Occupational Therapist / Mississippi
2026 data Mississippi board official source

Mississippi Occupational Therapist License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Helps patients develop daily living and work skills. Requires masters or doctoral degree.

What the Mississippi data shows for Occupational Therapists

Becoming a licensed occupational therapist in Mississippi means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,297 training hours, a passing score on NBCOT Certification Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Mississippi regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Upfront cost is $142, with renewal running $127 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 36 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For occupational therapists, the reciprocity picture is: OT Licensure Compact: 25+ member states.

Licensing Requirements in Mississippi

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,297 hours
Exam Requirement
NBCOT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$142
Renewal Fee
$127
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Mississippi licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Occupational Therapist in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires 3297 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBCOT Certification Exam), and an initial fee of $142. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Occupational Therapist in Mississippi?
Mississippi licenses occupational therapists who complete its requirements (3297 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Mississippi licensing board.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Mississippi from another state?
For occupational therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: OT Licensure Compact: 25+ member states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Mississippi licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Mississippi require a background check for Occupational Therapist licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for occupational therapist licensing in Mississippi. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Occupational Therapist in Mississippi?
To stay licensed as an occupational therapist in Mississippi, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $127.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites