Getting Started

Carefully review each step you need to take to apply for evaluation. Learn how to choose the right service, apply, send documents, and check fees and processing times.

Choose the Right Service Find Your Jurisdiction How To Apply Document Checklist Submitting Documents Fees & Processing Times

Choose the Right Service

Answer a few questions to find the right service that fits your needs, OR review the jurisdiction requirements on the map below.

What is your goal?

Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or higher?

Do you have a master’s or doctorate degree in any subject?

Are you eligible to practice physical therapy in the country where you earned your degree?

Can you request your academic records and licensure verification directly from the school and licensure authority?

You are not eligible for immigration services without a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. Please refer to the jurisdiction requirements map for other available services.

You are not eligible for immigration services without a masters or doctorate degree in any subject. Please refer to the jurisdiction requirements map for other available services.

Educational Credentials Review (ECR) may be right for you.

Type 1 for Immigration is the correct service for you.

Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or higher?

Can you request your academic records and licensure verification directly from the school and licensure authority?

You are not eligible for PT licensure service without a minimum of a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Please contact us if you have a post-secondary degree in physical therapy.

Select the jurisdiction where you want to be licensed on the jurisdiction requirements map to find the right service.

Can you request your academic records and licensure verification directly from the school and licensure authority?

Select the jurisdiction where you want to be licensed on the jurisdiction requirements map to find the right service.

Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or higher?

Can you request your academic documents directly from the school?

You are not eligible for PT licensure service without a minimum of a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Please contact us if you have a post-secondary degree in physical therapy.

Educational Credential Review is the correct service for you.

Please contact us for more information.

Do you need an additional license?

Are you a US Citizen?

Are you a currently living in the US?

Do you know what kind of work permit/Visa you plan to use?

Are you a US Citizen?

Are you currently living in the US?

Do you know what kind of work permit/Visa you plan to use?

If you are not a United States citizen, but interested in working in the United States, there are a few options to legally enter and work in the country. There is no one path for every foreign national physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to enter the United States to work. Each individual will need to seek out information for his/her situation.

Please click here for important immigration and visa information.

Was your first degree in physical therapy from a CAPTE accredited program?

Have you had an education credentials review completed?

Has your education been deemed substantially equivalent?

Our Recommendation

Based on your answers we recommend that you visit our webpage with information about the following:

State Licensure Requirements
Transferring your National Physical Therapy Examination Score
State-specific Jurisprudence Requirement
Licensure by Endorsement

Visit Webpage Now

The answers you provided are below:

Our Recommendation

Based on your answers we recommend that you visit our webpage with information about the following:

Immigration

Visit Webpage Now

The answers you provided are below:

Our Recommendation

Based on your answers we recommend that you visit our webpage with information about the following:

State Licensure Requirements
National Physical Therapy Examination.

Visit Webpage Now

The answers you provided are below:

Our Recommendation

Based on your answers we recommend that you visit our webpage with information about the following:

State Licensure Requirements
National Physical Therapy Examination
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Supervised Clinical Practice.

Visit Webpage Now

The answers you provided are below:

Our Recommendation

Based on your answers we recommend that you visit our webpage with information about the following:

Duke University’s Foreign Educated Physical Therapy Online Course
Planned Learning and Assistance Network
Post-graduate Experience Criteria and Use
College Level Examination Program
The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Education Programs.

Visit Webpage Now

The answers you provided are below:

Our Recommendation

Based on your answers we recommend that you visit our webpage with information about the following:

Education Credentials Review
Credentialing Agencies
The Coursework Tools.

Visit Webpage Now

The answers you provided are below:

Our Recommendation

Based on your answers we recommend that you visit our webpage with information about the following:

Immigration

Visit Webpage Now

How to Apply

Follow the steps below.

Confirm the right service.
Review and understand the service requirements.
Confirm with the school(s) and licensure authority(-ies) that they can send documents directly to FCCPT.

View Document Checklist

Apply online.
Make payment.
Record the file number assigned to you after you apply.
Use the applicant portal to track service status.

Go to Applicant Portal

Contact the school(s) that you attended and request documents to be sent to FCCPT.
Contact the licensure authority(ies) where you are licensed and request verification of your license to be sent to FCCPT.
The review does not start until FCCPT receives and verifies all required documents for the service.

See below the average timeframe for a review, when paid in full and all documents have been received.

