Temporary License

Temporary License

THIS IS JUST AN OVERVIEW.  SEE THE OT ACT AND RULES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. 

Note: The Board generally receives NBCOT score reports throughout the business week, and a regular license is frequently issued soon after the passing score report is received if remaining requirements have been fulfilled.

See the OT Application page for further resources and information regarding applying for license by examination.

Additional items include: 

1. Receipt (emailed to exam@ptot.texas.gov or mailed) that you have ordered that your NBCOT examination score be reported to the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
2. The Confirmation of Exam Registration and Eligibility to Examine form from NBCOT. (Make arrangements for NBCOT to send us this form.);
3. Temporary License fee (this is different from the regular application fee) sent separately by check or money order or submitted online if paid when originally applying for initial licensure); and 
4. Temporary OT/OTA License Supervision Form signed by the Texas OT with a current license who will be your supervisor.

If you receive a temporary license, if you fail to take the examination, fail to take the examination during the eligibility window as stated on the Confirmation of Exam Registration and Eligibility to Examine form from NBCOT that is submitted to obtain the temporary license, or fail to have the score reported, the temporary license will be void and must be returned to the Board.

An additional temporary license will not be issued.

Temporary licensees must receive extra supervision. In addition, when providing services, an OT with a temporary license must have on-the-premises supervision by an OT with a regular license. When providing services, an OTA with a temporary license must have on-the-premises supervision from an OT or OTA with a regular license. 

All documentation completed by an individual holding a temporary license which becomes part of the client’s permanent file must be approved and co-signed by one of the supervising occupational therapist(s).

Refer to §364.3, Temporary License, Chapter 364, Requirements for Licensure, §373.2, Supervision of a Temporary Licensee, and the full OT Act and Rules for further information and regulations.

Can I work in Home Health?
Temporary licensees must be supervised by licensee with a regular license who is on the premises.  An OT with a temporary license must have an OT with a regular license on the premises. An OTA with a temporary license must have an OT or OTA with a regular license on the premises.  This is true for all settings including home health.

How long will I practice on the Temporary License?
On average approximately 1-4 months, depending on whether you take the exam early in your ATT period or later.  If you fail the examination, fail to take the examination during the eligibility window as stated on the Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility to Examine form from NBCOT, or fail to have the score reported, the temporary license is void and must be returned to the Board. An additional temporary license will not be issued. Refer to §364.3 of the OT Rules, in addition to the full OT Act and Rules. Remember that the Board receives score reports throughout the week.

Can I apply for a Temporary License after I’ve applied for Regular License?
Yes. Send in the temporary license fee and the required items. 

Can I supervise an aide?
No. As per §373.2 of the OT Rules: Temporary licensees may not supervise anyone.