Physical Therapy License from Virginia to California: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-08-07 · source: Physical Therapy Board of California (Department of Consumer Affairs) ↗
A physical therapy license transfers from Virginia to California by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Physical Therapy Board of California (Department of Consumer Affairs), verify your Virginia license, and meet California's endorsement requirements. NPTE is not retaken; the Federation electronically submits the applicant's NPTE Score Transfer Report to the Board via the FSBPT Score Transfer Service. California additionally requires passing the California Jurisprudence Assessment Module (CAL-JAM), a 50-question law exam..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Moving from Virginia into California leaves the compact behind: California has not joined the compact, so no Virginia privilege reaches it. You transfer by licensure by endorsement with the Physical Therapy Board of California (Department of Consumer Affairs) — your NPTE score moves through the FSBPT rather than being retaken, and California adds its own jurisprudence exam and background check. Your Virginia license and any privileges you hold elsewhere stay valid as long as your residence remains in Virginia; file California's application before you rely on income there.
What changes, Virginia → California
| Virginia (current) | California (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| PT Compact status | PT Compact member — multistate license honored | Licensure by endorsement |
| Application fee | $140 (licensure-by-endorsement application fee for a physical therapist under 18VAC112-20-27 (most recently amended June 18, 2025); the PTA endorsement fee is $100. Active PT renewal is $135 biennially. The $50 compact privilege fee and the $75 direct access certification fee in the same section are separate charges. Criminal background check costs are not included.) | $450 (nonrefundable $300 application processing fee + $150 initial license fee (both required to obtain the license) = $450. A $49 fingerprint hard-card fee and the $50 CAL-JAM exam fee (paid to FSBPT) are separate. California is not a PT Compact state, so there is no compact-privilege fee.) |
| Processing time | the Board publishes no processing timeframe; its FAQ states only that an application remains valid for one year before a new application and fee are required | 6–7 weeks (the Board acknowledges receipt within 30 days and states a license is generally issued within 45 days (about 6-7 weeks) after all deficiencies are satisfied and scores are received) |
| Licensing authority | Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (Department of Health Professions) | Physical Therapy Board of California (Department of Consumer Affairs) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — California sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm California's current requirements on the Physical Therapy Board of California (Department of Consumer Affairs) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Physical Therapy Board of California (Department of Consumer Affairs) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
- Already hold a PT license in another U.S. jurisdiction (apply via the endorsement pathway).
- Pass the California Jurisprudence Assessment Module (CAL-JAM).
- Fingerprint/background check through the California DOJ and FBI (Live Scan in-state, or fingerprint hard cards for out-of-state applicants).
- Submit license and exam verification from every other jurisdiction where licensed.
- Pay the fees ($450 (nonrefundable $300 application processing fee + $150 initial license fee (both required to obtain the license) = $450. A $49 fingerprint hard-card fee and the $50 CAL-JAM exam fee (paid to FSBPT) are separate. California is not a PT Compact state, so there is no compact-privilege fee.)) and allow 6–7 weeks (the Board acknowledges receipt within 30 days and states a license is generally issued within 45 days (about 6-7 weeks) after all deficiencies are satisfied and scores are received).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does California accept a Virginia physical therapy license?
A physical therapy license transfers from Virginia to California by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Physical Therapy Board of California (Department of Consumer Affairs), verify your Virginia license, and meet California's endorsement requirements. NPTE is not retaken; the Federation electronically submits the applicant's NPTE Score Transfer Report to the Board via the FSBPT Score Transfer Service. California additionally requires passing the California Jurisprudence Assessment Module (CAL-JAM), a 50-question law exam..
Do I retake the NPTE moving from Virginia to California?
No — the NPTE is taken once and your score transfers through the FSBPT. NPTE is not retaken; the Federation electronically submits the applicant's NPTE Score Transfer Report to the Board via the FSBPT Score Transfer Service. California additionally requires passing the California Jurisprudence Assessment Module (CAL-JAM), a 50-question law exam..
What does the move cost?
$450 (nonrefundable $300 application processing fee + $150 initial license fee (both required to obtain the license) = $450. A $49 fingerprint hard-card fee and the $50 CAL-JAM exam fee (paid to FSBPT) are separate. California is not a PT Compact state, so there is no compact-privilege fee.) (nonrefundable $300 application processing fee + $150 initial license fee (both required to obtain the license) = $450. A $49 fingerprint hard-card fee and the $50 CAL-JAM exam fee (paid to FSBPT) are separate. California is not a PT Compact state, so there is no compact-privilege fee.).
How long will it take?
6–7 weeks (the Board acknowledges receipt within 30 days and states a license is generally issued within 45 days (about 6-7 weeks) after all deficiencies are satisfied and scores are received) — the Board acknowledges receipt within 30 days and states a license is generally issued within 45 days (about 6-7 weeks) after all deficiencies are satisfied and scores are received.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-08-07.
- Physical Therapy Board of California — US-Educated PT/PTA Applicant (Endorsement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PTBC — Endorsement Application Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PTBC — Endorsement Examination Information (CAL-JAM) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- 18VAC112-20-27 - Fees (Virginia Board of Physical Therapy) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- 18VAC112-20-65 - Requirements for licensure by endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- Virginia Board of Physical Therapy - Licensure FAQ ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- PT Compact - member state map ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- PT Compact - how to get privileges (state fee and jurisprudence table) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-08-07
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