Type 1 for Immigration, Type 1 for Licensure, Educational Credentials Review, PTA-EER: ~23 to 25 weeks
Re-activation: ~23 to 25 weeks
Re-evaluation: ~9 weeks
Duplicate report: ~3 weeks
NY Credentials Verification: ~3 weeks
CWT Version Update: ~23 to 25 weeks
Type 1 Renewal: ~3 weeks
USCIS Status Letter: ~3 weeks or ~1 week for expedited service
Certified Documents: ~3 weeks

Additional Application Information

Does FCCPT issue my visa?

No, FCCPT does not issue visas. FCCPT will issue a Health Care Worker Certificate (Type 1 Certificate) upon completion of the Comprehensive Credentials Review (Type 1 Review), if your education is found to be equivalent.

Note: The Type 1 Certificate is only a part of the requirements for application to the USCIS for a visa. Visit the USCIS website for more information about visas.

How long does it take to complete a service?

Important:The following time frames are all approximate and may take more or less time depending on circumstances, NOT GUARANTEED.

Type 1 Review for Immigration and Type 1 for Licensure, Educational Credentials Review, and Physical Therapist Assistant Educational Equivalency Review (PTA-EER) – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Re-activation – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
New York Credentials Verification – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Re-Evaluation (of Type 1 Review, Educational Credentials Review, or PTA-EER) – Approximately nine (9) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Type 1 Review after a previously completed Educational Credentials Review – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
CWT Version Update – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Duplicate Report – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Type 1 Renewal – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
USCIS Status Letter:
- Status Letter – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
- Expedited Status Letter – Approximately one (1) week, NOT GUARANTEED
Certified Documents – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED

How long will it take to process my documents into my file?

When documents are received by FCCPT, they must go through a detailed authentication process that takes time. Therefore, documents are not immediately available to see as received in your applicant portal upon delivery of the documents. For documents sent to us electronically (via email or uploading on our website) it takes 5-7 business days before your file will be updated. Documents that arrive through the postal service (first class mail or courier service) will take 5-7 business days before your file will be updated.

I forgot my file number, how can I retrieve this?

Please contact us to request your forgotten file number. Do not apply for a new service and new file number, as this could delay your evaluation process. In your request, please include the following information:

Last Name (at time of application)
Date of Birth (month/day/year)
Country of Birth

Does FCCPT issue my visa?

No, FCCPT does not issue visas. FCCPT will issue a Health Care Worker Certificate (Type 1 Certificate) upon completion of the Comprehensive Credentials Review (Type 1 Review), if your education is found to be equivalent.

Note: The Type 1 Certificate is only a part of the requirements for application to the USCIS for a visa. Visit the USCIS website for more information about visas.

How long does it take to complete a service?

Important:The following time frames are all approximate and may take more or less time depending on circumstances, NOT GUARANTEED.

Type 1 Review for Immigration and Type 1 for Licensure, Educational Credentials Review, and Physical Therapist Assistant Educational Equivalency Review (PTA-EER) – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Re-activation – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
New York Credentials Verification – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Re-Evaluation (of Type 1 Review, Educational Credentials Review, or PTA-EER) – Approximately nine (9) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Type 1 Review after a previously completed Educational Credentials Review – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
CWT Version Update – Approximately twenty-three (23) to twenty-five (25) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Duplicate Report – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
Type 1 Renewal – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
USCIS Status Letter:
- Status Letter – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED
- Expedited Status Letter – Approximately one (1) week, NOT GUARANTEED
Certified Documents – Approximately three (3) weeks, NOT GUARANTEED

How long will it take to process my documents into my file?

When documents are received by FCCPT, they must go through a detailed authentication process that takes time. Therefore, documents are not immediately available to see as received in your applicant portal upon delivery of the documents. For documents sent to us electronically (via email or uploading on our website) it takes 5-7 business days before your file will be updated. Documents that arrive through the postal service (first class mail or courier service) will take 5-7 business days before your file will be updated.

I forgot my file number, how can I retrieve this?

Please contact us to request your forgotten file number. Do not apply for a new service and new file number, as this could delay your evaluation process. In your request, please include the following information:

Last Name (at time of application)
Date of Birth (month/day/year)
Country of Birth

Have additional questions?

See all FAQs Contact FCCPT

Document Checklist

All documents submitted to FCCPT become FCCPT property and will not be returned. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing and authentication of documents.

Required

Not Required

Type 1 for Immigration

Type 1 for Licensure

Educational Credentials Review

PTA-EER

NY Credentials Verification

Documents submitted by Applicant

Notarized Attestation Form

Notarized Diplomas  (PT and non-PT)

No Licensure Form

Documents submitted by Institution/Agency (Applicant must request documents)

Official Transcript of  PT/PTA Education

Clinical Internship Documentation

Official Syllabi of  PT/PTA Education

Official Transcript of any  non-PT Higher Education

Official Verification of Eligibility Practice in Country of Education

Official verification of ALL foreign & U.S. licenses held since graduation (active & inactive).

