Physical Therapist

​​​​Additional Resources

Other Forms

Statutes and Administrative Code

Continuing Education Information

Exam Information

Offenses that May Result in Refusal, Bar, or Termination of Licensure

Related Links

Physical Therapy Examining Board

Orders and Disciplinary Actions

Conviction Self Report

Professional Assistance Procedure

Monitoring

File a Complaint

Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry (WEAVR)

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Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and ​Renewals!

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​LicensE is your online, self-guided occupational license application platform. 

Please review the helpful links below:

  • Find step-by-step instruction for license renewal here.
  • Find a list of license renewals available via LicensE in the chart on the LicensE Customer Information page.
  • Find all licenses available via LicensE, plus user guides and other resources, on the LicensE Customer Information page.
  • Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.

Our LicensE Application Status Lookup tool makes it easier for employees, and helps academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, you will need the applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. Find more information in our news release about this tool. ​​

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License Information

Per Wis. Stat. § 440.08 (2), the required renewal date for the Physical Therapist credential is 02/28/odd years.  Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.

Requirements

  • Complete Education.         
  • Complete and submit appropriate application forms, including all required documentation and fee(s).
    • An exam applicant for a permanent license may apply for a temporary license at the same time, but must pay both fees and meet the following conditions:
      • Be a graduate of an approved school and be scheduled to take the  National Physical Therapy Examination or be awaiting examination results.
      • The applicant also must be someone who is not required to take an oral examination.
      • The holder of a temporary license may practice physical therapy providing that the entire practice be under the direct supervision of a person validly holding a regular license to practice physical therapy in Wisconsin.
    • A locum tenens license is available for a 90-day period to qualified individuals.  A person who holds an active license to practice physical therapy issued by another licensing jurisdiction of the United States may apply to the Board for a locum tenens license.

  • Determination made of eligibility to sit for the NPTE. You must register directly and pay the required fees with Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the examination or request a score transfer.

  • Photograph and Fingerprints - Per Wis. Stat. § 440.03(13)(c), all applicants for a physical therapist license under Wis. Stat. § 448.53​ must provide a photograph and fingerprints. (See Form 2687 for details.)


Pre-Credential Education

Graduate from a school of physical therapy approved by the Board unless the Board waives this requirement. Foreign-trained physical therapy candidates must obtain verification of educational equivalency from a Board approved foreign graduate evaluation service.


Application for Licensure

FormDescription
3195Credentialing Information for Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant Applicants
​3217​Application for Fee Reduction (If applying for a fee reduction, this form must accompany the LicensE application for the credential.)
3196Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant Certificate of Professional Education (This form must be completed by your school.)
3197​Request for Temporary License for Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant (new graduate only)
​563Credentialing Information for Locum Tenens License to Practice Physical Therapy Applicants​
​2687​Authorization for Release of FBI Information Form
2829Malpractice Suits or Claims Form (if applicable)
​3085​Application for Predetermination (Optional-Submit ONLY if you have been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or other violations of federal or state law in this state or any other and you desire a review of your conviction record before applying for a credential.)​
2252​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable)

​Physical Therapy Compact 

For applicants seeking Compact Privileges:

A successful score on the Wisconsin online, open-book jurisprudence exam  pertaining to Wisconsin Statute and Administrative Code  is required  for a Wisconsin compact privilege.

  1. Please go to https://license.wi.gov/.
  2. Click Register for an Individual to create an account.
  3. Click Apply for a License.
    1. Category – Health
    2. License Type – Physical Therapist
    3. Application Method - Compact Privileges
  4. Complete the application and submit the payment.
  5. Exam instructions will automatically be emailed after successful payment is made.
  6. Official exam scores must be received and processed and are not automatically updated upon exam completion. A passing score is 85% or higher.​​

Once you have taken and passed the jurisprudence exam, then you will click the “Purchase Now" button on the homepage of the PT Compact website ptcompact.org.

The Physical Therapy Compact Commission charges a compact fee for each privilege purchased. Wisconsin has a separate additional $56.00 fee which is payable to the Commission. 

For additional information: https://ptcompact.org/How-to-Get-Privileges​​


​Renewal Information

Requirements

  • FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
  • SIG (Signature regarding the completion of Continuing Education, included in online renewal. See Continuing Education Information for details.)
  • If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States has changed since the issuance of your credential or your last renewal, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov.

Renewal Method

FormDescription
RDAFRenewal Dates and Fees​
R210Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension
​​2254​
​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable for renewal)

Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012)

This Act extends the license of a service member if the license expires while they are on active duty from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same applies to a spouse of a service member if the spouse does not practice under their license while the service member is on active duty and does not practice because the service member is on active duty.

This Act repeals a provision of prior law that required a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal, except for continuing education requirements, in order to have the license extended.

Service members and spouses may request extensions of licenses beyond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension of time to complete continuing education requirements due to hardship. Please view Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension Form #R210.​
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