Physical Therapist / North Carolina
2026 data North Carolina board official source

North Carolina Physical Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Evaluates and treats movement disorders and injuries. Requires doctoral degree.

What the North Carolina data shows for Physical Therapists

North Carolina's path to physical therapist licensure runs through 3,446 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. North Carolina folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)".

Upfront cost is $198, with renewal running $175 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
36/100
Physical Therapist · North Carolina

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,446 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$198
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$88/yr
$175 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
3,446 hours
Exam Requirement
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$198
Renewal Fee
$175
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Physical Therapist All North Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physical Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
In North Carolina, the license path calls for 3446 education/training hours, a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam), and a $198 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physical Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
To become a licensed physical therapist in North Carolina, you must meet the state's requirements including 3446 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the North Carolina licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to North Carolina from another state? ▼
Physical Therapist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does North Carolina require a background check for Physical Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physical therapist licensing in North Carolina. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physical Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
Licensed physical therapists in North Carolina must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $175.

Related Guides

What to do with this physical therapist license

Physical Therapist in North Carolina, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a physical therapist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how North Carolina's physical therapist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Physical Therapist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state physical therapist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how North Carolina's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. North Carolina overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the North Carolina licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.