Full License

Completed application submitted to the Arkansas State Medical Board with fee enclosed.

Act 1249 of 2005 requires the Arkansas State Medical Board to conduct criminal background checks (both state and federal) on all applicants for licensure. Please understand that the processing time to complete a federal criminal background check can take a minimum of two weeks. This is done through the Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas State Medical Board has no control over the amount of time that this takes.

An instruction packet will be mailed to each applicant after receipt of their license application and fee. No recent or other background checks from other sources (employment, etc.) will be accepted.

Completed Occupational Education Verification Form.

An Official Transcript direct from your school.  Submitted, signed and sealed only after graduation.

Successful completion of the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam.  Direct verification of your certification from NBCOT is required.

Three letters of professional recommendation, one should be from your current clinical supervisor.  The other two must have worked with you and observed your work performance.

Verification of state license or from any other state where a license has been or is currently held by the applicant.

Hospital/facility Affiliation form.  The applicant completes his/her portion of the form and forwards to occupational therapy department directors he/she has worked under during the last five (5) years for their verification of employment.

Temporary License
Applicants may also apply for a Temporary License to practice until the requirement of examination has been met.

Completed application submitted to the Arkansas State Medical Board with fee enclosed.

Applicant must have a certification letter sent from registrars office that states student standing and expected graduation date.

Three letters of professional recommendation that are addressed to the Arkansas State Medical Board.  These may be from your program director, professors and fieldwork supervisors.

An unofficial transcript.

Letter of eligibility to take the next available exam from PES/NBCOT.

You must have an OTR or OT/L who is Fully Licensed by the state of Arkansas sign in the approriate place on your application.  This is a requirement of all Temporary License applicants.

You will need to keep this office informed of any address changes.  Upon file completion and notification from NBCOT that you have successfully passed the exam, you will be issued your full license to practice in Arkansas.