Physical Therapy License from Connecticut to Alabama: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy ↗
Yes — both Connecticut and Alabama are members of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). If Connecticut is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alabama now; if you are moving your residence to Alabama, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alabama your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
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Verdict
Compact multistate — already covered
Both Connecticut and Alabama are active PT Compact members, so this is a privilege move, not a license move. If Connecticut is your home state and primary residence and your license there is active, you do not apply to the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — you buy a Alabama compact privilege through the commission and practice on it, with your Connecticut license staying in place. Two caveats worth planning around: Alabama may require its jurisprudence exam before the privilege issues, and the privilege lapses the moment your Connecticut license does. If you are genuinely relocating to Alabama rather than working there temporarily, the privilege model doesn't fit — you would change your home state by endorsing into Alabama.
What changes, Connecticut → Alabama
| Connecticut (current) | Alabama (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| PT Compact status | PT Compact member — multistate license honored | PT Compact member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $285 ($285.00 online application fee stated on the DPH Physical Therapist Licensing Requirements page; this is the fee for a PT licensed elsewhere applying by endorsement (licensure without examination under C.G.S. Sec. 20-71). NOT a PT Compact privilege fee.) | $100 (online application fee for a PT (same fee for endorsement or exam) per the Board fee schedule; annual PT renewal is $130; a fingerprint-based background-check fee applies separately. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) |
| Processing time | DPH does not publish a processing timeframe for physical therapist applications. | the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications |
| Licensing authority | Connecticut Department of Public Health — Physical Therapist Licensure | Alabama Board of Physical Therapy |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Alabama sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm your current license is an active multistate license in good standing.
- If you are moving your primary residence to Alabama: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy when you move.
- Declare Alabama as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Alabama's fingerprint/background check requirement if requested.
- Keep practicing — your multistate privilege remains valid during the transition (do not let the old license lapse before the new one issues).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Alabama accept a Connecticut physical therapy license?
Yes — both Connecticut and Alabama are members of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). If Connecticut is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alabama now; if you are moving your residence to Alabama, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alabama your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NPTE moving from Connecticut to Alabama?
No — the NPTE is taken once and your score transfers through the FSBPT. NPTE is not retaken; the passing score is sent to the Board via the FSBPT Score Transfer Service. Alabama also requires passing the Alabama Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination (AL JAM) with at least 80% correct..
What does the move cost?
If you are buying a Alabama compact privilege to work while living in Connecticut: the commission's uniform fee plus Alabama's privilege fee. If you are relocating and taking a full Alabama license by endorsement: $100 (online application fee for a PT (same fee for endorsement or exam) per the Board fee schedule; annual PT renewal is $130; a fingerprint-based background-check fee applies separately. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) (online application fee for a PT (same fee for endorsement or exam) per the Board fee schedule; annual PT renewal is $130; a fingerprint-based background-check fee applies separately. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.).
How long will it take?
A compact privilege issues quickly once your eligibility and any Alabama jurisprudence exam are cleared — usually faster than a full license. A relocation endorsement runs the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications (the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — Licensing Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — Fee Schedule ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PT Compact — member states map ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- CT DPH — Physical Therapist Licensing Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 376, Sec. 20-71 — licensure without examination ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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