How much does a Physical Therapist license cost in California?

The estimated total cost is $1,178, including application fees, exam fees ($679), and education costs.

How long does it take to get a Physical Therapist license in California?

The process typically takes 4-6 months (120 days processing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.

What exam do I need for a Physical Therapist license in California?

You need to pass the NPTE + California Laws & Regulations Exam. N/A

Physical Therapist License in California

To become a licensed PT in California, earn a DPT, pass the NPTE ($585) and California law exam ($94), pay $300 application + $150 license + $49 fingerprints — totaling $1,178. Processing takes ~120 days. California is NOT a PT Compact member.

Exam: NPTE + California Laws & Regulations Exam
Total Cost: $1,178 (est.)
Timeline: 4-6 months (120 days processing)
Renewal: Every Biennial (birth month)

Requirements

Physical Therapist license in California

gold

Veterans Benefits

N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee: $300
Exam Fee: $679
Renewal Fee: $300
Total Estimated Cost: $1,178

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~Physical Therapy Board of California

Website 9165618200 Email

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Physical Therapist license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Application Fee

$300

Exam Fee

$679

Renewal Fee

$300

Total Estimated Cost

$1,178

Education / School Cost

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

Include first renewal fee ($300)

Application FeeEst.$300

Exam FeeEst.$679

Total Estimated Cost$979

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Physical Therapist Salary in California

Entry Level

$81,910

Median

$123,300

Experienced

$161,230

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Physical Therapist in California.

1

Submit Your Application

File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$300.
2

Receive Your License

Processing typically takes 4-6 months (120 days processing).

Physical Therapist Licensing in California: What to Know

California provides the most detailed fee breakdown in the nation: $300 application, $150 license, $485 NPTE to FSBPT, $100 Prometric testing center, $65 California law exam to FSBPT, $29 to Prometric, $49 fingerprint background check — totaling $1,178 for initial licensure. Biennial renewal is $300. Average processing time is 120 days. California requires fixed-date testing 4 times per year. California is NOT a PT Compact member state. The Physical Therapy Board of California operates under the Department of Consumer Affairs. California has the largest PT workforce in the US. Foreign-educated candidates have additional requirements under Business & Professions Code Section 2653.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist license cost in California?: The estimated total cost is $1,178, including application fees, exam fees ($679), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Physical Therapist license in California?: The process typically takes 4-6 months (120 days processing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Physical Therapist license in California?: You need to pass the NPTE + California Laws & Regulations Exam. N/A