Physical Therapy License from Illinois to Alabama: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-08-07 · source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy ↗
A physical therapy license transfers from Illinois to Alabama by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy, verify your Illinois license, and meet Alabama's endorsement requirements. 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..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
This direction has a payoff. Illinois is outside the active compact, so you have had no privileges to work with — but Alabama is an active member. Endorse into Alabama with the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy, establish it as your home state and primary residence, and Alabama becomes your springboard: from there you can buy compact privileges into every other active member state without another full license. Your NPTE score transfers through the FSBPT; you do not re-sit the exam.
What changes, Illinois → Alabama
| Illinois (current) | Alabama (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| PT Compact status | Licensure by endorsement | PT Compact member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $100 (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1340.57(a)(1) sets the application fee for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license at $100. The separate examination-eligibility fee in that subsection applies only to examination applicants, not endorsement applicants. Renewal is calculated at $30 per year.) | $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 | neither IDFPR nor 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1340 publishes a processing timeframe for endorsement applications | the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications |
| Licensing authority | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation (Illinois Physical Therapy Board) | Alabama Board of Physical Therapy |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Alabama sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Alabama's current requirements on the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Graduate of a physical therapy program accredited by CAPTE (or an approved equivalent).
- Pass the Alabama Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam (AL JAM); 80% to pass.
- Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check.
- Submit official license verification from every state where you hold or held a license.
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education in the last 12 months (unless you graduated within the past 12 months).
- Pay the fees ($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.)) and allow the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Alabama accept a Illinois physical therapy license?
A physical therapy license transfers from Illinois to Alabama by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy, verify your Illinois license, and meet Alabama's endorsement requirements. 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..
Do I retake the NPTE moving from Illinois 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?
$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?
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 2026-08-07.
- 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)
- IDFPR — Physical Therapy profession page (CORE applications, endorsement link, license look-up) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- IDFPR — Qualifications for Licensure: Physical Therapist (070), effective 03/2026 ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- 68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1340 — Illinois Physical Therapy Act rules (Sec. 1340.50 Endorsement, Sec. 1340.57 Fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- PT Compact — States by Category ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-08-07
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]