NPTE Score Transfer if  U.S. Licensed

TOEFL Scores

Downloadable Forms & Details

For Type 1, Educational Credentials Review, or PTA EER Services:

Notarized Attestation Form

After you complete the application for the New York Credentials Verification, download and complete this form; attach a passport-size photo; have the signed form notarized; and mail to FCCPT.

See Type 1 or ECR Notarized Attestation Form

See PTA EER Notarized Attestation Form

For New York State Verification Service:

Notarized Attestation Form

After you complete the application for the New York Credentials Verification, download and complete this form; attach a passport-size photo; have the signed form notarized; and mail to FCCPT.

See New York State Notarized Attestation Form

New York No Licensure Form

Download, complete page 1 and mail or email to all foreign license/registration authorities where you hold licenses/registration. The licensure/registration authority is required to complete page 2 and send both pages of the form back to FCCPT with any supporting documents.

See New York No Licensure Form

*Note: An attested copy of the diploma from the school, if sent directly to FCCPT, will be accepted in lieu of a notarized copy.

For Type 1, Educational Credentials Review, or PTA EER Services:

Academic Verification form

Download, complete and mail this form to all institutions of post-secondary (higher) education where you have completed coursework.

See Academic Verification Form

Clinical Internship Form

Download, complete, and mail it to your institution to report required information regarding the clinical internship completed in your physical therapy academic program.

See Clinical Internship Form

Licensure Verification Form

If you require the Type 1 Review for the purpose of licensure only (not for immigration purposes), download, complete and upload this form to FCCPT.

See Licensure Verification Form

For New York State Verification Service:

New York Request for Academic Credentials Verification Form*

Download, complete page 1 and mail or email to all foreign post-secondary, higher education schools where you have completed coursework. The schools complete page 2 and send both pages with your documents to FCCPT.

See New York Request for Academic Credentials Verification Form

Clinical Internship Form

Download, complete, and mail it to your institution to report required information regarding the clinical internship completed in your physical therapy academic program.

See Licensure Verification Form

New York Request for Licensure Verification Form*

Download, complete page 1 and mail or email to all foreign license/registration authorities where you hold licenses/registration. The licensure/registration authority is required to complete page 2 and send both pages of the form back to FCCPT with any supporting documents.

See New York Request for Licensure Verification Form

*Required: The New York Request forms ARE REQUIRED to be completed by the school and licensure/registration authority and returned to FCCPT with the required documents (with the exception of countries that are not able to legally complete 3rd party forms).

Foreign Language Documents & Translations

If documents are not in English:

Provide the original language document (sent by the issuing institution) and a certified English translation
Translations must include the translator’s attestation (signed/stamped) confirming accuracy and translator qualifications
Do not send pre-translated documents from third parties in place of official source documents. Translations supplement the originals.

Exam Scores, Secondary Educations, or Special Forms (only if required)

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Scores

Send official scores if required by the service or a licensing board. FCCPT’s institution code is 8164 and the department is Undergraduate.

See ETS Instructions

NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam) Scores

If applicable for licensure processes. If you have taken and passed the NPTE, have your official NPTE scores transferred to FCCPT.

https://www.fsbpt.org/Our-Services/Score-Transfer-Service-for-Licensees

CLEP (College Level Examination Program) Score Reports

If you have taken and passed one or more CLEP exams, have scores reported to FCCPT. FCCPT’s institution code is 1364.

See CLEP Instructions

Secondary Education Documents

Only for countries where secondary credentials are part of the evaluation. We require secondary education documents to be sent directly to FCCPT by the external examination body and NOT the secondary school.

FCCPT evaluates only post-secondary education, as recognized in the country where you studied. Do not send secondary education documents to FCCPT unless specifically requested.

Post Graduate Clinical Experience Form

Download, complete and mail to your employer (or former employer) to report required information regarding your post-graduate work experience.

Download

General FedEx Form (optional)

If you want FCCPT to use your FedEx account to send documents related to the Type 1 Review (Type 1 Certificate) or Educational Credentials Review, download and complete this form, and upload to FCCPT.

Download

Cancelation of Service Form

Download, complete, and upload to FCCPT to cancel an open service.

Download

Change of Service Form

Download, complete, and upload to FCCPT to change an open service to a different service.

