Physical Therapist Licensure in Arizona
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Timeline 9 weeks or more
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Initial Costs $432
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Renewal Costs $160
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CE Requirements 20 Hours
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Compact Yes
How to apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Arizona, you'll be working with the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through their online system, the Thentia Cloud Portal. Before you start, I recommend getting the ball rolling on your Fingerprint Clearance Card, as this is a unique requirement for the state that involves a separate agency.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Fingerprint Clearance Card: Arizona requires a specific "Fingerprint Clearance Card" issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), not just a standard background check. Head over to the AZ DPS website to apply for this card. You will need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment (often with a vendor like Fieldprint) as part of this process.
- Submit Your Application: Create an account on the Thentia Cloud Portal. Fill out the application for "Licensure by Endorsement" if you are already licensed in another state. You will need to upload proof of your Fingerprint Clearance Card application or the card itself if you already have it.
- Request Your Documents: Head over to the FSBPT dashboard to transfer your NPTE scores to Arizona. You must also contact your university registrar to send your official transcripts directly to the Board. Do not upload these yourself; they must come from the source.
- Take the Jurisprudence Exam (AZLAW): Once your application is processed, you will be authorized to take the Arizona Jurisprudence Exam (AZLAW). You will register for this exam through the FSBPT and take it at a Prometric testing center. It is an open-book exam covering the state's statutes and rules.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License or government ID, your Social Security Number, and your Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card (or proof of application).
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school) and NPTE Score Transfer (via FSBPT).
- Exams: The AZLAW Jurisprudence Exam. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and you have one hour to complete it.
- Compact Privilege: Arizona is a member of the PT Compact. If you have a compact privilege from another member state, you may not need a full license. Check the PT Compact website to see if you qualify.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arizona:
- Application Fee: $260
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $87 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $85
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $432
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arizona Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by August 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $160.
Note: Watch out—missing the deadline results in immediate administrative suspension and requires a reinstatement fee!
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: August 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: you can complete all 20 hours online! Arizona does not place a limit on home-study or distance learning as long as the courses meet Category A, B, or C requirements.
Provider Restrictions: At least 10 hours must be "Category A" coursework. These must be approved by an accredited medical, physical therapy, or health care education institution, or a national or state physical therapy association. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for Category A credits.
Mandatory Topics
- Category A Coursework (Minimum 10 units)
- Category B or C Coursework (Maximum 10 units allowed; however, all 20 may be Category A)
- Jurisprudence: No specific law or ethics exam is required for renewal, though you must remain compliant with the Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: CPR certification, staff meetings, orientation, and courses related to office management, marketing, or business.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license was issued more than one year before the renewal date, 20 hours are required. If issued one year or less before the renewal date, only 10 hours are required for the first cycle.
Reporting: Arizona is audit-based. You do not need to report hours at the time of renewal, but you must maintain documentation and certificates for at least two renewal cycles (4 years) in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 1740 W Adams, Suite 2450 Phoenix AZ, 85007
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (602) 274-0236
- Email: phoenix.bryant@ptboard.az.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Arizona, you'll be working with the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through their online system, the Thentia Cloud Portal. Before you start, I recommend getting the ball rolling on your Fingerprint Clearance Card, as this is a unique requirement for the state that involves a separate agency.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Fingerprint Clearance Card: Arizona requires a specific "Fingerprint Clearance Card" issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), not just a standard background check. Head over to the AZ DPS website to apply for this card. You will need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment (often with a vendor like Fieldprint) as part of this process.
- Submit Your Application: Create an account on the Thentia Cloud Portal. Fill out the application for "Licensure by Endorsement" if you are already licensed in another state. You will need to upload proof of your Fingerprint Clearance Card application or the card itself if you already have it.
- Request Your Documents: Head over to the FSBPT dashboard to transfer your NPTE scores to Arizona. You must also contact your university registrar to send your official transcripts directly to the Board. Do not upload these yourself; they must come from the source.
- Take the Jurisprudence Exam (AZLAW): Once your application is processed, you will be authorized to take the Arizona Jurisprudence Exam (AZLAW). You will register for this exam through the FSBPT and take it at a Prometric testing center. It is an open-book exam covering the state's statutes and rules.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License or government ID, your Social Security Number, and your Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card (or proof of application).
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school) and NPTE Score Transfer (via FSBPT).
- Exams: The AZLAW Jurisprudence Exam. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and you have one hour to complete it.
- Compact Privilege: Arizona is a member of the PT Compact. If you have a compact privilege from another member state, you may not need a full license. Check the PT Compact website to see if you qualify.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arizona:
- Application Fee: $260
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $87 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $85
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $432
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arizona Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by August 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $160.
Note: Watch out—missing the deadline results in immediate administrative suspension and requires a reinstatement fee!
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: August 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: you can complete all 20 hours online! Arizona does not place a limit on home-study or distance learning as long as the courses meet Category A, B, or C requirements.
Provider Restrictions: At least 10 hours must be "Category A" coursework. These must be approved by an accredited medical, physical therapy, or health care education institution, or a national or state physical therapy association. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for Category A credits.
Mandatory Topics
- Category A Coursework (Minimum 10 units)
- Category B or C Coursework (Maximum 10 units allowed; however, all 20 may be Category A)
- Jurisprudence: No specific law or ethics exam is required for renewal, though you must remain compliant with the Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: CPR certification, staff meetings, orientation, and courses related to office management, marketing, or business.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license was issued more than one year before the renewal date, 20 hours are required. If issued one year or less before the renewal date, only 10 hours are required for the first cycle.
Reporting: Arizona is audit-based. You do not need to report hours at the time of renewal, but you must maintain documentation and certificates for at least two renewal cycles (4 years) in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy:
- Address: 1740 W Adams, Suite 2450 Phoenix AZ, 85007
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (602) 274-0236
- Email: phoenix.bryant@ptboard.az.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.