LicenseCompass

Occupational Therapist License in California

Quick Answer

To get an OT license in California, submit an application ($50), pay the fingerprint fee ($49), and pay the prorated initial license fee (based on $270 biennial renewal). Expedited processing and temporary licenses are available for military and spouses.

Exam
NBCOT
Total Cost
$369 (est.)
Timeline
3-6 months
Renewal
Every 2 years

Requirements

Occupational Therapist license in California

gold
Veterans Benefits
Expedited processing is available for military and spouses, with a temporary license available in the interim

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
$270
Total Estimated Cost
$369

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~California Board of Occupational Therapy

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Occupational Therapist license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$50
Total Estimated Cost$50

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Occupational Therapist Salary in California

Entry Level

$82,090

Median

$119,470

Experienced

$154,800

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist in California.

  1. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.

  2. 2

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 3-6 months.

Occupational Therapist Licensing in California: What to Know

California requires a $50 application fee and a $49 fingerprint fee (if not using livescan). The initial license fee is prorated based on the $270 biennial renewal fee. The California Board of Occupational Therapy under the Department of Consumer Affairs oversees licensing. Expedited processing and a temporary license are available for military members and spouses. Applications are reviewed in the order received.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapist license cost in California?
The estimated total cost is $369, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Occupational Therapist license in California?
The process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Occupational Therapist license in California?
You need to pass the NBCOT. N/A

Considering another state?

Compare Occupational Therapist requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.