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Occupational Therapist License in Colorado

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Occupational Therapist license in CO. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$300

Processing Time

4-8 Weeks

Exam Required

NBCOT Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Occupational Therapist license in Colorado.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Occupational Therapist training program in Colorado.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your CO application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the NBCOT Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Colorado licensing board and pay the $300 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-8 weeks in CO. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your Occupational Therapist license in Colorado, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Colorado requires all applicants to pass the NBCOT Exam before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in CO is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

Colorado has specific requirements for Occupational Therapist licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to help patients develop daily living and work skills. A clean background check is mandatory in CO, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The NBCOT Exam must be passed with a minimum score set by the Colorado board.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist in Colorado starts at $300 for the application fee. CO requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Colorado can add up to $100 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Occupational Therapist in Colorado

Base License Fee$300
Estimated Total$300

Renewal Process

Your Occupational Therapist license in Colorado must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee in CO is $200. Colorado requires completion of continuing education credits before renewal. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration to avoid late fees. Practicing with an expired license in CO can result in fines and disciplinary action.

License Expiry Calculator — Occupational Therapist in CO

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Colorado requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Occupational Therapist professionals in Colorado continues to grow. CO offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Colorado provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Occupational Therapist professionals in CO report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Occupational Therapist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Colorado Occupational Therapist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) FullAK accepts CO Occupational Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize CO Occupational Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts CO Occupational Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts CO Occupational Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize CO Occupational Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Iowa (IA) PartialIA requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.

Where to File Locally in Colorado

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Denver

1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

(303) 894-7855

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Springs

30 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 385-5175

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Aurora

15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012

(303) 739-7000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fort Collins

300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521

(970) 221-6500

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Boulder

1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302

(303) 441-3388

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Colorado Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Colorado state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.