Physical Therapy License from Delaware to Alaska: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Alaska Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) ↗
Yes — both Delaware and Alaska are members of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). If Delaware is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alaska now; if you are moving your residence to Alaska, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alaska your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
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Verdict
Compact multistate — already covered
Both Delaware and Alaska are active PT Compact members, so this is a privilege move, not a license move. If Delaware is your home state and primary residence and your license there is active, you do not apply to the Alaska Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) — you buy a Alaska compact privilege through the commission and practice on it, with your Delaware license staying in place. Two caveats worth planning around: Alaska may require its jurisprudence exam before the privilege issues, and the privilege lapses the moment your Delaware license does. If you are genuinely relocating to Alaska rather than working there temporarily, the privilege model doesn't fit — you would change your home state by endorsing into Alaska.
What changes, Delaware → Alaska
| Delaware (current) | Alaska (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| PT Compact status | PT Compact member — multistate license honored | PT Compact member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $193 ($193 Physical Therapist application fee per the Board fee schedule (the same application fee applies to reciprocity applicants); paid through the DELPROS online portal. The criminal background-check fee is separate. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) | $350 ($150 nonrefundable application fee + $200 initial biennial license fee (both required to obtain the license) per application 08-4916 and 12 AAC 02.320; a separate $75 fingerprint processing fee also applies ($425 total). NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) |
| Processing time | The Board does not publish a processing timeframe for reciprocity applications. | the Division states average processing time varies by program and publishes no set timeframe; a license issues only after all documents and the criminal background check are complete |
| Licensing authority | Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers (Division of Professional Regulation) | Alaska Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Alaska 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 Alaska: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Alaska Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) when you move.
- Declare Alaska as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Alaska'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 Alaska accept a Delaware physical therapy license?
Yes — both Delaware and Alaska are members of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). If Delaware is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alaska now; if you are moving your residence to Alaska, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alaska your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NPTE moving from Delaware to Alaska?
No — the NPTE is taken once and your score transfers through the FSBPT. NPTE is not retaken; the passing score is transferred electronically to the Board via the FSBPT Score Transfer Service. Alaska also requires a completed PT Jurisprudence Questionnaire (form 08-4883) rather than a separate proctored law exam..
What does the move cost?
If you are buying a Alaska compact privilege to work while living in Delaware: the commission's uniform fee plus Alaska's privilege fee. If you are relocating and taking a full Alaska license by endorsement: $350 ($150 nonrefundable application fee + $200 initial biennial license fee (both required to obtain the license) per application 08-4916 and 12 AAC 02.320; a separate $75 fingerprint processing fee also applies ($425 total). NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) ($150 nonrefundable application fee + $200 initial biennial license fee (both required to obtain the license) per application 08-4916 and 12 AAC 02.320; a separate $75 fingerprint processing fee also applies ($425 total). NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.).
How long will it take?
A compact privilege issues quickly once your eligibility and any Alaska jurisprudence exam are cleared — usually faster than a full license. A relocation endorsement runs the Division states average processing time varies by program and publishes no set timeframe; a license issues only after all documents and the criminal background check are complete (the Division states average processing time varies by program and publishes no set timeframe; a license issues only after all documents and the criminal background check are complete).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Alaska Board of PT/OT — Physical Therapist License by Credentials Application (08-4916, rev. 09/19/2025) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- 12 AAC 02.320 — Physical therapy fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PT Compact — member states map ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Delaware DPR — Physical Therapist (New Therapist / reciprocity) requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Delaware DPR — Board of Physical Therapy Fee Schedule ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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