How to Become a Physical Therapist in Alabama
In Alabama, Physical Therapist licensing requirements are set by the state health department and vary by year.
Diagnoses and treats movement and mobility disorders. Requires a DPT and the NPTE administered by FSBPT. Requirements change — always confirm with the state board before paying.
Licensing steps in Alabama
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam vendor varies — check the official board site.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Fee schedule not published here — verify with the board.
- 5Stay current
Renewal cycle and CE requirements vary — check the board.
Physical Therapist requirements — Alabama at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | — |
| Questions (national/state) | — |
| Passing score | — |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | — |
| Reciprocity | — |
Transferring a Physical Therapist license between states
Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact). Physical therapists transfer through the PT Compact, but it works differently from nursing: you keep your home-state licence and buy a separate compact privilege for each state where you want to practise.
38 jurisdictions currently use it. Alabama is one of them.
Check the PT Compact map for whether both your home state and your destination are actively issuing privileges. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Physical Therapist license in Alabama?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Physical Therapist exam in Alabama?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Alabama; check the state board.
What does the Physical Therapist license cost in Alabama?
Fees are not published here — check the official board site.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Alabama?
Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact): Physical therapists transfer through the PT Compact, but it works differently from nursing: you keep your home-state licence and buy a separate compact privilege for each state where you want to practise. A per-state note for Alabama is not published in our dataset — verify with both boards.
Plan your Physical Therapist licensing in Alabama
Work the road in order — check what Alabama requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Physical Therapist exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Alabama reciprocity.
Physical Therapist tools for Alabama
Every step of the Alabama Physical Therapist road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with the state licensing board (retrieved 2026-08-20).