBoard@ncptboard.org with "Name Change" in the subject line. Include your full name as it currently appears on your application, your new name, and date of birth.

Attach ONE of these supporting documents as a PDF:

• Copy of a state-issued marriage license that includes the original signature and seal from the clerk of court.
• Copy of an official divorce decree restoring maiden name.
• Copy of a court order showing the name change (adoption, legal name change, federal identity change).

It is your responsibility to notify the Board within 30 days (Board rule: 21 NCAC 48F.0105) of any changes in relevant contact information (name, home and/or business address, email, phone numbers) to ensure timely receipt of important correspondence related to your licensure and physical therapy regulation in North Carolina.

If you are an Exam applicant taking the NPTE, you use will need your ID to match the information supplied to the testing agency for FSBPT or you may be denied access to the testing center. Check with FSBPT (www.fsbpt.org) for additional details.

Login using the User ID and password you originally created to change or update your address information at any time.

It is your responsibility to notify the Board within 30 days (Board rule: 21 NCAC 48F.0105) of any changes in relevant contact information (name, home and/or business address, email, phone numbers) to ensure timely receipt of important correspondence related to your licensure and physical therapy regulation in North Carolina.

Login using the User ID and password you originally created to change or update this information at any time.

If continue to have issues, send an email to NCPT_IT@ncptboard.org and note “login issues” in the subject line.

When you click Next on the page, the information is automatically saved. After you login again, you can return to an earlier page; click next at the bottom of the screen until you get to the page you were working on.

Once you click "Finish" on the final page, this information is closed and you cannot return to edit these screens.

When an applicant's file has ALL the required documents, the file is forwarded to the Board for review. The Board review can take up to 10 business days. The turnaround time after the Board review is up to 3 business days to complete the licensure process.

On the Board website home page, click Licensee Lookup. If you are licensed, your license number will appear after you type your full name. The Board office staff mails a license packet to the preferred address listed in our system. If you want to print a copy of your license card, click Print License Card on the Board website home page.