Physical Therapy Board of California

 PT/PTA New Grad Applicant  Process Map  Exam Information  Exam Accommodations  Education Verification  Fingerprinting  Photo  Fees  License Applicant Status  Military Expedite  Summary/Checklist
Apply Now

US-Educated PT/PTA Applicant — New Graduate

Process Map

Some application preparatory activities will be completed as early as the first year of your education program (step 1). Also, scheduling and taking your exams may occur concurrent with PTBC processing your application to limit the amount of wait-time for you to receive a license from the date you submit your application. For example, ideally, the PTBC is reviewing your application while you are waiting to take your NPTE, so once you pass both exams, the PTBC will be able to quickly issue you a license.

Step 1

School initiates creation of your Federation account. You will receive an email with your log-in information.

Step 2

Complete your Federation account creation. Your profile must be completed to access Federation exams and services.

Step 3

Prepare to apply to PTBC 30 days prior to application submission. When you apply is dependent on when your school confirms your graduation through the Federation and when you choose to apply.

Step 4

School validates graduation. This may be done 90 days prior to graduation. Your graduation must be validated before you can register for the NPTE and CAL-Law.

Step 5

Register for NPTE and CAL-Law through the Federation and submit online application to PTBC through BreEZe. The Federation will issue you an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter via email within 5 days. Schedule Prometric location. Take exams.
Note: You may register for and take the CAL-Law before or after the NPTE.

Step 6

PTBC acknowledges receipt of your application via your BreEZe account within 30 days of application fees being submitted.

Step 7

PTBC evaluates application and notifies you of status via email and your BreEZe account. If eligible, PTBC will also grant License Applicant Status (PTLA/PTALA).

Step 8

Fulfill PTBC application deficiencies, if any. When you take the NPTE and CAL-Law, the score will be electronically transferred to the PTBC.

Step 9

PTBC issues license within 45 days of last fulfilled deficiency.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You are licensed! You may verify your license online on the DCA License Search.