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Division of
Professional Regulation

Frequently Asked Questions



  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?
  6. Can I get a temporary license?
  7. How long does it take to get a temporary license?
  8. Do I have to have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for a license?
  9. What is the continuing education requirement?
  10. How do I obtain compact privileges as a Delaware Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)?

Answers

 

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 and Athletic Trainers before working in Delaware. This is true even if you are already licensed in another state. Review the webpages on this site to see information on the different license types and then follow the instructions on log in to DELPROS online portal to apply.

 

How do I get a license?

Answer: The licensure procedure differs based on whether you are applying “by examination” (that is, you need to take the national examination) or “by reciprocity” (that is, you are already licensed in another jurisdiction). It also depends on whether you are foreign-trained. For instructions on the requirements as well as how to apply in the online portal, see the type of license you want to apply for: Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Athletic Trainer.

 

What examinations do I have to take?

Answer: For licensure as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The passing score is 600, the criterion-referenced score set by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. There is no examination on Delaware law and regulations, and the TOEFL is not required. For more information about the exam, including the Candidate Handbook, see NPTE.

For licensure as an Athletic Trainer, you must pass the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) examination. For information about the exam, see BOC exam eligibility.

 

What are the fees to get a license?

Answer: See Fee Schedule.

 

How long will it take to get a license?

Answer: It depends on whether you are applying by examination or reciprocity and how long it takes for the Board office to receive all the required documentation.

  • If you are applying for a PT or PTA license by examination, the Board office will notify you that you are eligible to take the exam when it receives the required proof of your education. The Board office will also notify the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) that you are eligible.
  • You must register for and schedule your exam directly with FSBPT. For FSBPT’s instructions, see Arranging to Take the NPTE.
  • The Board office will send you your scores within 7-10 business days after you take the exam.
  • Even if you pass, the Board must still review and approve your application. When the Board office receives all required documentation (e.g., your final transcript), it will place your application on the agenda for the next Board meeting. After the meeting, the Board office will issue your license.

For information on the requirements for applying by examination and reciprocity, see the type of license you are applying for: Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Athletic Trainer.

 

Can I get a temporary license to work while I wait for my license?

Answer: A temporary license allows you to practice in Delaware before you take the exam and then, after passing the exam, while you wait for the Board to approve your licensure. You may apply for a temporary license only if you are offered a job in Delaware. The temporary license is good for 90 days. You must work under direct supervision (Section 1.2 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations). If you fail the exam, the temporary license expires immediately. For instructions on applying for a temporary license, see the type of license you want to apply for: Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Athletic Trainer.

 

How long does it take to get a temporary license?

Answer: When the Board office receives the required proof of your education, Statement of Supervising Physical Therapist or Athletic Trainer, and your criminal background check, it will promptly review your application for a temporary license.

 

Do I have to have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for a license?

Answer: If you have been issued a U.S. SSN, you must enter it in DELPROS, our secure online portal. You can only proceed with your online application if you either enter your SSN or attest that you have never been issued a SSN. If you are later issued a U.S. SSN, you should promptly report it and send proof to the Board office.

 

What is the continuing education requirement?

Answer: Generally, you are required to complete 3.0 continuing education units (CEUs) to renew your license every two years. Your CEUs for each renewal must include 0.2 units (two hours) of ethics and a CPR course, which will count for 0.1 unit (one hour). However, for the first renewal after you are licensed, the CEUs are prorated according to how much time is left in the current two-year license period. See Section 13.0 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations for complete information. You enter all of your CEUs in the online portal CE Tracker.
 

How do I obtain compact privileges as a Delaware Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)?

Answer: You must hold an active Delaware PT or PTA license. For information on how to obtain compact privileges go to https://ptcompact.org/How-to-Get-Privileges.


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