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Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in Arkansas

  • Timeline 6-9 weeks
  • Initial Costs $111
  • Renewal Costs $3
  • CE Requirements 10 Hours
  • Compact No

How to apply

To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas State Medical Board. You will submit your application by mail using the forms found in the OT/OTA Application Pack, and later track your status through the Applicant Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Download the Application Pack: Head over to the Board's website and download the "OT/OTA Application Pack." This PDF contains the forms you need to fill out. Since Arkansas uses a paper-first process for new applicants, you'll need to print, complete, and mail these forms along with your application fee to the address listed in the packet.
  2. Submit Your Application: Once you've filled out the forms, hit submit by mailing the entire packet to the Board. After they receive and process your initial application, they will assign you a "FileID." You will need this ID to log into the Applicant Portal and track your status.
  3. Background Check: After the Board receives your application, they will provide you with specific instructions for the criminal background check. This typically involves a fingerprinting process. Wait for their official guidance to ensure you use the correct vendor and codes.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A passport-quality photo to attach to your application, your driver's license, and your social security number.
  • Items to Request: Request your Official Transcripts be sent directly from your school to the Board. You also need to request a Verification of Certification/Licensure directly from the NBCOT.
  • Exams: Arkansas does not have a separate jurisprudence exam, but you will likely need to sign an affidavit stating you have read the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Practice Act and Rules.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:

  • Application Fee: $75
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $36 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $111

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: Arkansas Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by the last day of your birth month.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $3.

Note: Renewal fees are currently significantly reduced through June 2026, but be sure to renew during your birth month to avoid a late penalty.

10 Contact Hours required every year.

Deadline: The last day of your birth month annually.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Arkansas currently allows all 10 contact hours to be completed through home-study or online courses.

Provider Restrictions: Arkansas accepts courses that are relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Content provided by AOTA-approved providers or through platforms like MedBridge is generally accepted.

Mandatory Topics

  • No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you! (All courses must be directly related to the clinical practice of occupational therapy).


Excluded Topics: Business or office management, billing, marketing, social work, and basic CPR or First Aid courses are strictly excluded.

New Licensee Rule: Occupational therapy practitioners licensed in Arkansas are exempt from continuing education requirements for their first renewal period.

Reporting: Arkansas uses CE Broker for digital tracking. While you should report your hours there, you must also maintain your own records for at least 2 years in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee:


Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.

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How to Apply

To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas State Medical Board. You will submit your application by mail using the forms found in the OT/OTA Application Pack, and later track your status through the Applicant Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Download the Application Pack: Head over to the Board's website and download the "OT/OTA Application Pack." This PDF contains the forms you need to fill out. Since Arkansas uses a paper-first process for new applicants, you'll need to print, complete, and mail these forms along with your application fee to the address listed in the packet.
  2. Submit Your Application: Once you've filled out the forms, hit submit by mailing the entire packet to the Board. After they receive and process your initial application, they will assign you a "FileID." You will need this ID to log into the Applicant Portal and track your status.
  3. Background Check: After the Board receives your application, they will provide you with specific instructions for the criminal background check. This typically involves a fingerprinting process. Wait for their official guidance to ensure you use the correct vendor and codes.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A passport-quality photo to attach to your application, your driver's license, and your social security number.
  • Items to Request: Request your Official Transcripts be sent directly from your school to the Board. You also need to request a Verification of Certification/Licensure directly from the NBCOT.
  • Exams: Arkansas does not have a separate jurisprudence exam, but you will likely need to sign an affidavit stating you have read the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Practice Act and Rules.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:

  • Application Fee: $75
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $36 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $111

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: Arkansas Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by the last day of your birth month.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $3.

Note: Renewal fees are currently significantly reduced through June 2026, but be sure to renew during your birth month to avoid a late penalty.

10 Contact Hours required every year.

Deadline: The last day of your birth month annually.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Arkansas currently allows all 10 contact hours to be completed through home-study or online courses.

Provider Restrictions: Arkansas accepts courses that are relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Content provided by AOTA-approved providers or through platforms like MedBridge is generally accepted.

Mandatory Topics

  • No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you! (All courses must be directly related to the clinical practice of occupational therapy).


Excluded Topics: Business or office management, billing, marketing, social work, and basic CPR or First Aid courses are strictly excluded.

New Licensee Rule: Occupational therapy practitioners licensed in Arkansas are exempt from continuing education requirements for their first renewal period.

Reporting: Arkansas uses CE Broker for digital tracking. While you should report your hours there, you must also maintain your own records for at least 2 years in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee:


Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.

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