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Physical Therapist Licensure in Hawaii

  • Timeline 9 weeks or more
  • Initial Costs $300
  • Renewal Costs $230
  • CE Requirements 30 Units
  • Compact No

How to apply

To secure your Travel Physical Therapist license in Hawaii, you'll be working with the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through MyPVL. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create Your Account: Head over to MyPVL to create your account. This is the central hub where you'll manage your application and check your status.
  2. Submit Application: Complete the online application for licensure. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully, especially regarding your history, as discrepancies can cause delays. Hit submit once you're confident everything is accurate.
  3. Transcripts: Request your official transcripts from your PT program. These must be sent directly from your school to the Board. Do not send them yourself.
  4. NPTE Scores: Log in to the FSBPT website and request a score transfer to Hawaii. This ensures the Board receives your official National Physical Therapy Examination results.
  5. Jurisprudence Exam: You must pass the Hawaii Jurisprudence Assessment Module (HI JAM). Register for this assessment through the FSBPT website. It tests your knowledge of Hawaii's specific laws and rules.
  6. Background Check: You will likely need to obtain a criminal history record check. The application instructions will guide you on whether to use the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center or another specific vendor. Follow the steps provided in the portal carefully.
  7. License Verification: If you hold or have held licenses in other states, you'll need to provide verification. Most states use the FSBPT's License Verification Service, but check if any of your states require a direct request.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: Social Security Number, Driver's License, and employment history for the past few years.
  • Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NPTE Score Transfer (via FSBPT), and License Verifications (via FSBPT or state boards).
  • Exams: You must pass the HI JAM (Hawaii Jurisprudence Assessment Module).

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

  • Application Fee: $300
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $0 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $300

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

When to Renew: Hawaii Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by December 31st of even-numbered years.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $230.

Note: You must complete 30 Continuing Competence Units (CCUs) during the two-year licensing period to be eligible for renewal.

30 Competence Units (CUs) required every two years.

Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: Hawaii currently has no limit on online or home-study courses, allowing you to complete all 30 CUs through distance learning.

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the APTA (including state chapters and sections), the FSBPT (ProCert), or an accredited PT/PTA program. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as their courses typically carry the necessary APTA or state-chapter approvals.

Mandatory Topics

  • Ethics or Hawaii Laws/Rules (2 CUs)
  • Jurisprudence: No separate exam is required for renewal, but the 2 units of ethics/laws must be completed.


Excluded Topics: CPR, BLS, or First Aid; business or office management; financial gain or marketing; and orientation to a specific facility's policies.

New Licensee Rule: If you were licensed during the first year of the biennium, you must complete 15 CUs. If you were licensed during the second year of the biennium, you are exempt from continuing competence requirements for your first renewal.

Reporting: Hawaii uses an audit-based system. You do not need to report units at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your certificates and records for at least seven years in case of a board audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs:


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 Hawaii, you'll be working with the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy. You will submit your application through MyPVL. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create Your Account: Head over to MyPVL to create your account. This is the central hub where you'll manage your application and check your status.
  2. Submit Application: Complete the online application for licensure. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully, especially regarding your history, as discrepancies can cause delays. Hit submit once you're confident everything is accurate.
  3. Transcripts: Request your official transcripts from your PT program. These must be sent directly from your school to the Board. Do not send them yourself.
  4. NPTE Scores: Log in to the FSBPT website and request a score transfer to Hawaii. This ensures the Board receives your official National Physical Therapy Examination results.
  5. Jurisprudence Exam: You must pass the Hawaii Jurisprudence Assessment Module (HI JAM). Register for this assessment through the FSBPT website. It tests your knowledge of Hawaii's specific laws and rules.
  6. Background Check: You will likely need to obtain a criminal history record check. The application instructions will guide you on whether to use the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center or another specific vendor. Follow the steps provided in the portal carefully.
  7. License Verification: If you hold or have held licenses in other states, you'll need to provide verification. Most states use the FSBPT's License Verification Service, but check if any of your states require a direct request.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: Social Security Number, Driver's License, and employment history for the past few years.
  • Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NPTE Score Transfer (via FSBPT), and License Verifications (via FSBPT or state boards).
  • Exams: You must pass the HI JAM (Hawaii Jurisprudence Assessment Module).

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

  • Application Fee: $300
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $0 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $300

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

When to Renew: Hawaii Physical Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by December 31st of even-numbered years.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $230.

Note: You must complete 30 Continuing Competence Units (CCUs) during the two-year licensing period to be eligible for renewal.

30 Competence Units (CUs) required every two years.

Deadline: December 31st of even-numbered years.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Physical Therapist CEUs: Hawaii currently has no limit on online or home-study courses, allowing you to complete all 30 CUs through distance learning.

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the APTA (including state chapters and sections), the FSBPT (ProCert), or an accredited PT/PTA program. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as their courses typically carry the necessary APTA or state-chapter approvals.

Mandatory Topics

  • Ethics or Hawaii Laws/Rules (2 CUs)
  • Jurisprudence: No separate exam is required for renewal, but the 2 units of ethics/laws must be completed.


Excluded Topics: CPR, BLS, or First Aid; business or office management; financial gain or marketing; and orientation to a specific facility's policies.

New Licensee Rule: If you were licensed during the first year of the biennium, you must complete 15 CUs. If you were licensed during the second year of the biennium, you are exempt from continuing competence requirements for your first renewal.

Reporting: Hawaii uses an audit-based system. You do not need to report units at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your certificates and records for at least seven years in case of a board audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs:


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

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