Download

Change of State Request Form

Download, complete, and upload to FCCPT to change the recipient of an open service to a different state/jurisdiction or other recipient.

Download

Included Report Request Form

Download, complete, and upload to FCCPT to request a recipient for an included report (for applicants who previously selected “none at this time” for the included report).

Download

Authorization to Release Information (Release of Information Form)*optional

Download, print, fill out completely, sign, and have your signature notarized. Mail the form directly to FCCPT. FCCPT will not release information to anyone other than the applicant without this form.

Download

FCCPT Education Revision Form

Download, complete, and upload to FCCPT to add, remove, or correct information about institutions of higher education that you have attended.

Download

FCCPT PT License Revision Form

Download, complete, and upload to FCCPT to add, remove, or correct information about your licenses to practice physical therapy.

Download

FCCPT Re-Evaluation Statement Form

Download, complete and upload to FCCPT. List the reason for the re-evaluation request, additional courses completed, additional documents being sent and the source of the documents, and any other issue you would like FCCPT to consider. Verify which jurisdiction you want the re-evaluation to be sent. If you need extra space to include information you may attach additional pages.

Download

FCCPT Personal Information Revision Form

Download, complete, and upload to FCCPT to add, change or correct personal information, such as name, country of birth, or date of birth, that you have previously submitted.

Download

*Note: An attested copy of the diploma from the school, if sent directly to FCCPT, will be accepted in lieu of a notarized copy.

Submitting Documents

FCCPT accepts academic and licensure documents sent by mail or electronically via email. However, electronic submission does not guarantee acceptance, and all documents are subject to verification and authentication.

By Email

The issuing institution must send documents as a PDF attachment from a verifiable email address.

By Mail

Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy
124 West Street South, 3rd Floor
Alexandria, VA 22314 USA

Tips to Avoid Delays

Follow these instructions for document submission.

Direct Source Submission

Schools and licensure authorities must send official documents directly to FCCPT.

Notarized Attestation Form

Do not give your Notarized Attestation Page with Photo to your school. It must be submitted by the applicant.

Avoid 3rd Party Relay

Don’t have third parties pick up documents and forward them. FCCPT must verify origin.

Review Translation Requirements

Review and understand the requirements for translation of documents submitted in the native language.

Official Emails Only

Electronic documents must come from official institutional addresses. Personal email submissions (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Fees & Timeframes

All payments are to be submitted via credit card at the time of application. FCCPT reserves the right to adjust the fee schedule and service timeframes at any time without notice.

Type 1 for Immigration

Processing Time

FEES (USD)

Type 1 for Immigration

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$1,340

Reactivation

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$1,000

Re-evaluation

Processing Time

~9 weeks

FEES (USD)

$870

Type 1 Renewal

Processing Time

~3 weeks

FEES (USD)

$515

Certificate Reissue

Processing Time

~3 weeks

FEES (USD)

$180

USCIS Status Letter

Processing Time

~3 weeks

FEES (USD)

$55

Expedited USCIS Status Letter

Processing Time

~1 week

FEES (USD)

$155

Type 1 for Licensure

Processing Time

FEES (USD)

Type 1 for Licensure

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$1,340

Reactivation

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$1,000

Re-evaluation

Processing Time

~9 weeks

FEES (USD)

$870

Type 1 Renewal

Processing Time

~3 weeks

FEES (USD)

$515

Certificate Reissue

Processing Time

~3 weeks

FEES (USD)

$180

Educational Credentials Review

Processing Time

FEES (USD)

Educational Credentials Review

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$1,240

Reactivation

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$930

Re-evaluation

Processing Time

~9 weeks

FEES (USD)

$800

Physical Therapist Assistant Educational Equivalency Review

Processing Time

FEES (USD)

PTA-EER

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$975

Reactivation

Processing Time

~23-25 weeks

FEES (USD)

$730

Re-evaluation

Processing Time

~9 weeks

FEES (USD)

$645

New York Credentials Verification

Processing Time

FEES (USD)

Credentials Verification

Processing Time

~3 weeks

FEES (USD)

$515

Reactivation

Processing Time

~3 weeks

FEES (USD)

$390

PLAN Services

FEES (USD)

PLAN Plus

$1,440

PLAN Standard

$670

PLAN Incremental

$335

Other Services

FEES (USD)

CWT Version Update

$1,135

Duplicate Report

$180

Grade Conversion

$105

Certified Documents

$80

Cancellation

$155

Change of Service Request

$155

Credit Card Chargeback

$155