1. What do I have to do to work (as a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Athletic Trainer) in Delaware?
2. How do I get a license?
3. What examinations do I have to take?
4. What are the fees to get a license?
5. How long will it take to get a license by reciprocity?
6. How long will it take to get a license by examination?
7. Can I get a temporary license?
8. How long does it take to get a temporary license?
9. What is the continuing education requirement?
10. Do I need to have a U.S. Social Security Number in order to obtain a professional license, permit or registration?

Question: What do I have to do to work (as a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Athletic Trainer) in Delaware?

Answer: You must be licensed by the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists before working in Delaware. This is true even if you are already licensed in another state.

Question: How do I get a license?

Answer: The procedure for licensure differs according to whether you are applying "by examination" (that is, you need to take the National Physical Therapy Examination) or "by reciprocity" (that is, you are already licensed in another state). It also makes a difference if you are foreign-trained. All of these procedures are explained elsewhere on this website under licensure requirements.

Question: What examinations do I have to take?

Answer: The only examination you have to take is the National Physical Therapy Examination. The passing score is 600, the criterion referenced score set by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. See http://www.fsbpt.org/exams/index.asp. There is no examination on state law and regulations.

Question: What are the fees to get a license?

Answer: The pro-rated fee must accompany your application. The amount of the license fee you pay is pro-rated according to how many months are left in the license period.

Question: How long will it take to get a license by reciprocity?

Answer: This depends on how long it takes for the Board office to receive all the required documentation. Once all of the documents are received, your application is placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting. If the Board approves your application at that meeting, the Board office will issue your license number and certificate. If all documents are received timely, processing time is between one and two months.

Question: How long will it take to get a license by examination?

Answer: This depends on how long it takes for the Board office to receive all the required documentation and when you schedule your examination. When the Board office receives the required proof of your education, it notifies the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy within one week that you are approved to register for the examination. If the federation has already received the examination fee from you, it will send you a letter authorizing you to schedule the examination. You have 60 days from the date of that letter in which to schedule your examination. Scores are received in the Board office within a week after you take the examination and, if all required documentation is already in file (e.g., your final transcript), your application will be placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting. Following the Board meeting, the Board office will issue your license number and certificate. If all documents are received timely, processing time is about three months.

Question: Can I get a temporary license?

Answer: If you are offered a position in Delaware, you may apply for a temporary license. Temporary licenses are good for 90 days, and you must work under direct supervision. If you are applying by examination, your education must meet the requirements for licensure. If you later fail the examination, the temporary license expires immediately. If you are applying by reciprocity, you must provide letters of good standing from all other states in which you are currently, or have ever been, licensed.

Question: How long does it take to get a temporary license?

Answer: Once all the required documentation is received in the Board office, your application for a temporary license will be reviewed. Temporary license applications are reviewed weekly, generally on Thursdays. You are then notified to pay the temporary license fee of $25. When the Board office receives the fee, your license number and certificate are issued. If all documents are received timely and fees paid promptly, processing time is one to two weeks.

Question: What is the continuing education requirement?

Answer: Generally, you are required to complete 3.0 continuing education units (CEU's) to renew your license every two years. However, for the first renewal after you are licensed, the CEU's are pro-rated according to how much time is left in the current two-year license period. Please see Section 7.0 of the Board's Rules and Regulations for more information.

Question: Do I need to have a U.S. Social Security Number in order to obtain a professional license, permit or registration?

Answer: If you have been issued a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), you are required to record it on your application for a license, permit or registration. The professional license, permit or registration will not be issued until the SSN is provided.