Physical Therapy License from Alabama to Maryland: Does It Transfer? (2026)

Yes — both Alabama and Maryland are members of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). If Alabama is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Maryland now; if you are moving your residence to Maryland, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Maryland your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.

No — the NPTE is taken once and your score transfers through the FSBPT. NPTE is not retaken; you request FSBPT to send your exam score to the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, and a passing score is required for full licensure. Maryland additionally requires passing the Maryland Jurisprudence Assessment Module (MD JAM) with a score of 90% or better..

If you are buying a Maryland compact privilege to work while living in Alabama: the commission's uniform fee plus Maryland's privilege fee. If you are relocating and taking a full Maryland license by endorsement: $150 (non-refundable $150 application fee for Licensure by Endorsement (both U.S.-graduate and foreign-educated tracks), payable by credit or debit card only. The MD JAM fee is paid separately to FSBPT and the criminal history records check is paid separately to DPSCS. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) (non-refundable $150 application fee for Licensure by Endorsement (both U.S.-graduate and foreign-educated tracks), payable by credit or debit card only. The MD JAM fee is paid separately to FSBPT and the criminal history records check is paid separately to DPSCS. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.).

A compact privilege issues quickly once your eligibility and any Maryland jurisprudence exam are cleared — usually faster than a full license. A relocation endorsement runs ~14 weeks (the Board states the application process can take up to 60 business days (~12 weeks) because of response times from outside organizations, plus up to 10 business days (~2 weeks) to complete full licensure once all criteria are met; no minimum is published. Only Licensure by Examination applicants may request a temporary 90-day license.) (the Board states the application process can take up to 60 business days (~12 weeks) because of response times from outside organizations, plus up to 10 business days (~2 weeks) to complete full licensure once all criteria are met; no minimum is published. Only Licensure by Examination applicants may request a temporary 90-day license.).