Applying for your first PT/PTA License

This information applies to individuals who have never been licensed in any state, territory or other country before.  This information is for those individuals educated in the United States or its territories. 

The Basics

What are the qualifications to apply for a license as a PT in Illinois?

• You must have graduated from an educational program for physical therapists that is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• You must pass an examination approved by the Department to determine your fitness for practice as a physical therapist.
• You must be 18 years of age and of good moral character.
• You must apply using the correct forms or apply online and pay any fees to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

What are the qualifications to apply for a license as a PTA in Illinois?

• You must have graduated from an educational program for physical therapist assistants that is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• You must pass an examination approved by the Department to determine your fitness for practice as a physical therapist.
• You must be 18 years of age and of good moral character.
• You must apply using the correct forms  or apply online and pay any fees to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Important Links

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
(Information on the National Physical Therapy Examination and links to Licensing authorities)

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation
(Illinois Licensing Authority)

Continental Testing/Prometric
Scheduling NPTE